For millions of fans around the world Isaiah Mustafa is The Old Spice Guy, a hunk that looks better, smells better and does everything better than mere mortals ever could.
It's tough to argue that one.
Since his first appearance in a commercial launched on YouTube in February of 2010, the shirtless Old Spice Guy has mesmerized audiences from the shower, the top of boats and the back of horses, declaring deliciously cheesy lines like "women should smell like butterflies and salt water taffy" and men like "jet fighters and punching."
He's strutted across the sandy shores of tropical islands, looking hot, smelling cool and capable of cutting stale bread on his six-pack abs.
But instead of alienating people, Mustafa's cheeky portrayal of this towel-clad Adonis has connected with Ordinary Joes. That's the real magic to his success, according to Mustafa.
"I've always felt that the Old Spice Guy is someone who wants to welcome people into his world, not exclude them," Mustafa told CTVNews.ca on Wednesday before an appearance on Canada AM.
"I think of him as a guy who's saying ‘Hey, listen. Let me show you how to live the life that I lead. If I can do it you can to."
Mustafa's approach was a gamble.
The idea first came to the 37-year-old actor as he waited to begin his second audition for this role.
Surrounded in a room by 60 other actors, every one of them equally as handsome as Mustafa, the former wide receiver for the NFL studied his competition.
"I watched their mannerisms. I studied the way they read their lines. That's when I thought let's trying something a little different. Let's go a little bigger with this Old Spice Guy and it worked out," said Mustafa.
That gut call landed Mustafa the job. It also turned Mustafa into an overnight sensation.
"My life changed a lot after I did Oprah in March of 2010 and then went on the Ellen show that same week. I was excited about what it might bring," said Mustafa.
Mustafa's ad went on to win an Emmy for Best TV Commercial, nine Cannes Lions Awards and many other accolades for Old Spice's digital campaign.
The Old Spice Guy also become one of the most popular pop culture Halloween costume picks of 2010.
Such popularity brought film offers to Mustafa, including a small role in the Jennifer Aniston comedy "Horrible Bosses" and parts on the TV shows "Charlie's Angels," "Hot in Cleveland," "Castle," "Chuck" and "Love Bites."
"I've wanted to act since I was five," said Mustafa.
The acting bug bit Mustafa while he and his family sat down to dinner in a restaurant owned by Alan Hale Jr. -- the actor who played "The Skipper" on the 60s TV comedy "Gilligan's Island." For those too young to know it, the show followed the crazy antics of a group of people shipwrecked on an island.
"I remember watching Alan as he talked to people. Then a woman sitting at another table came over. She was a talent agent and wanted to sign me," said Mustafa.
Mustafa's mother said no, a decision that left no ill will with the youngster.
"When I look back, I think my mom was right to make that call," said Mustafa.
"You need to be ready for a career like this. That takes time," he said.
Looking ahead, Mustafa will appear next in the Nickelodeon TV movie "Ragz" and "The Three Stooges," the upcoming 2012 comedy from the Farrelly brothers
Mustafa also hopes to portray the late American singer Marvin Gaye one day.
"I remember when he passed away back in the 80s. The thought grabbed me that day," said Mustafa. "If I'm lucky enough to do it, it would be an honour," he said.
Whether that happens or not, Mustafa's believes his focus will take him a long way in Hollywood.
"There are all kinds of people out there with dreams they want to realize. I'd tell them to tidy up whatever clutter they have going on inside their heads first if they want to make it happen," said Mustafa.
"When you've got a lot of noise going on in the background, it makes hearing that inner voice -- that voice that drives us on to great things -- a lot harder to do."
