Clara Peller (born August 4, 1902 in Chicago, Illinois - died August 11, 1987 in Chicago, Illinois), was an American character actress who, at the age of 81, starred in the legendary 1984 "Where's the beef?" advertising campaign for the Wendy's fast-food restaurant chain. Peller's "Where's the beef" line became an instant catchphrase, with even presidential candidate Walter Mondale using it.
Popular belief is that she lost her role with Wendy's after she appeared in a dog food ad, proudly proclaiming "I found the beef!" The actual reason for her termination from Wendy's was an ad for Prego spaghetti sauce in 1985 in which she exclaimed "I found it!" and "I finally found it!", in reference to "Where's the beef?"[citation needed]
On April 14, 1984, Peller made an uncredited cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live which was guest hosted that night by 1972 Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern. She also made an appearance in the low-rated, low-budget 1985 Neal Israel...
Created by dipity
on Feb 7, 2008
Last updated: 11/17/09 at 06:47 AM
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