Actor behind the original Geico Caveman speaks out – do you recognize him?
The Story Behind GEICO’s Iconic “Caveman” Commercial
While most ads interrupting our favorite shows can be annoying, some become iconic—like Coca-Cola’s festive holiday commercials or GEICO’s famous “Caveman” ad from 2004. Created by The Martin Agency, the “Caveman” ad became a cult hit. GEICO reportedly spent $600 million on advertising in 2006, and this campaign stood out for mixing humor with a simple money-saving message. Creative director Steve Bassett said they expected success, but not the overwhelming popularity it received.
The caveman was played by actor and producer John Lehr. Though unrecognizable under makeup, Lehr is actually a handsome father of two. Before this role, he worked as a schoolteacher in Chicago and did improv at night—where he was discovered by a FOX scout, launching his Hollywood career.
Lehr landed small TV roles, including in Friends and Jesse with Christina Applegate, before being cast as the Caveman. The role became a turning point: “It paid my bills,” Lehr said. His character became so well-known, he even attended the Oscars in full caveman makeup, attracting attention from celebrities and fans alike.
Today, Lehr runs Howler Monkey Productions and continues to work in entertainment. He’s married to Jennifer Lehr and has two children. Do you remember this commercial? If so, share it with friends!
