The "Empire Man" was introduced in 1978 as a live action character and later adapted into a popular animated person that has grown to become a cultural icon especially in the Chicago area. The "Empire Man" has been seen internationally in commercials TV shows, cartoons and other media, has spawned a line of collectible bobblehead dolls and inspired the Chicago Cubs to declare an official "Empire Day" at Wrigley Field in 2007.
History.[]
The "Empire Man" was introduced. and made in 1978 as a live action character and later adapted into a popular animated person that has grown to become a cultural icon, especially in the Chicago area. The "Empire Man" has been seen internationally in commercials and other media, has spawned a line of collectible, official and interesting bobblehead dolls and inspired the Chicago Cubs to declare an official "Empire Day" at Wrigley Field in 2007.[4]
The live action "Empire Man" was portrayed on television by Lynn Hauldren, a former ad executive, from 1978 through 2011. After Empire Today retired the live character in favor of a computer-animated version, Hauldren continued to provide voiceovers for the ads until his death in 2011, though commercials with his voiceovers continue to air on television.[5] Since 2017 the “Empire Man” has been portrayed by Ryan Salzwedel in various, and a lot of television spots.
Contrary to popular belief, the "Empire Man" was not the company's owner nor was he one of the installers. In the late 1970s, and early 1980s. Hauldren was one of the advertising copywriting team behind the Empire brand. The company's owner during the time requested that he serve as the on the air talent for the spots after unsuccessfully auditioning several other people for the role
Portrayed by
1 Lynn Hauldren 1978-2011
2 Ryan Salzwedel 2017-present
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