It Has An — Unusual Flavor
Famous actors have a long history of getting completely blitzed and accidentally appearing in wine ads. Believe me, no one appears in a wine ad on purpose. Even if you drove up to Orson Welles’ house with a dump truck full of money he would be hesitant to show up. The only reason he’s in this ad is because he’s on the tail-end of a three-week bender. If he blew into a breathalyzer it’d show up as yes.
There have been times when sober actors have appeared in wine ads, but they didn’t want to be there either. James Mason looks like he’s being held at gunpoint in the lobby of a Motel 6. You can tell that he’s holding back tears as the producer motions for him to take a sip at the end. There’s only so much you can make a man do under duress, but no power on this planet can compel James Mason to drink Thunderbird wine.
Orson Welles, on the other hand, carries a bottle of Thunderbird wine on his person at all times.