The actor who played the “Bush’s Baked Beans” spokesman, Jay Bush, is still alive, but the dog known as Duke in the commercials, whose real name was Sam, passed away in 2018.
The Bush’s Baked Beans commercials became iconic in part due to the presence of the company’s spokesperson, Jay Bush, who is a member of the Bush family that owns the company, and an adorable Golden Retriever named Duke. The premise of the commercials often revolved around Duke attempting to sell the secret family recipe for the beans.
Jay Bush is not an actor by profession but rather a member of the Bush family, which has been involved in the bean business since 1908. He took on the role of the spokesperson to continue the family tradition of personal involvement in the company’s advertising.
The dog that viewers came to know as Duke was portrayed by several different dogs over the years, but the most well-known Duke was named Sam. Sam was one of several dogs used to portray Duke, chosen for his expressive face and ability to be trained for the various antics the script required. Unfortunately, Sam passed away due to cancer in June 2018. His death was met with sadness by fans of the commercials and the brand, as he had become a beloved character.
The commercials have continued, with other dogs taking on the role of Duke, and Jay Bush remains a figurehead for the brand, helping to promote the family-friendly image and down-home appeal of Bush’s Baked Beans. The company has maintained the humorous tone in their advertising, keeping the legacy of Duke alive in the hearts of their customers.
