In 2020, insurance company State Farm recast their iconic brand ambassador, Jake Stone, who had previously starred in the company’s hit commercial as ‘Jake from State Farm.’ Miles was hired as the new ‘Jake,’ a choice that received mixed reactions. Fans agreed on one thing, however: they had seen Miles before.
Before being cast by State Farm, Miles had already achieved moderate onscreen success. His past roles range from commercial appearances to minor parts in TV series.
Nevertheless, Miles’ role with State Farm has undoubtedly propelled his career forward. Though his casting as ‘Jake from State Farm’ was controversial, it might just be the thing to launch him to greater heights.
Before he was ‘Jake from State Farm,’ Kevin Miles had already made several on-screen appearances
When you first saw the new ‘Jake from State Farm,’ you may have thought that he looked familiar. If so, you’d be right—Miles was featured in a variety of commercials and TV series before beginning his career with State Farm.
, Miles has played smaller roles in films such as Jake Squared (2013) and Lap Dance (2014). Since then, he’s been cast in major TV series, such as S.W.A.T. (2018) and Criminal Minds (2020).
Miles has also appeared in a variety of commercials, such as for Hyundai, McDonald’s, T-Mobile, and eBay. Other brands he’s represented have included Ford, Pepsi, Bose, Taco Bell, Straight Talk Wireless, 5-Hour Energy, Panera Bread, Slim Jims, and Jersey Mikes.
Miles was also featured in a second State Farm commercial that aired at the 2021 Super Bowl. This star-studded commercial featured the likes of rapper Drake and NFL players Aaron Rogers (Green Bay Packers) and Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs). Miles also appeared alongside actors Paul Rudd and Alfonso Ribeiro.
Since being cast as ‘Jake from State Farm,’ Miles’ fame has skyrocketed
MORE: Don’t Ask the ‘Jake From State Farm’ Actor for Any Insurance-Related Advice
While most actors don’t land their breakthrough role in an insurance company commercial, a contract with State Farm is nothing to laugh about. The Illinois-based company currently employs 58,000 people, including 20,000 contractors, and services 83 million customers.
Since being hired by State Farm, Miles’ fame has skyrocketed. In an interview with
, Miles said that he’s still getting used to being recognized in public. "I’d walk my dog and people would be like 'Hey, you’re ‘Jake from State Farm,’'" he said.
Despite his success, the new face of State Farm has faced a lot of criticism. Many fans prefer the real Jake Stone to Miles’ ‘Jake.’ According to
, Patti Morris, marketing head of State Farm, said that the replacement was not intended as a slight to Jake Stone, but rather as a professionalizing move on the company’s part.
"Jake Stone never left any stone unturned to nail his role in the commercial. We are very proud of him and will miss him," Morris said. "The future role of Jake is very professional and will be able to be nailed by any eminent actor only. This is the only reason why we are replacing him."
What’s next for ‘Jake from State Farm?'
Though he’s best known for being ‘Jake from State Farm,’ Miles doesn’t feel like he’s been pigeonholed into the role. He said to Forbes, "It’s more of a stepping stone in my eyes than something that is going to cage me in."
Miles has been open about his dedication to State Farm, and says that he hopes to continue playing ‘Jake’ while also taking on other roles.
"They’re actually really, really good people which makes it feel like it’s a real good experience being with them," Miles said about State Farm. "I’ve definitely told them that the dream would be to win a couple Oscars and still be ‘Jake’ for a little bit, if I’m not too old to do it. I want to do it as long as I can."
Maybe Miles will break out of his bubble soon, but for now he’s still ‘Jake from State Farm’ to us.
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