Key takeaways
- IHOP has featured notable celebrities like Jason Lee, Julie Bowen, and Niecy Nash in major ad campaigns.
- Commercials like “Eat Up Every Moment” and “House Faves” blend humor and warmth through iconic voices and celebrity cameos.
- A mix of classic and emerging talent—like Taylor Cora and Tanner Zingleman—adds relatability and star power to IHOP’s evolving brand image.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, iconic blue roof, and quirky menu innovations, IHOP has built a brand that’s as warm and familiar as a Sunday morning breakfast. That same spirit shines through in its commercials, where humor, nostalgia, and heart converge. Over the years, the International House of Pancakes has partnered with beloved actors, comedians, athletes, and musicians to create memorable, family-friendly ads. From classic voices to rising stars, here are the most popular IHOP commercial actors you should know about.
Notable IHOP Commercial Actors
1. Jason Lee
Full name: Jason Michael Lee
Famous for: My Name is Earl, Alvin and the Chipmunks
Role: Voiceover for “Eat Up Every Moment” campaign
Jason Lee’s familiar voice brought laid-back charm to IHOP’s “Eat Up Every Moment” ads. With his signature drawl and comedic timing, the actor helped reinforce IHOP’s friendly, feel-good vibe—proving that a well-known voice can make syrupy stacks even more memorable.
2. Julie Bowen
Full name: Julie Bowen Luetkemeyer
Famous for: Modern Family
Campaign: 2024 “House Faves” campaign
The Emmy-winning actress added a dose of suburban sass and polish to IHOP’s 2024 commercials. Known for her quick wit on Modern Family, Bowen’s cheerful delivery helped spotlight fan-favorite dishes in the “House Faves” series—bringing a familiar face to the breakfast table.
3. Cliff Bemis
Catchphrase: “Hi, Cliff here for IHOP”
Role: Classic IHOP spokesman
Before the celebrity wave, Cliff Bemis was the face of IHOP. His friendly, no-frills presence and signature greeting earned him a spot in viewers’ hearts during multiple campaigns. His recurring ads are fondly remembered by fans of classic 1990s and early 2000s IHOP commercials.
4. Niecy Nash
Full name: Carol Denise “Niecy” Nash-Betts
Famous for: Claws, Reno 911!
Campaign: International Bank of Pancakes
Niecy Nash brought her high-energy humor to the International Bank of Pancakes campaign. Known for her larger-than-life presence, Nash injected charisma and joy into IHOP’s quirky banking-themed ad—a playful metaphor for collecting rewards and stacking flavor.
5. Emmitt Smith
Famous for: NFL Hall of Fame running back
Campaign: International Bank of Pancakes
Legendary athlete Emmitt Smith joined Nash in IHOP’s influencer-led campaign. His involvement offered an unexpected but charming twist—bringing sports star power to the brand while engaging a broader audience of football fans and IHOP loyalists alike.
6. Katelyn Ohashi
Famous for: Viral floor routines, UCLA gymnast
Campaign: International Bank of Pancakes
Olympian-level grace met pancake perfection in this crossover. Katelyn Ohashi—known for her viral gymnastics—brought youthful energy and movement to IHOP’s campaign, highlighting the brand’s appeal to a younger, digitally connected generation.
7. Taylor Cora
Profession: Actress
Known for: Commercials for major brands
Fun Fact: She refers to her IHOP commercial as her last ad before landing a TV starring role.
Taylor Cora is a rising star whose IHOP commercial was one of her final stops before a big acting break. Her bubbly energy and strong screen presence made her an ideal fit for IHOP’s approachable and upbeat tone.
8. Chris Edgerly
Profession: Voice actor
Campaign: Voiced the Nutcracker in a holiday IHOP ad
If the Nutcracker in an IHOP commercial sounded familiar, it’s because voice actor Chris Edgerly was behind it. Known for voicing characters in The Simpsons, Apex Legends, and other animated projects, Edgerly’s versatility brought the festive IHOP ad to life.
9. Tanner Zingleman
Profession: Actor
Campaign: National IHOP commercial (confirmed by agency and IMDb)
Tanner Zingleman made his mark in a national IHOP ad that showcased his comedic timing and all-American appeal. He’s been spotlighted on casting agency pages and IMDb for his work, contributing to IHOP’s relatable and youthful commercial lineup.
10. Loverboy (Band)
Famous for: “Working for the Weekend”
Campaign: 2024 “House Faves” commercial
In a creative twist, IHOP enlisted Canadian rock legends Loverboy to rework their iconic hit into “Working for the Weekday.” The ad tied classic rock energy with IHOP’s weekday menu deals—delivering nostalgia with a side of humor.
11. Supporting and Featured Actors
IHOP’s rich ad history includes performances from supporting actors like Whitney McGraw, Allison Carlin, and Julie Langenhorst, especially remembered for their roles in the 2013 Brioche French Toast commercials. These actors contributed warm, everyday relatability to IHOP’s brand image.
Final word
From legendary comedians to rising young talent, IHOP has consistently tapped into a diverse pool of commercial actors to promote its pancake-perfect image. Whether it’s Jason Lee’s laid-back narration or Julie Bowen’s charming delivery, these personalities have helped make IHOP ads as enjoyable as their menu. As IHOP continues to roll out creative campaigns, expect even more familiar faces to pop up in the syrupy spotlight.