logo
 twitter.com/jeremynewberger
twitter.com/jeremynewberger

John Gilchrist, Who Played Little Mikey in Life Cereal Ad, Is All Grown up & Looks Unrecognizable

Rebelander Basilan
Sep 09, 2019
05:30 A.M.

At age three, John Gilchrist rose to fame when he starred in the Life cereal commercials in the 1970s as Little Mikey. Despite the fact that he doesn't act anymore, he loves looking back on it.

Advertisement

Gilchrist played the iconic role alongside his two real-life brothers — Tom and Mike. Filmed in 1971, the commercial was aired nationally in 1972 and ran through 1984.

The ad shows three young siblings having breakfast. Before them sits a bowl of Life breakfast cereal. Two of the brothers wouldn't like to taste it, so they get their brother Mikey to do so.

The little boy quickly gazes at the bowl. After moments of contemplation, he starts to enthusiastically eat the cereal before him, resulting in his brothers eagerly yelling, "He likes it! Hey, Mikey!"

Advertisement

Clearly, this commercial was an outright hit. Everybody knew about it, both children and parents alike.

"It's who I am, but it's only a part of who I am; I have a lot of great things in my life."

The children were entirely comfortable in the commercial since they were all real siblings. They wound up getting more cash in one day than their dad made in a week.

Advertisement

Years after the original commercial showed up, an urban legend spread that Gilchrist had passed on after eating a Pop Rock and a carbonated soft drink, which caused his stomach to inflate with carbon dioxide.

Before Gilchrist left acting, he would take on 250 more commercials. He then pursued a communications degree at Iona College.

He loved the New York Knicks very much, and that was the reason he was given a position at Madison Square Gardens. He worked in ad sales as a director of media sales.

Advertisement

Gilchrist still appreciates Life cereal and consistently has it on hand at home. Unfortunately, he didn't get a lifetime supply for his spot on the renowned commercial.

He likewise recollected his time with child-acting for Life cereal affectionately.

"It's who I am, but it's only a part of who I am; I have a lot of great things in my life," he said.

He also confessed he doesn't remember much about filming it because he was so young.

Gilchrist currently lives in Pelham, New York with his wife and three kids. He normally gets requests to sign autographs and does so cheerfully.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

John Travolta's Daughter Lost Weight & Looks Like Her Mom – She Makes Dad Proud Following in His Footsteps

February 20, 2024

Inside the Real-Life 'Home Alone' House More than 30 Years after the Film – Photos

December 05, 2023

Son Brings Old Single Dad to His Native Town and Accidentally Meets Mom He’d Never Seen Before – Story of the Day

February 16, 2024

‘Something Is Not Right’: Beyoncé, 42, Baffles Fans with Her Outfit Combination at NYFW

February 14, 2024

I Bought Food for a Homeless Man, He Stunned Me with His Confession the Next Day

February 15, 2024

Daniel Depp Is Johnny Depp's Older Brother Whom the Actor Is Proud Of

November 23, 2023

Matthew Perry Said Dad Wouldn't See 'A Dime' of His Millions - Lawyer Talks about Who Will 'Likely' Get It

November 06, 2023

Woman Leaves Triplets with Their Dad & Chooses Career, Years Later She Shows up & Begs for Help — Story of the Day

February 07, 2024

Meghan Markle's Role in a New Advertising Campaign Ignites Online Buzz

December 20, 2023

Woman Returns Home From Work, Finds Naked Homeless Man In Her Bed – Story of the Day

December 08, 2023

Rodney Tyson Is a Former Surgical Physician Assistant – Facts about Mike Tyson's Brother

December 02, 2023

'You Are Too Old for That': Beyoncé Sparks Heated Debates with Her Revealing Outfit on New Song Cover

February 12, 2024

Shana Render, Killer Mike's Wife, Is a Self-Named Entrepreneur & Real Estate Investor

November 12, 2023

'Hey, You're Fired, Old Man,' Manager Informs Janitor, Not Knowing He'll Be Her Boss the Next Day - Story of the Day

January 15, 2024