Erin Andrews vs. Jamie Lee Curtis: Who Ya Got?

A few months back I wondered who would be an ideal supplement superstar, someone who could lift supplements into widespread acceptance. In probiotics, we have two prominent women introducing the helpful bacteria to the mainstream.

Jamie Lee Curtis has been espousing the benefits of Dannon's Activia yogurt for years. And recently Erin Andrews, the immensely popular sports personality, hawked TruBiotics. 

The Activia campaign is built around a healthy lifestyle for women, and Curtis is a great fit. She's in her fifties, looks normal (without massive cosmetic renovations) and is at ease in front of the camera. Remember, she is a first-rate comedic actress: "Trading Places," "A Fish Called Wanda," "True Lies," and one of the best remakes in recent years ("Freaky Friday"). The campaign has worked. I mean, when you've been parodied on "Saturday Night Live," what more can you ask for?  

Andrews' massive popularity is based on a simple, puzzling concept--an attractive female who knows sports and interviews people. That makes her presence in this commercial, which I've watched  a dozen times, downright baffling. When did "health and wellness enthusiast" become a bankable title? If so, congratulations, reader: You can make extra money hawking supplements! 

The tone of the 30-second spot bothers me. Last time I checked, probiotics were not a supplement that was just for the fitness crowd. Twice in the piece Andrews is gawked at, which gives the commercial an amazingly creepy vibe. In 2009, Andrews was victimized by a stalker, who taped the then-ESPN star in her hotel room. Naked. The footage hit the Internet, and Andrews faced unbearable media scrutiny. She's publicly said that she's not just a pretty face, but this spot smashes that intention into a million pieces--and sets them on fire. 

Plus, the focus on Andrews distracts us from what the product does. Apparently, it helps you with immunity, digestion, and turns you into a statuesque blonde? Makes you go to the gym? Whatever it is, that's a nifty formula.

But tell me readers: who do you think is the more effective probiotics pitcher: Jamie Lee Curtis or Erin Andrews? And why? Leave your answers in the comments section.

We'll be back next week to start October's topic.