Patty Duke Stars In Corny Medicare TV Commercial

There I was, sitting on my couch watching my HD television, when the show paused for a commercial break. Completely understandable.

Sometimes I use the breaks to get odd jobs done around the house, however that day I watched the commercials. Better yet, I actually paid attention. I laughed as well.

One commercial featured a family at a table, sitting down to eat a large turkey dinner. The elevator music and fake tone of the actors caught my attention immediately. The actors discussed Medicare benefits and backed the U.S. Social Security Administration for funding the benefits. The website "www.socialsecurity.gov" appeared along the bottom of my HD screen.

I was hooked. Corny lines and instrumental tunes, what more could you ask for? I found the commercial on YouTube. 7,270 views as of today. Hey, not bad!

Then I found out more details. The feature actor in the commercial was Patty Duke. Seriously. Not only that, the "family" surrounding her at dinner were the cast of her TV show "The Patty Duke Show."

Patty Duke has starred in several movies, both on the big-screen and on television. Like many actors, she began her career in commercials. Here we see her work run full circle.

Her popularity sky-rocketed when she starred for three years in "The Patty Duke Show," which premiered in 1963. The TV show lasted for three seasons and Duke was nominated for an Emmy for her role.

Today Duke is a star of the commercial promoting the socialsecurity.gov website. The majority of the cast from "The Patty Duke Show" joins her around the dinner table for a fake-feeling reunion.

Now I don't know about you but when I sit around the table for a fancy dinner, I don't tend to talk Medicare. Maybe that's just me.

The commercial sends viewers the message that by signing up for benefits through the U.S. website, American residents will be able to process their applications quickly with little hassle. The agony of standing in a long line-up or taking a number and waiting can be avoided through the online application process.

By featuring Patty Duke in the lead role, an element of authenticity is added for all who recognize her. If Duke endorses the process, viewers may be more inclined to believe the website attractive and pursue it further.

As for me, I live in Canada and the website offers little detail to which I can relate. I am, however, suddenly craving turkey.