When asked if choosing Cohen to front the ad was a low-key diversity play at a time when many brands have backed away from supporting the LGBT+ community, Duffy demurred. Even so, Cohen’s outness, humor, and mainstream visibility—he’s also hosted CNN’s New Year’s special with longtime chum Anderson Cooper for the last eight years—are clearly a combo that felt right for the times.
According to YouGov data, 65% of Americans know Cohen by name or sight, and twice as many people like him as not. “He has this ability to connect with all audiences,” Duffy said.
She added: “We wanted somebody who could be taken seriously by audiences as somebody who could authentically play that role of a supporting friend.”
If Cohen can be that for Anderson Cooper, then he can certainly do it for a giant gummy.
