Do you remember this classic Genesee Beer commercial? The man featured in the ad was cast because directors really liked his beard and he's from New Hartford.

John Hubbard was working as a sportswriter for a tiny newspaper in Bennington, Vermont in the late 1970's. He wanted to be promoted to journalist and columnist so he started covering interesting events. He heard about the Genesee beer commercial being filmed so he showed up to cover the story.

But when John showed up to interview the crew, they loved his "mountain man" look so much that they cast him on the spot, says Hubbard's daughter, Sarah Eiley Cowherd.

Hubbard's look included a plaid jacket, work boots, and a red beard.  Ironically, John grew up as a preppy country club kid from New Hartford. 


 

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