One character likely springs to mind regarding insurance commercials: the original Jake from State Farm. His simple line, “Uh, khakis,” in response to the wife questioning his outfit at 3 AM, became an instant hit. But who is this original Jake? Why did he become so iconic, and what has happened since then? Let’s dive into the backstory, uncover some lesser-known facts, and explore why the original Jake from State Farm resonates with audiences even after all these years.
Who Was the Original Jake from State Farm?
The original Jake from State Farm wasn’t a professional actor. He was just a regular guy working at State Farm. His real name is Jake Stone, and when the 2011 commercial was created, he worked as a State Farm insurance agent. Talk about an unexpected rise to fame!
Jake Stone was selected to star in the company’s advertisement purely by chance. He had no acting experience but delivered the famous line with a mix of humor and awkwardness that viewers loved. The commercial quickly went viral, making Jake Stone recognizable across the U.S.
Why the Original Jake from State Farm Was so Relatable
One of the reasons why the original Jake from State Farm resonated with so many people is that he seemed like one of us—just an average person. The commercial’s setup, with a husband on a late-night phone call and his suspicious wife assuming he’s up to no good, is a humorous yet relatable situation for many. His deadpan response, “Uh, khakis,” became iconic because of its simplicity and authenticity. Jake wasn’t acting like a polished Hollywood star; he was just a guy in khakis.
The commercial itself used humor that felt natural, not forced. People enjoyed seeing someone so unassuming in such a familiar scenario. This combination of relatability and humor made Jake’s role stand out among insurance advertisements.
The Viral Success of the Original Jake from State Farm
The commercial took off in ways no one could’ve predicted. What started as a single ad designed to promote State Farm’s services quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Viewers couldn’t get enough of the original Jake from State Farm—his calm demeanor, awkward delivery, and hilariously skeptical wife created a lasting impression.
Memes and Pop Culture
As the commercial gained popularity, the original Jake from State Farm became a meme sensation. Social media platforms were flooded with references to “khakis” and parodies of the famous scene. Jake’s influence stretched beyond the insurance world, from animated GIFs to fan recreations.
This viral success helped keep State Farm at the forefront of people’s minds. While many ads come and go, this one lingered, solidifying Jake as a pop culture figure for years.
Why Did State Farm Replace the Original Jake?
After several years of running the ad, State Farm changed direction. In 2020, they introduced a new Jake, played by professional actor Kevin Miles. But why the switch?
The company wanted to expand the role of Jake beyond a single commercial. Though beloved, the original Jake from State Farm wasn’t a trained actor, and his role in the company’s marketing campaign had limitations. State Farm envisioned their new Jake as a more dynamic character who could star in multiple ads and engage with a wider variety of scenarios. While some fans were sad to see the original Jake replaced, others welcomed the fresh take.
The Transition to a New Jake
The transition to a new Jake was handled delicately. Instead of ignoring the original, State Farm paid homage to Jake Stone by featuring him briefly in the first ad with the latest Jake. This way, they acknowledged his contribution and gave fans a sense of continuity.
The new Jake became the face of State Farm, continuing to represent the brand in commercials, social media, and public appearances. However, the original Jake from State Farm still holds a special place in the hearts of many.
What Happened to the Original Jake?
So, what happened to the original Jake from State Farm after his time in the spotlight? Jake Stone returned to a more private life, continuing to work outside acting. Although his brief brush with fame was unexpected, he handled it humbly. While he no longer represents the face of State Farm, his legacy lives on.
Interestingly, Jake Stone mentioned in interviews that even after the commercials stopped airing, people still recognized him and referred to him as Jake from State Farm. His role may have been short-lived, but its impact was undeniably lasting.
Comparing the Original Jake and the New Jake
Both the original Jake from State Farm and the new Jake have their merits, and fans of the commercials have differing opinions on which version they prefer. Let’s compare them side by side:
AspectOriginal Jake (Jake Stone)New Jake (Kevin Miles)
Background Real State Farm employee Professional actor
First Appearance 2011 State Farm commercial 2020 State Farm commercial
Signature Line: “Uh, khakis.” Various, more versatile dialogues
Role in Marketing Limited to one leading commercial Expanded across multiple ads
Personality Relatable, awkward humor Charismatic, confident, humorous
As you can see, the original Jake had a particular role, while the new Jake was brought in to take on a broader range of responsibilities. Both have charm but represent different approaches to the same iconic character.
Why the Original Jake from State Farm is Still Relevant
Even though the original Jake from State Farm is no longer on TV, he remains a beloved character. His simplicity and humor in his one-liners have stuck with audiences for years. The cultural significance of that ad goes beyond just selling insurance—it became a representation of clever, relatable marketing.
In today’s fast-paced advertising world, where campaigns come and go, the fact that people still remember Jake Stone and quote the original ad is a testament to its success.
Nostalgia Factor
Nostalgia plays a huge role in the ongoing relevance of the original Jake from State Farm. People tend to look back fondly on ads and TV shows from a particular era, and Jake’s commercial hit at the perfect time. As new generations discover the original ad, they, too, appreciate the humor and simplicity that made it so famous in the first place.
The Future of Jake from State Farm
While the new Jake continues to represent the company in fresh commercials, the original Jake from State Farm will always be remembered as the one who started it all. His role may have been brief, but his legacy is enduring.
It’s likely that the Jake character will continue to evolve as State Farm adapts to changing marketing trends, but the original Jake from State Farm will always have a special place in advertising history.
The Lasting Impact of the Original Jake
The original Jake from State Farm holds a unique place in both marketing and pop culture. He’s proof that sometimes, the most straightforward ads with the least-expected actors can have the most lasting impact. Jake Stone wasn’t a professional actor, but his relatable presence made him memorable in a way few other ad characters can claim.
The legacy of the original Jake from State Farm reminds us that humor, authenticity, and a little bit of awkwardness can go a long way in connecting with an audience. Whether you prefer the original or enjoy the new version, one thing’s sure: Jake from State Farm has cemented his place in advertising history.