White Jake from State Farm, originally portrayed by actor Jake Stone, was replaced in 2020 by a new actor, Kevin Miles, who is African American. The character’s rebranding was part of a broader marketing strategy to refresh the campaign.
State Farm’s iconic character, Jake, first appeared in a commercial in 2011, where he was depicted as a helpful insurance agent who is so committed to customer service that he takes calls late at night. The original Jake, played by Jake Stone, was a white actor who became well-known for his khaki pants and red State Farm shirt. His portrayal was humorous and memorable, leading to a successful ad campaign.
In 2020, State Farm decided to revamp the character, introducing Kevin Miles as the new Jake. This change was not due to any controversy or issue with the original actor but was a strategic move by the company to update their marketing. The new Jake continues to embody the helpful and friendly qualities that the character is known for, but with a fresh face and a slightly different approach to the humor and scenarios presented in the commercials.
The transition from the original Jake to the new one was smooth, with State Farm even making light of the change in their advertisements. The new Jake quickly gained popularity and has been well-received by audiences, continuing the legacy of the character as a staple of State Farm’s advertising efforts.