Last September, the PlayStation 3 got a much needed makeover. Not only was the console redesigned, slimmed down and packing a larger 120GB HDD, but Sony’s high definition console also received a lowered price tag of $299 and a complete relaunch. The new, slimmer, lighter, and more energy efficient PS3 released to a complete rebranding. A new price, new look, even a new logo was set to wash away the poor taste left in many gamer’s mouths still lingering from the PS3’s original faltered launch back in November of 2006.
All of these new elements have helped breathe new life into the PlayStation 3 and we couldn’t be happier about it. However, there was one more great thing that came out of the PS3 “slim”, and it has to do with the “Dear PlayStation” ad campaign here in America that accompanied the relaunch. That one thing, or more specifically, that one person, is the much adored and admired spokesman of PlayStation and VP of “It Only Does Everything”, Kevin Butler.
Kevin Butler almost overnight became a sensation, on television where his ads are being run during our favorite shows, and all over the internet, where fans of his come to praise his flair and humor.
Though Kevin Butler has been around since early ’09 where he debuted in an MLB 09: The Show commercial, the Kevin Butler craze all started with the PlayStation 3’s “Rumor Monger” TV spot, which was aimed at raising awareness about the console’s new $299 price tag, all while poking fun at Sony’s inability to keep secrets under wraps. The energetic, well-spoken Kevin Butler brought a touch of humor to a brand that was often taking itself much too seriously.
Kevin Butler has now been in numerous PS3 TV spots, and his “Dear PlayStation” commercials have become somewhat of an internet craze. In fact, if you are reading this right now, it’s extremely likely that you’ve watched more than one of Kevin Butler’s ads online, whether it be on YouTube, the official PlayStation Blog, or even right here on PlayStation LifeStyle. You may even be following him on Twitter, as Kevin’s reach extends into all corners of the interwebs.
Depressingly, the VP of awesomeness is an actor playing the role of our favorite PlayStation spokesman under the employ of Deutsch Inc., the Los Angeles based agency behind Sony’s advertising campaigns.
Go head, let it all out and have a good cry. There, there. All done? No? Ok, we’ll wait, we know the love that is felt for Kevin Butler. Now that you’ve had time to wipe away your tears and come to terms with the fact that Kevin Butler, like the Tooth Fairy, isn’t real, we hope you’re ready to learn a little bit about the actor behind the VP of breaking your heart.
Meet Jerry Lambert the actor and man behind the Kevin Butler legend. The 52 year old actor (he looks good for his age, did you see those orange gym shorts?) from Shelton, Washington has been in everything from plays, to popular TV sitcoms. He even has experience doing improv and not surprisingly, sketch comedy. Kevin, err um, I mean Jerry, graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City
Now that you recognize his face, he’ll surely stand out like a sore thumb if you saw him in one of the following shows/movies he’s made cameo appearances in:
- Everybody Loves Raymond
- That 70s Show
- Malcolm in the Middle
- The West Wing
- Sabrina The Teenage Witch
- 3rd Rock From the Sun
- 7th Heaven
- Ally McBeal
- Baywatch
- ‘Til Death
- King of the Hill (obviously a voice-acting role)
- and so many more…
Even with all of that work, he’s still not done. Peter Dille, VP of Marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment of America recently stated that thanks to the success that the new “Dear PlayStation” ads were having, Kevin Butler would be around for the rest of 2010.
Though, Jerry Lambert the actor isn’t resting there, he’s also just finished filming a pilot for the Ben Stiller directed FOX television show called The Station; a comedy “revolving around a covert CIA operative and his colleagues in a South American banana republic with a mission to install a new dictator”. He’s also currently filming an upcoming USA comedy “centered around a foul-mouthed, junior high teacher” called Bad Teacher.
If you don’t feel like waiting to see more Kevin… we mean Jerry Lambert. You can watch a couple episodes of popular TV shows in syndication that are airing this week. On Thursday, April 29 at 9:00PM on TVLAND, you can see him play his role of “Guy Kowalski” on an episode of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’. On Friday, April 30th at 1:00PM on TBS, you can see him play a Priest on an episode of ‘Yes Dear’. So go ahead, set your DVRs to record and check out the man behind Kevin Butler.
If you still can’t get enough Kevin Butler, we’ve created this video playlist for your enjoyment.
