Iconic 'Mac' Ads Actor Justin Long
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Justin Long is an American actor and comedian known for his versatile roles in comedy and horror films, as well as his memorable portrayal of the "Mac" in Apple's popular "Get a Mac" advertising campaign. Born in Connecticut in 1978, Long has established himself as a likable and boyish-looking performer with a career spanning over two decades in film, television, and voice acting.

 

Long's Early Life and Background

famousbirthdays.com
famousbirthdays.com
Justin Long was born on June 2, 1978, in Fairfield, Connecticut, as the second of three sons to R. James Long, a philosophy and Latin professor at Fairfield University, and Wendy Lesniak, a former Broadway actress
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His diverse heritage includes German, Sicilian, and Polish ancestry
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Long's upbringing was characterized by a "kind of conservative" Catholic environment
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He attended Fairfield College Preparatory School, a Jesuit institution, where he gained a reputation for his wit and humor, earning the senior year superlative "Most likely not to be seen in class"
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After high school, Long pursued higher education at Vassar College, where he further developed his acting skills and comedic talent
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During his time at Vassar, he participated in several plays and was an active member of the sketch comedy group Laughingstock, which laid the foundation for his future career in entertainment
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Breakthrough in Jeepers Creepers

imdb.com
imdb.com
Justin Long's breakthrough role came in 2001 with the horror film "Jeepers Creepers," where he played Darry Jenner, a college student who becomes the target of a mysterious and terrifying creature. The film was a significant success in the horror genre, grossing $59 million worldwide on a budget of $10 million
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Long's performance as the frightened yet determined protagonist resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor
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  • The success of "Jeepers Creepers" helped establish Long as a versatile actor capable of handling both comedic and dramatic roles.
  • His portrayal of Darry showcased his ability to convey genuine fear and vulnerability, traits that would serve him well in future horror projects.
  • The film's popularity led to a sequel, "Jeepers Creepers 2" (2003), in which Long made a brief cameo appearance, further cementing his association with the franchise
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This role marked a turning point in Long's career, opening doors to more prominent parts in both mainstream and independent films. It also demonstrated his appeal to younger audiences, a demographic that would continue to support his work in subsequent years
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Apple's Mac Advertising Campaign

adweek.com
adweek.com
Justin Long gained widespread recognition for his role in Apple's iconic "Get a Mac" advertising campaign, which ran from 2006 to 2009. In these commercials, Long personified the Mac computer, appearing alongside John Hodgman, who represented the PC
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The campaign featured a series of short, humorous vignettes that highlighted the perceived strengths of Mac computers over PCs. The ads followed a consistent format, with Long's character introducing himself as "Hello, I'm a Mac," followed by Hodgman stating, "And I'm a PC." The duo would then engage in witty banter that showcased Mac's supposed advantages in areas such as ease of use, software compatibility, and resistance to viruses
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Long's portrayal of Mac as a laid-back, creative type contrasted sharply with Hodgman's more formal, work-focused PC character
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Long's involvement in this campaign significantly boosted his public profile and cemented his association with the Apple brand in popular culture
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Related
How did the "Get a Mac" campaign impact Apple's sales
What were the main differences between the American and British versions of the "Get a Mac" ads
How did the "Get a Mac" campaign influence the perception of Macs versus PCs
What other advertising campaigns has Apple used since the "Get a Mac" campaign
How did Justin Long prepare for his role as Mac in the ads
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