KFC Enlists 'Mad Men' Star as New Colonel Sanders

KFC's new Colonel Sanders is 'Mad Men' star Vincent Kartheiser.

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Complex Original

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In what's become a long campaign with some very odd choices, KFC has introduced yet another Colonel Sanders. Mad Men's Vincent Kartheiser, who played Pete Campbell on the AMC show, is the Nashville Hot Colonel. To recap, KFC's last three colonels have included comedians Jim Gaffigan, Norm Macdonald, and Darrell Hammond.

Kartheiser reports for duty to promote KFC bringing back its clamored-about Nashville Hot Chicken. In the chain's new commercial the Nashville Colonel only makes an appearance on the dreamy posters plastered all over a teen’s room and on her record cover. That is, until the girl's father barges into her room and catches her. The Nashville Chicken also makes an appearance.

Kartheiser talked about stepping into the Colonel’s shoes in a statement, saying: "Like KFC's Nashville Hot Chicken, I'm a bit of a rebel decked out in authentic Nashville flavor—a perfect combination of classic and cool." For its part KFC, seemingly knowing how bizarre this must look, explained that it chose Kartheiser because he's young, and for his "hair and flair." "Vincent's vintage good looks and piercing blue eyes made him perfect for the role," the company said.

You can watch the KFC ad above.

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