Editing Charlie the Tuna (section)

== History ==
Charlie, originally voiced by Herschel Bernardi, appeared in over 85 ads until the 1980s, when the campaign was paused. StarKist revived him in 1999 to promote a new, health-focused tuna product line, re-establishing Charlie as one of the most recognizable figures in American advertising. Charlie remains the iconic face of StarKist, representing the brand’s playful and personable image.

Charlie the Tuna has left a significant legacy, influencing pop culture and inspiring names and references across various fields. Los Angeles radio personality Art Ferguson adopted the on-air name “Charlie Tuna” after inheriting it during a reshuffling of DJ names at KOMA in Oklahoma City. The name stuck, and Ferguson used it throughout his career, including stints in Boston and Los Angeles.

In sports, American football coach Bill Parcells earned the nickname “The Big Tuna” after responding to a player’s dubious claim with the remark, “Who do you think I am? Charlie the Tuna?” Meanwhile, hip-hop artist Chali 2na derived his stage name from Charlie Tuna, a nickname given to him by his uncle.

Charlie the Tuna’s influence extended into film. During the production of ''The Shape of Water'' (2017), director Guillermo del Toro revealed that the call sheet referred to the film's aquatic creature as "Charlie" after the StarKist mascot. Although the production team initially wanted to feature a StarKist ad in the movie, the company declined, but the nickname "Charlie" remained.

Charlie also appeared in pop culture cameos, such as in the 2012 animated movie ''Foodfight!'' and on the North American cover art for the film. He was included in MasterCard's "Icons" commercial during Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, where he joined other advertising mascots for a memorable dinner scene, further cementing his status as an iconic character.