By Will Corry
Publisher, The Marketing Blog
Last reviewed: June 2026

Update note: HubSpot and Mailchimp regularly change their pricing, contact limits and plan features. This comparison was checked against the official product pages in June 2026. Review the live pricing pages before subscribing.

The HubSpot vs Mailchimp debate is often presented as a simple contest between two email marketing platforms.

Which one has better templates? Which platform offers stronger marketing automation? Which one costs less?

Those questions matter.

However, they miss the decision that causes most businesses trouble.

Mailchimp is mainly designed for companies that want to communicate with an email list.

HubSpot is built around a customer relationship management system. Its CRM tools help teams track contacts, enquiries, deals and follow-up activity.

That difference changes the answer.

A small online retailer promoting products to subscribers may get more value from Mailchimp.

A marketing agency handling enquiries, proposals and repeat work may quickly outgrow it.

The right choice depends on whether your business needs a better email marketing tool or a structured CRM pipeline.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp: The Answer in 30 Seconds

Choose Mailchimp when your main focus is sending campaigns, building an audience and automating customer emails.

Choose HubSpot when contacts need individual follow-up, several people speak to the same prospects and buying decisions take time.

How This HubSpot vs Mailchimp Comparison Was Prepared

This article reviews the current product information published by HubSpot and Mailchimp.

The comparison covers:

• email marketing tools;

• HubSpot CRM features;

• marketing automation;

• landing pages and forms;

• audience segmentation;

• analytics and reporting;

• integrations;

• customer support;

• free plans;

• paid plans;

• likely fit for different business types.

The aim is not to claim that one platform wins in every situation.

It is to help you choose the right tool for the way your customers buy.

The Main Difference Between HubSpot and Mailchimp

Mailchimp asks:

Who should receive the next email?

HubSpot asks:

What should happen next with this contact?

Those questions sound similar.

However, they lead to different workflows.

A Mailchimp user may create a segment of customers who clicked a product link.

The next step could be a follow-up email or a discount.

A HubSpot user may track a contact who downloaded a guide, opened two emails, visited a pricing page and booked a meeting.

The next step could be a call, a proposal or a reminder for a team member.

Mailchimp is list-led.

HubSpot is CRM-led.

That is why a long checklist of features can make the decision harder rather than easier.

What Is Mailchimp?

Mailchimp is an email marketing and automation platform owned by Intuit.

It helps businesses create campaigns, organise subscribers, build landing pages, publish forms and review results.

A small business can import contacts, choose an email template and begin sending messages without setting up a formal sales process.

Mailchimp offers tools for:

• email campaigns;

• drag-and-drop email design;

• templates;

• sign-up forms;

• audience management;

• tags;

• segments;

• landing pages;

• surveys;

• automated messages;

• A/B testing on selected plans;

• reporting;

• more than 300 integrations.

Mailchimp can help answer questions such as:

• Who opened the last email?

• Which subscribers clicked a product link?

• Which subject line performed best?

• Which customers have not purchased recently?

• Which segment should receive the next offer?

• Did the campaign generate more clicks than the previous email?

Mailchimp often suits:

• publishers;

• bloggers;

• restaurants;

• charities;

• local shops;

• event organisers;

• creators;

• smaller online retailers;

• businesses with shorter buying journeys.

Mailchimp also offers contact management tools.

However, the platform mainly uses contact data to improve marketing messages.

For a closer look at the platform, read our guide to the best Mailchimp alternatives.

What Is HubSpot?

HubSpot is a customer platform built around CRM data.

The CRM stores contact details, activity history, deal stages and follow-up tasks.

HubSpot also sells software for marketing, sales, customer service, content, data management and payments.

The CRM sits at the centre.

When a visitor submits a form, books a meeting or clicks an email, that activity can appear in the same contact record.

HubSpot CRM includes tools for:

• contact management;

• deal tracking;

• task management;

• pipeline management;

• meeting scheduling;

• email tracking;

• shared inboxes;

• live chat;

• forms;

• landing pages;

• dashboards;

• app integrations.

HubSpot Marketing Hub adds tools for email campaigns, lead capture, automation and reporting.

HubSpot can help answer questions such as:

• Which pages did a lead visit before requesting a quote?

• Has anybody followed up the enquiry?

• Which sales stage has the contact reached?

• Which marketing campaign produced the lead?

• Has the prospect booked a meeting?

• Which task should the sales team complete next?

• Which marketing activity contributed to a deal?

Read our full guide to what HubSpot is and how it works.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp for Email Marketing

Mailchimp has the advantage when email marketing is the main job.

It was designed for marketers who want to create campaigns, build segments and automate customer messages.

A Mailchimp user can:

• send newsletters;

• promote products;

• announce events;

• share articles;

• build segments;

• test subject lines;

• schedule campaigns;

• send automated follow-up messages;

• review opens and clicks.

HubSpot also provides email marketing tools.

However, its emails become more useful when they sit inside a longer customer journey.

For example, a HubSpot user could send a guide to a new lead.

The platform could then record whether the contact opened the email, visited a pricing page or booked a meeting.

A salesperson could review the activity before calling.

Which Platform Is Better for Newsletters?

Mailchimp is usually the better choice.

A publisher, shop or local business may only want to send a weekly email and review click data.

That does not require a CRM pipeline.

Mailchimp keeps the process clear.

Which Platform Is Better for Lead Nurturing?

HubSpot often works better for longer lead-nurture campaigns.

A business selling consultancy, training or software may need more than open rates.

The team may need to track meetings, tasks, proposals and deal stages.

HubSpot connects those actions to one contact record.

Verdict: Choose Mailchimp for email-first marketing. Choose HubSpot when email supports a longer sales journey.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp for CRM Features

This is where the platforms move apart.

Mailchimp stores contact data to support audience management and personalised messages.

HubSpot stores contact data to support marketing, sales and customer service.

A Mailchimp contact profile may show:

• email address;

• tags;

• audience membership;

• engagement data;

• purchase activity;

• campaign responses.

A HubSpot contact record may show:

• email address;

• company;

• website visits;

• form submissions;

• email activity;

• meeting history;

• notes;

• tasks;

• calls;

• deal stages;

• sales pipeline activity;

• customer service interactions.

Mailchimp can support a small business that mainly communicates with groups of customers.

HubSpot becomes more useful when staff need to manage individual prospects.

Example: A Local Restaurant

A restaurant may use Mailchimp to:

• send a Friday offer;

• promote a seasonal menu;

• email previous customers;

• advertise an event;

• remind subscribers about bookings.

The restaurant probably does not need a sales pipeline.

Example: A Marketing Agency

An agency may use HubSpot to:

• record a new enquiry;

• track which pages the prospect viewed;

• assign a follow-up task;

• schedule a discovery call;

• store notes;

• send a proposal;

• monitor the deal stage;

• review which campaign produced the lead.

That process needs a CRM.

Verdict: HubSpot wins for CRM features. Mailchimp wins when a sales pipeline would add work without solving a real problem.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp for Marketing Automation

Both platforms offer marketing automation.

However, they automate different types of work.

Mailchimp focuses on customer messages.

Typical Mailchimp Marketing Automation Flows include:

• welcome emails;

• birthday offers;

• abandoned-basket reminders;

• product suggestions;

• post-purchase messages;

• event reminders;

• lapsed-customer emails;

• repeat-purchase offers.

A Mailchimp automation may start after:

• a new signup;

• a purchase;

• an abandoned basket;

• a clicked link;

• a date;

• a tag change.

HubSpot marketing automation can trigger emails and internal tasks.

A HubSpot workflow may:

• send an email;

• update a contact record;

• assign a task;

• notify a team member;

• change a lifecycle stage;

• add a contact to a segment;

• apply a lead score;

• route a contact to the right person;

• begin another workflow.

HubSpot gives teams more ways to manage a longer sales journey.

However, more options create more setup work.

A clear three-email sequence may perform better than a large workflow that nobody checks.

Businesses new to automation should read our guide: What Are Marketing Automation Tools?

Verdict: Mailchimp works well for automated customer emails. HubSpot suits companies that need marketing automation linked to CRM actions.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp for Landing Pages and Forms

Both platforms offer landing pages and forms.

Mailchimp lets users create landing pages for audience growth, product promotions and campaigns.

Its landing-page builder suits businesses that need a simple page connected to an email list.

A Mailchimp landing page may promote:

• a newsletter;

• a product launch;

• an event;

• a download;

• an offer;

• a competition.

HubSpot also offers landing pages and forms.

The difference is what happens after the form submission.

A new HubSpot contact can enter the CRM.

The platform can then send an email, notify a team member or begin a follow-up workflow.

Which Platform Is Better for List Growth?

Mailchimp is a practical choice.

The landing page collects an email address and sends the information into the audience list.

Which Platform Is Better for Lead Qualification?

HubSpot has the advantage.

A form can collect details that help the business assess the enquiry and choose the right follow-up.

Verdict: Mailchimp works well for simple landing pages. HubSpot suits landing pages that feed a sales process.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp for Segmentation

Segmentation helps businesses send more relevant messages.

Mailchimp users can create groups based on audience data and behaviour.

A retailer could create segments for:

• recent customers;

• lapsed customers;

• subscribers who clicked a product link;

• customers who purchased from a product category;

• subscribers who joined during a campaign;

• customers who have not opened recent emails.

HubSpot also supports segmentation.

However, HubSpot can use CRM data, lifecycle stages and activity history.

A business-to-business company could create groups for:

• leads who downloaded a guide;

• prospects who visited a pricing page;

• contacts who attended a webinar;

• decision-makers at target companies;

• contacts with open deals;

• prospects who have not received a follow-up call.

Mailchimp segmentation works well for campaign messages.

HubSpot segmentation works well when marketing and sales teams share contact data.

Verdict: Mailchimp suits campaign segmentation. HubSpot gives teams more control when segments depend on CRM activity.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp for Analytics and Reporting

Mailchimp provides clear reports for email campaigns.

Users can review:

• opens;

• clicks;

• unsubscribes;

• audience growth;

• campaign engagement;

• automation results;

• A/B testing results on selected plans.

This is enough for many smaller businesses.

HubSpot provides a wider view.

Its reporting tools can connect marketing activity to contact records and sales data.

Depending on the plan, HubSpot users can review:

• form submissions;

• lead sources;

• campaign results;

• contact activity;

• deal progress;

• pipeline stages;

• customer journeys;

• revenue attribution.

Mailchimp answers:

Did the email work?

HubSpot can help answer:

Did the marketing activity contribute to a sale?

Verdict: Mailchimp offers clear email reporting. HubSpot provides a wider view of the customer journey.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp Pricing

Pricing changes regularly.

Your final bill may depend on:

• contact numbers;

• marketing contact numbers;

• email send limits;

• user numbers;

• currency;

• tax;

• plan level;

• promotional offers;

• optional add-ons.

Use the live calculators before buying.

HubSpot’s free CRM currently supports up to two users and 1,000 contacts.

Mailchimp’s Free Marketing plan currently includes up to 250 contacts and 500 monthly sends.

Mailchimp also sets a daily sending limit of 250 on the free plan.

The HubSpot Cost Issue to Watch

HubSpot distinguishes between marketing contacts and non-marketing contacts.

Marketing contacts can receive promotional emails and appear in selected marketing activities.

Those contacts count towards paid marketing contact limits.

A growing contact database can increase your monthly bill.

Read our guide to HubSpot marketing contacts before choosing a paid HubSpot plan.

The Mailchimp Cost Issue to Watch

Mailchimp counts subscribed, unsubscribed and non-subscribed contacts towards your contact total.

Mailchimp may apply extra charges when your audience grows beyond the contact limit for your paid tier.

Clean your lists regularly.

Remove contacts you no longer need.

The Pricing Question Most Businesses Miss

Do not ask only:

Which platform is cheaper today?

Ask:

Which platform will we still need in two years?

A small business may start with Mailchimp and add a separate CRM later.

Another company may start with HubSpot but use only a small share of its features.

Pay for the system that matches your daily work.

Which Platform Is Better for Small Businesses?

Mailchimp often suits smaller businesses with shorter buying journeys.

Examples include:

• a shop promoting a seasonal offer;

• a restaurant advertising bookings;

• a venue promoting an event;

• a publisher sending a weekly newsletter;

• a creator sending updates;

• a small retailer launching a new product.

HubSpot often suits businesses with longer buying journeys.

Examples include:

• an agency tracking enquiries;

• a recruiter managing business accounts;

• a training provider sending proposals;

• a software firm arranging demos;

• an accountant following up prospects;

• a consultancy managing repeat work.

The key question is simple:

Does the work end after the email is sent?

When the answer is yes, Mailchimp may be enough.

When the answer is no, HubSpot becomes more useful.

Companies worried about CRM costs should read our guide to HubSpot alternatives for UK small businesses.

Which Platform Is Better for Online Retailers?

Mailchimp often works well for smaller online retailers.

It can support:

• product-launch emails;

• seasonal offers;

• abandoned-basket reminders;

• lapsed-customer emails;

• post-purchase messages;

• repeat-purchase offers;

• product suggestions.

HubSpot may suit retailers selling higher-value products or services.

A company selling £25 home accessories may mainly need email marketing.

A company selling fitted kitchens may need consultation bookings, quotes and follow-up tasks.

Both businesses sell products.

However, the buying journeys are different.

Verdict: Mailchimp is often the better starting point for smaller online retailers. HubSpot suits higher-value purchases that need follow-up.

Which Platform Is Better for B2B Marketing?

HubSpot has the advantage for business-to-business marketing.

A prospect may:

1. read an article;

2. download a guide;

3. join an email list;

4. open several messages;

5. attend a webinar;

6. visit a pricing page;

7. request a demo;

8. receive a proposal;

9. discuss the price;

10. sign a contract weeks later.

HubSpot is designed to track that journey.

Mailchimp can support the communication.

However, it is less focused on tracking the full sales process.

A company selling a £25 product and a business selling a £25,000 contract need different tools.

Verdict: HubSpot is usually better for longer B2B buying journeys.

Can You Use HubSpot and Mailchimp Together?

Yes.

Some businesses use HubSpot as the CRM and Mailchimp for email campaigns.

That setup can work.

However, using both platforms creates another task: keeping contact records accurate.

The business needs to decide:

• which platform stores the main contact record;

• how contact updates move between systems;

• how consent is recorded;

• how unsubscribes are handled;

• who checks the connection;

• what happens when syncing fails.

Using one platform may reduce admin work.

Using both may make sense when a team prefers Mailchimp’s email workflow but needs HubSpot’s CRM.

When Mailchimp Becomes Too Limited

Mailchimp may no longer be enough when:

• valuable contacts sit in spreadsheets;

• several staff contact the same prospect;

• nobody knows who should follow up;

• proposals are tracked through inbox searches;

• reporting stops at opens and clicks;

• the business needs a clear pipeline;

• customer history sits across several tools.

At that point, the company does not simply need better email marketing.

It needs CRM software.

When HubSpot May Be More Than You Need

HubSpot may be too much when:

• you only send a monthly newsletter;

• one person manages the email list;

• most customers buy without speaking to staff;

• you do not need deal stages;

• you do not need sales tasks;

• you do not need lead scoring;

• your budget is limited.

Buying more software does not guarantee better marketing.

A smaller tool may be the better choice when the work is simple.

HubSpot vs Mailchimp: Final Verdict

HubSpot and Mailchimp compete for some of the same customers.

However, they are built for different jobs.

Mailchimp is usually the better option for businesses that want to build an email list, send regular campaigns and automate common customer messages.

HubSpot is usually the better option for companies that want to track enquiries, deals, tasks and customer relationships.

Mailchimp is an email marketing platform with audience tools.

HubSpot is a CRM-led customer platform with email marketing tools.

The decision becomes easier when you stop asking which platform has more features.

Ask whether your business needs an email list or a sales pipeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HubSpot better than Mailchimp?

HubSpot is better for businesses that need CRM records, pipeline stages and team follow-up.

Mailchimp is often better for email marketing, promotions and automated customer messages.

Is Mailchimp cheaper than HubSpot?

Mailchimp is usually cheaper for straightforward email marketing.

HubSpot may offer better value when a business needs CRM tools, automation and sales tracking in one platform.

Is Mailchimp a CRM?

Mailchimp includes audience management and contact profile tools.

Users can store contact details, build segments and send targeted emails.

However, Mailchimp is less focused on deals, sales pipelines and internal tasks than HubSpot.

Is HubSpot free?

Yes.

HubSpot’s official CRM page currently states that its free CRM supports up to two users and 1,000 contacts.

Does Mailchimp have a free plan?

Yes.

Mailchimp’s Free Marketing plan currently includes up to 250 contacts and 500 monthly sends.

It also has a daily send limit of 250.

Can HubSpot replace Mailchimp?

Yes.

HubSpot includes email marketing, CRM tools, landing pages and automation.

However, businesses focused mainly on subscriber emails may find Mailchimp easier to use.

Can Mailchimp replace HubSpot?

Mailchimp can replace HubSpot for email marketing and basic audience management.

It is less suitable when a company needs pipelines, proposals and internal follow-up tasks.

Can HubSpot and Mailchimp work together?

Yes.

Some businesses use HubSpot CRM and Mailchimp for email campaigns.

However, the connection needs clear rules for contact syncing, consent records and unsubscribes.

Which platform is better for landing pages?

Mailchimp is a practical choice for simple landing pages used to collect subscribers.

HubSpot offers more value when landing pages feed CRM records and internal workflows.

Which platform has better analytics?

Mailchimp offers clear email campaign reports.

HubSpot provides a wider set of reports that can connect marketing activity with CRM and sales data.

Author Bio

Will Corry is the publisher of The Marketing Blog.

He has more than 30 years of publishing experience and has managed over 40 trade publications.

He writes about CRM systems, email marketing platforms, digital strategy and the commercial decisions behind marketing software.

Sources and Further Reading

• HubSpot Free CRM

• HubSpot Marketing Hub Pricing

• HubSpot Marketing Automation

• HubSpot Landing Pages

• HubSpot Forms

• Mailchimp Features

• Mailchimp Pricing

• Mailchimp Pricing Plan Guide

• Mailchimp Marketing Automation Flows

• Mailchimp Landing Pages

Who Is the Woman in the Kohl’s Commercial : The woman in the Kohl’s commercial is Ellie Kemper, the American actress and comedian best known for playing Erin Hannon in The Office and the lead role in Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Kemper plays Kohl’s Mom, a funny and confident shopping sidekick who appears whenever customers need advice, a better deal or a little encouragement.

Kohl’s introduced the character in spring 2025. However, Kohl’s Mom did not disappear after one seasonal campaign. Kemper returned for back-to-school and Christmas adverts later that year. She has also appeared in new 2026 commercials promoting spring fashion, activewear and Mother’s Day offers.

For viewers who recognise her face but cannot remember her name, the answer is simple: the upbeat woman appearing in the latest Kohl’s commercials is Ellie Kemper.

Kohl’s Commercial Actress: Quick Answer

Who Is the Woman in the Kohl’s Commercial?

The actress in the Kohl’s advert is Ellie Kemper.

Kemper brings an instantly recognisable style of comedy to the campaign. She is warm, energetic and slightly awkward in a way that feels natural rather than scripted.

That personality is a close match for the Kohl’s Mom character.

Instead of acting like a polished celebrity spokesperson, Kohl’s Mom behaves more like the friend who appears at exactly the right moment. She offers practical advice, spots a bargain and gives shoppers the confidence to try something new.

In the original campaign, Kohl’s described the character as a “stylish sidekick” who helps customers find outfits for weddings, work and everyday life.

The result feels less like a conventional retail advert and more like a short comedy sketch set inside a department store.

What Happens in the Ellie Kemper Kohl’s Commercial?

Several Kohl’s Mom adverts have aired since the campaign began. Therefore, viewers may have seen different versions.

In one of the early commercials, a shopper tries on a pair of flowing white trousers. Kemper appears nearby and tells her that she looks ready to walk the red carpet.

The customer tests the outfit with an enthusiastic high kick. Kohl’s Mom responds with the kind of delighted reaction that Kemper has made part of her comedy style.

Other commercials place the character in familiar shopping situations:

• Finding seasonal fashion at the right price

• Helping parents shop for back-to-school clothing

• Promoting Christmas presents and last-minute gifts

• Highlighting activewear and practical everyday outfits

• Offering humorous Mother’s Day suggestions

The scenes are brief, but the format remains consistent. Kohl’s Mom arrives, understands the problem and gives the shopper a quick confidence boost.

When Did Ellie Kemper Start Appearing in Kohl’s Commercials?

Kohl’s introduced Ellie Kemper as Kohl’s Mom in March 2025.

The first campaign ran during spring and summer. Kohl’s positioned the character as a useful shopping companion for busy parents who wanted style, comfort and value without spending hours searching.

The retailer then brought her back for a back-to-school campaign in July 2025. Those adverts focused on the familiar pressure parents face when children need clothing, shoes and supplies before a new school year.

Kemper returned again for Kohl’s Christmas advertising. In the festive spots, the character helped shoppers deal with “present predicaments,” including difficult gift choices and last-minute purchases.

The campaign has continued into 2026. Recent adverts include spring clothing promotions, an FLX activewear spot and Mother’s Day commercials.

That extended run matters. Kohl’s is no longer testing a single celebrity advert. The retailer is building a recurring character that viewers can recognise within seconds.

Why Ellie Kemper Is a Smart Choice for Kohl’s Mom

Ellie Kemper is a strong fit for the campaign because audiences already associate her with optimistic, likeable characters.

Many viewers first saw her as Erin Hannon in The Office. Erin joined the Dunder Mifflin team as a receptionist and quickly became known for her cheerful personality and unusual reactions.

Kemper later played the title character in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The Netflix comedy gave her a leading role and made full use of her energetic delivery.

She also appeared in films such as:

• Bridesmaids

• 21 Jump Street

• The Secret Life of Pets

• Home Sweet Home Alone

• Happiness for Beginners

Kohl’s did not cast an actress who needed to create a new public image. It chose someone whose existing screen persona already matched the campaign.

That makes the advert easier to understand. Viewers see Kemper, recognise her comic style and immediately understand the tone.

Is Ellie Kemper Really a Mother?

Yes. Ellie Kemper has two sons.

That real-life connection helps the campaign. Kemper is not simply pretending to understand busy parents. She has spoken publicly about balancing family life, comfort and practical shopping choices.

In an interview with People when the campaign launched, Kemper joked that she did not need to do much acting because she was already a Kohl’s mom in real life.

That is part of the reason the character feels convincing. The humour is exaggerated, but the shopping situations remain familiar.

Why the Kohl’s Mom Campaign Works

Retail advertising often falls into one of two traps. Some commercials focus too heavily on price reductions. Others use celebrities with little connection to the product or audience.

Kohl’s takes a different route.

The retailer uses Kemper as a recurring character who can connect seasonal promotions without making every advert feel identical.

This is a form of character-led advertising.

Kohl’s Mom sits somewhere between a celebrity endorsement and an advertising mascot. Kemper remains recognisable as herself, but the repeated role gives the campaign its own identity.

The same principle helps explain why viewers search for the actors in the latest T-Mobile commercials or want to know more about the John Travolta Capital One Christmas advert.

People often remember a face or character before they remember the offer.

Is Ellie Kemper in the New 2026 Kohl’s Commercial?

Yes. Ellie Kemper has continued to appear as Kohl’s Mom in commercials released during 2026.

One spring fashion advert places her back inside the store, helping shoppers choose seasonal clothing. Another spot promotes Kohl’s FLX activewear range and features Dylan Efron.

Kemper has also appeared in Mother’s Day promotions. These adverts build on the same idea: shopping advice delivered with a quick joke and an approachable tone.

The exact commercial viewers see may depend on the season, the sale or the television market. However, the woman playing Kohl’s Mom remains Ellie Kemper.

Why Do People Search for the Kohl’s Commercial Actress?

The question is popular because Kemper is instantly familiar without being overexposed.

Viewers often have one of three reactions:

1. “I know her from somewhere.”

2. “Was she in The Office?”

3. “Is that the actress from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?”

The answer to the second and third questions is yes.

This type of recognition creates useful search traffic for brands. The advert stays in the viewer’s mind after it ends, while the actress gives people a reason to look it up.

From a marketing perspective, that is a strong result. The audience is not simply watching the commercial. It is actively searching for the campaign afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays Kohl’s Mom in the commercials?

Ellie Kemper plays Kohl’s Mom. She has appeared in the retailer’s advertising since spring 2025.

Is the woman in the Kohl’s commercial from The Office?

Yes. Ellie Kemper played Erin Hannon in The Office.

Is the Kohl’s commercial actress also Kimmy Schmidt?

Yes. Ellie Kemper played the title role in Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Who is the woman in the Kohl’s spring commercial?

The woman in the Kohl’s spring advert is Ellie Kemper. She appears as the recurring Kohl’s Mom character.

Who appears with Ellie Kemper in the Kohl’s FLX commercial?

Dylan Efron appears with Ellie Kemper in a 2026 commercial promoting Kohl’s FLX activewear range.

Is Kohl’s Mom a real employee?

No. Kohl’s Mom is an advertising character played by Ellie Kemper.

Was Ellie Kemper in the Kohl’s Christmas commercial?

Yes. Kemper returned for Kohl’s Christmas advertising after the character’s spring and back-to-school campaigns.

Does Ellie Kemper have children?

Yes. Ellie Kemper has two sons.

Final Answer: Who Is the Woman in the Kohl’s Commercial?

The woman in the Kohl’s commercial is Ellie Kemper.

She plays Kohl’s Mom, the funny and helpful shopping companion who has appeared in the retailer’s advertising since spring 2025.

Kemper is best known for The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. However, the Kohl’s campaign gives her a new recurring role that feels like a natural fit.

By using one familiar character across spring fashion, back-to-school, Christmas and Mother’s Day advertising, Kohl’s has created something many retail campaigns lack: a face that viewers remember.

Sources

• Kohl’s: Ellie Kemper introduced as Kohl’s Mom

• Kohl’s: Kohl’s Mom returns for back-to-school shopping

• Kohl’s: Ellie Kemper returns for the holiday season

• People: Ellie Kemper discusses her Kohl’s Mom role

• iSpot: Kohl’s Mom spring style commercial

• iSpot: Kohl’s Mom FLX commercial

About Will Corry

Will Corry is the founder and publisher of TheMarketingBlog. He has covered marketing, media, branding and advertising campaigns for more than 30 years. His articles examine why adverts attract attention, how brands use familiar faces and what marketers can learn from the campaigns people remember.

By Will Corry
Updated: June 2026

The John Travolta commercial for Capital One works because it does not feel like a standard credit card advert. It feels like a miniature Christmas film.

Travolta appears as Santa Claus, but each advert draws on a different chapter from his career. Capital One has revisited Pulp Fiction, Saturday Night Fever and Grease while keeping its product message simple.

That combination matters. Audiences recognise the references almost instantly. However, the adverts still work for people who have never watched the original films.

The result is a rare form of financial advertising: a campaign that people actively choose to watch, replay and share.

Who Is the Actor in the Capital One Christmas Commercial?

The actor in the Capital One Christmas commercial is John Travolta.

Travolta became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during the 1970s after appearing as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever and Danny Zuko in Grease. Later, he played Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.

Capital One has used each of those roles as inspiration for its Christmas advertising.

The company did not simply hire a famous actor and place him in a Santa suit. Instead, it built each advert around moments that audiences already knew.

The First John Travolta Capital One Commercial Arrived in 2020

Travolta first played Santa for Capital One in a 2020 Christmas campaign for Capital One Shopping.

The advert reunited him with Samuel L. Jackson, his co-star from Pulp Fiction. Travolta’s Santa shops online for gifts for his elves while Jackson appears on a video call.

The script includes several jokes for fans of the film. Santa adds hot chocolate, marshmallows and 3,000 bolo ties to his shopping cart. He drinks a milkshake. Jackson asks whether he has been removed from Santa’s naughty list.

The advert ends with a dance scene that recalls Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace’s famous performance in Pulp Fiction.

The references are playful rather than forced. Viewers can enjoy the advert without understanding every joke. However, people who recognise the details have an extra reason to watch it again.

That approach laid the groundwork for the later campaigns.

The 2023 John Travolta Commercial: Holiday Night Fever

Capital One brought Travolta back as Santa in November 2023 for an advert called Holiday Night Fever.

This time, the campaign recreated the opening sequence from Saturday Night Fever.

In the original 1977 film, Travolta’s character Tony Manero walks through New York to the sound of the Bee Gees song Stayin’ Alive. The scene became one of the defining images of 1970s cinema.

The Capital One version follows the same basic structure. Travolta’s Santa walks confidently through the city in a red suit. He buys cookies, visits a shoe shop and picks up a disco-ball ornament while using a Capital One Quicksilver card.

The credit card message stays visible without taking over the story. The advert reminds viewers that the Quicksilver card offers 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases.

Then the campaign adds a detail for film fans.

Donna Pescow appears as the shoe-shop assistant. She played Annette in Saturday Night Fever, which gives the brief scene far more meaning than a random celebrity cameo.

Why Holiday Night Fever Worked

The idea sounds simple: dress John Travolta as Santa and ask him to recreate a famous walk.

However, the execution made the advert memorable.

Travolta does not play the role as a parody. He commits to it. Santa has swagger, carefully styled hair and the same confidence Tony Manero displayed decades earlier.

The advert also gives viewers enough time to recognise the reference. It does not rush through a string of Easter eggs. Instead, it builds around one clear idea.

That restraint helps the product message land.

Viewers remember the walk. They remember the Bee Gees track. They also remember that Santa earns cash back when he shops.

The 2025 Capital One Commercial: Greased Sleigh-Ridin’

Capital One returned to Travolta’s film history in November 2025 with Greased Sleigh-Ridin’.

The advert debuted during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast in the United States.

This time, Travolta appears as Santa in a North Pole garage. He inspects a futuristic sleigh before launching into a festive version of Greased Lightnin’, one of the best-known musical numbers from Grease.

The sleigh replaces the car from the original film. Elves replace the T-Birds. A reindeer even wears sunglasses.

Travolta sings and dances around the vehicle while the sleigh receives a Christmas upgrade. The script also works the Capital One product message into the lyrics with a reference to 1.5% cash back.

The idea is knowingly silly. That is exactly why it works.

The advert does not attempt to modernise Grease or explain its cultural importance. It gives audiences the version they want: Travolta dancing, smiling and enjoying the joke.

Why the John Travolta Christmas Commercials Feel Different

Celebrity adverts often fail because the famous person has no clear reason to be there.

A brand hires an actor, athlete or musician. They read a few lines. Their name generates attention for a week. Then the campaign disappears.

Capital One took a better approach.

Each Travolta advert uses a role that audiences already connect with him. Therefore, the casting drives the creative idea rather than sitting on top of it.

The campaigns work for five reasons:

• Travolta brings decades of recognition. Audiences know his face, his walk and his dance style.

• Each advert has one clear reference. The creative idea is easy to understand within seconds.

• The product benefit stays simple. Capital One focuses on an easy-to-remember cash-back message.

• The adverts reward repeat viewing. Film fans notice cameos, lines and visual details.

• The Christmas setting makes the nostalgia feel natural. Festive advertising often looks backwards, so the retro approach fits the season.

What Marketers Can Learn From the Capital One Campaign

The best lesson is not “hire a Hollywood actor”.

Most brands do not have the budget to cast John Travolta. Even fewer can use songs and film references known across several generations.

However, smaller businesses can still apply the same thinking.

1. Build the Campaign Around One Recognisable Idea

Capital One did not fill the adverts with several competing messages.

The 2023 advert has a simple premise: Tony Manero is now Santa.

The 2025 advert is just as clear: Danny Zuko is now Santa and the sleigh needs a Greased Lightnin’ makeover.

A campaign becomes easier to remember when people can explain it in one sentence.

2. Entertain Before Asking for Attention

People rarely share adverts because they explain a product feature in detail.

They share adverts that make them laugh, surprise them or remind them of something they love.

Capital One still promotes its product. However, it earns attention before delivering the sales message.

That order matters.

3. Use Nostalgia With a Purpose

Nostalgia does not work simply because an advert includes an old song or a familiar actor.

The reference must connect to the idea.

Travolta’s walk matters because Saturday Night Fever made it famous. The garage matters because Greased Lightnin’ took place around a car. Donna Pescow’s cameo matters because viewers remember Annette.

Each choice supports the same story.

4. Give Viewers Something to Notice

Small details increase replay value.

A cameo, a prop or a line of dialogue can turn one viewing into several. Those details also give fans something to discuss online.

That makes the audience part of the distribution strategy.

5. Keep the Product Message Easy to Repeat

The adverts contain plenty of creative detail. However, the commercial message remains uncomplicated.

Capital One links the Travolta campaigns to its Quicksilver cash-back proposition.

The entertainment attracts attention. The product message gives the advert a business purpose.

A Campaign Timeline Marketers Can Copy

A smaller brand can use the same structure without a celebrity budget.

The key is consistency. One strong concept will usually outperform several weak ideas packed into the same advert.

Is John Travolta the Best Celebrity Santa?

Travolta has now played Santa for Capital One across three campaigns.

Each advert gives him a different version of the character. The 2020 Santa shops from home. The 2023 Santa has disco swagger. The 2025 Santa turns the North Pole workshop into a musical garage.

Yet the character always feels recognisable.

Travolta plays Santa with warmth and self-awareness. He understands why audiences enjoy seeing him revisit these roles. Crucially, he never appears embarrassed by the references.

That confidence gives the adverts their charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Santa in the Capital One commercial?

John Travolta plays Santa Claus in the Capital One Christmas adverts.

What is the John Travolta Capital One commercial called?

The 2023 advert is called Holiday Night Fever. The 2025 advert is called Greased Sleigh-Ridin’.

What song is used in the John Travolta Santa commercial?

The 2023 Capital One advert uses Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees. The 2025 advert recreates Greased Lightnin’ from Grease.

Is Donna Pescow in the Capital One commercial?

Yes. Donna Pescow appears in the 2023 Holiday Night Fever advert as the shoe-shop assistant. She played Annette in Saturday Night Fever.

Was Samuel L. Jackson in a Capital One advert with John Travolta?

Yes. Samuel L. Jackson appeared with Travolta in the 2020 Capital One Shopping Christmas advert, which included several Pulp Fiction references.

What does the Capital One Quicksilver card offer?

Capital One promotes its Quicksilver card as offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases. Product terms may change, so readers should check the card provider’s current information before applying.

Final Thoughts

The John Travolta commercial series shows how celebrity advertising can work when a brand starts with a strong creative idea.

Capital One did not ask Travolta to act like a generic spokesperson. It used the qualities audiences already associate with him: confidence, humour, dancing and a career filled with memorable film moments.

That is why the adverts stand out.

They sell a financial product without feeling like financial advertising. More importantly, they give audiences a reason to watch until the end.

Fairy Non Bio has spent several years building its laundry advertising around a single recognisable face. That choice is a useful case study in how household brands use ambassadors to build familiarity, and it says a lot about the kind of trust the brand wants to earn.

Viewers trying to work out who is in the Fairy advert can find the full Fairy advert cast guide and campaign history on The Marketing Blog. This article looks at the strategy behind the casting.

A spokesperson, not a character

Fairy's approach differs from campaigns built around scripted characters. Brands such as AT&T and Progressive created fictional personas that audiences came to know by name. Fairy Non Bio has taken the quieter route of pairing a real media personality with everyday family laundry.

The distinction matters. A character can be written to say anything, but a spokesperson brings their own public reputation. Vogue Williams is an Irish presenter and podcaster known to UK and Irish audiences, and that existing familiarity does some of the work before the advert has said a word.

Why the fit works

Fairy Non Bio's messaging centres on softness, freshness and sensitive skin. Those are family-led themes, and they need a presenter who feels informal and believable rather than glossy.

Williams speaks directly to viewers and places the product in ordinary household situations. That keeps the tone closer to a recommendation from someone you know than to a traditional celebrity endorsement. For a product bought weekly and often without much thought, that tone helps.

Repetition builds recognition

Laundry products are low-involvement purchases. Shoppers often pick a familiar brand from the shelf in seconds, so mental availability matters more than a clever one-off idea.

Using the same ambassador across several years gives Fairy a consistent visual anchor. Viewers may not recall a specific product claim, but they remember the face and connect it to the brand. Each new advert then builds on earlier ones instead of starting from scratch.

Extending the ambassador beyond the ad break

Fairy has also used its ambassador in activity beyond television. The 2024 #LoadsOfKindness campaign, tied to the Paddington in Peru film release, added special-edition packs, a social media pledge and a live event at London's Outernet. Williams appeared as an ambassador alongside Marvin Humes and Paddington.

This shows the commercial value of a long-term relationship. A one-off celebrity would be hard to move between formats. An established ambassador can host events, front social content and appear in partnerships while keeping the brand's tone consistent.

Bundling products around one face

The "Dream Team" range, which combined PODs, fabric softener and in-wash scent boosters, gave the ambassador a job beyond simple recognition. A familiar presenter can make a multi-product routine feel like a single, easy decision rather than three separate purchases. That supports higher basket value without adding complexity to the message.

What other brands can learn

• Choose familiarity over novelty. A moderately famous, trusted face used repeatedly usually beats a bigger name used once.
• Match the ambassador to the category. A family product needs a family-friendly voice.
• Plan beyond television. A good ambassador should work across social, events and partnerships.
• Keep the tone consistent. Recognition builds when each campaign feels like part of the same story.

The takeaway

Fairy's use of Vogue Williams shows that brand recognition doesn't always need a dramatic creative idea. A consistent, believable face repeated over time can make a household product easier to remember and easier to choose. For more on how brands use recurring faces, see The Marketing Blog's guide to commercial actors in the biggest UK adverts.

If you're wondering who is the man in the Trivago advert is, the answer depends on which commercial you've seen.

The current face of Trivago is Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager. He became Trivago's global ambassador in 2024 and now appears in the company's latest travel advertising campaigns.

However, many viewers still associate Trivago with Tim Williams, the actor who became known worldwide as the "Trivago Guy" after appearing in the company's commercials for more than a decade.

Because older adverts continue to appear online, many people are unsure whether the man they have seen is Klopp or Williams.

Who Is the Man in the Current Trivago Advert?

The man currently appearing in Trivago adverts is Jürgen Klopp.

Known for his successful football management career with Liverpool F.C. and Borussia Dortmund, Klopp joined Trivago as a global brand ambassador to help refresh the travel brand's image.

Rather than playing a fictional character, Klopp appears as himself. The adverts focus on his personality, humour and travel experiences while promoting Trivago's hotel comparison platform.

His appointment marked one of the biggest celebrity partnerships in the company's history.

Who Was the Original Trivago Guy?

Before Klopp, the face of Trivago was actor Tim Williams.

Williams appeared in Trivago commercials across Europe, North America and other international markets for many years. His relaxed appearance, open-collar shirts and casual presentation made him instantly recognisable.

The campaign became so well known that many people still search for "Trivago guy" even years after the adverts first aired.

Although Williams is no longer the primary face of the brand, his commercials remain widely viewed online and continue to generate search interest.

Why Did Trivago Replace Tim Williams?

Trivago has never described the move as a direct replacement. Instead, the company shifted towards a celebrity-led strategy by partnering with Jürgen Klopp.

Klopp's global profile, particularly among football fans, gave the company access to a broader audience and helped modernise its marketing approach.

As a result, current Trivago television and online adverts now focus primarily on Klopp.

Quick Answer

If you have recently seen a Trivago advert on television, YouTube or streaming services, the man is almost certainly Jürgen Klopp.

If you remember older Trivago commercials featuring a casually dressed spokesman discussing hotel deals, that was actor Tim Williams.