Johnny Roventini

Johnny Roventini served for more than four decades as a spokesman for Philip Morris and a living trademark for the firm's namesake brand of cigarettes. (See note.) His voice was heard on thousands of radio and television programs sponsored by the company, and he was seen in his bellboy's regalia (red-trimmed black cap; black-trimmed, bright red tunic with gold buttons; red-striped black trousers and white formal gloves) at thousands of personal appearances across the U.S. until he retired in 1974. And it was on account of his ever-present smile and outstretched hand that he was a favorite of all who met him. (Note: the Philip Morris cigarette brand ceased to exist in 1989. The company renamed the cigarette "Commander," and that brand was still available when Johnny died, some 65 years after he first represented Philip Morris. It remained an unfiltered cigarette 70 millimeters long.)