The catchphrase was instantly embedded into American pop culture, and is still widely recognized to this day. I personally remember seeing Where's the Beef? buttons, mugs, bumper stickers, shirts, hats, and posters. Due to this advertising campaign alone, Wendy's sales jumped 31% worldwide in 1985.
The "Where's the Beef?" lady's name was Clara Peller, and for awhile in the 80s, she seemed to be everywhere. I remember Peller starring in a slew of sequel commercials for Wendy's, all of which were subsequent hits as well. But the ride didn't stop there. Peller became a hot commodity due to her Wendy's fame.
Peller was on all manner of talk and news shows, commercials, a few movies, a Saturday Night Live bit, and even served as a guest ring announcer at WrestleMania-2. My friends and I knew her by name, and if any of us experienced a "Clara sighting" on the TV or movies, we'd spread the word. Below are some videos of Peller at her best..
Clara Peller scene in the movie "Moving Violations"
There was also a "Where's the Beef?" song that was sung by the late radio DJ Coyote McCloud. Clara Pellers voice was simply edited into the song, with McCloud doing the lions share of work in regards to vocals. I remember this song got quite a bit of airplay on radio stations for awhile, especially on morning shows.
Below is an NBC Interview with Clara Peller. If you don't crack a smile while watching this.. there's something seriously wrong with you. She's so loveable in this video, I can't stand it!
Below is an NBC Interview with Clara Peller. If you don't crack a smile while watching this.. there's something seriously wrong with you. She's so loveable in this video, I can't stand it!
Clara with Dick Butkus!
Compilation of Clara Peller Media clips
It was a good run. Sorta..
So in the end, this whole Where's the Beef? phenomenon lasted for about one year. Peller got fired from Wendy's because she did a Prego commercial where she exclaimed "I found it" (in reference to the Beef of course). I don't think it's a coincidence that Wendy's sales started dropping after the Where's the Beef? campaign ended. Sales floundered for a couple years until founder Dave Thomas started starring in commercials for the chain.
But she didn't let the loss of her sweet Wendy's deal slow her down. Check out some other products dear Clara lent her charm to..
It's amazing how a catchphrase can grab hold and (go viral) as the kids today call it. Heck.. who hasn't used "Who shot J.R.?"... "I'll be back"... or "Whatchu Talkin' Bout Willis?" I've got to admit that I've certainly worked all three phrases into daily conversation (a couple of them quite recently).
After her star burned bright for a very short time, Clara Pellers passed away in 1987 at the age of 85. One thing is for sure however, she left an everlasting impression on pop culture, and is still making folks laugh to this very day.
So in the end, this whole Where's the Beef? phenomenon lasted for about one year. Peller got fired from Wendy's because she did a Prego commercial where she exclaimed "I found it" (in reference to the Beef of course). I don't think it's a coincidence that Wendy's sales started dropping after the Where's the Beef? campaign ended. Sales floundered for a couple years until founder Dave Thomas started starring in commercials for the chain.
But she didn't let the loss of her sweet Wendy's deal slow her down. Check out some other products dear Clara lent her charm to..
Where's the Ben's?
No Meat? Praise Dog Food commercial
Where's the News?
It's amazing how a catchphrase can grab hold and (go viral) as the kids today call it. Heck.. who hasn't used "Who shot J.R.?"... "I'll be back"... or "Whatchu Talkin' Bout Willis?" I've got to admit that I've certainly worked all three phrases into daily conversation (a couple of them quite recently).
After her star burned bright for a very short time, Clara Pellers passed away in 1987 at the age of 85. One thing is for sure however, she left an everlasting impression on pop culture, and is still making folks laugh to this very day.