Chris Sullivan, best known for his role in the popular television drama “This Is Us,” has disclosed a surprising detail about his career during a recent episode of his podcast, “That Was Us.” In a conversation with co-hosts Mandy Moore and Sterling K. Brown, Sullivan revealed that the voice behind GEICO’s beloved ‘Hump Day’ camel is none other than himself. This revelation has sparked considerable interest among fans, who were taken aback by the news.
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Sullivan, 46, expressed that he considers voicing the camel to be his most significant acting achievement. He stated on the podcast, “I would say based on a number of people who’ve seen it, it’s my biggest credit.” His light-hearted announcement caught the attention of Moore, who was surprised to learn this fact, while Brown humorously declared he would have remembered such a notable role had he known.
The iconic ‘Hump Day’ commercial, which first aired thirteen years ago, has secured a lasting place in popular culture. Sullivan recounted that the original commercial has recently made a comeback, stating, “They brought my commercial back by the way. Hump Day.” Following this resurgence, he returned to the studio to record new advertisements associated with NBC Sports’ NFL coverage, highlighting the ongoing relevance of the character.
In the latest iteration of the commercial, Sullivan voices the camel as it asks, “Guess what day NFL kickoff is?” In keeping with the original’s charm, he revives his well-known catchphrase, “Mike, Mike, Mike,” which is now directed at sportscaster Mike Tirico. This blend of nostalgia and fresh content appears to resonate with both long-time fans of the advertisement and new viewers alike.
During the podcast episode, Moore jokingly questioned whether this role might surpass Sullivan’s Emmy nominations from “This Is Us.” Brown echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the GEICO camel indeed stands as a considerable accomplishment in Sullivan’s career. The actor himself reflects fondly on the fame brought by the commercial, having mentioned in a past interview that it remains a defining part of his public persona.
Sullivan previously shared insights into his attachment to the role during an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” where he stated that the GEICO advertisement is what most people associate him with. He recalled that at one point, the commercial was voted as the most popular GEICO advertisement of all time and quipped, “You can keep your Emmy,” dismissing the awards in light of the ad’s success.
In a further indication of the commercial’s impact, Sullivan noted in an interview with IMDb that despite his years of formal training—having studied at Loyola Marymount University and even undertaken studies at Oxford—the advertisement remains the most widely recognised facet of his career. He conveyed his enthusiasm for the commercial, stating, “I love it. Are you kidding me?”
As GEICO continues to utilise Sullivan’s distinctive voice for new campaigns, it is clear that the actor’s work as the ‘Hump Day’ camel has left an indelible mark on advertising history. His latest projects not only celebrate the character but also reaffirm the continued relevance of classic commercials in today’s media landscape.
Sullivan’s reflection on his role as the GEICO camel serves as a reminder of how some performances can transcend traditional acting roles and create a lasting legacy in the public consciousness. As the NFL kickoff approaches and the anticipation builds around the new commercials, fans of both Sullivan and the memorable camel can look forward to seeing more of this unique collaboration.
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