Goldfish are known as the snack that smiles back. While that playful, tasty, and endearing snack food appeals to all ages, the idea of “being like a goldfish” encourages people to embrace that lighthearted, free spirited, and unexpected moments. As Ben Marshall explained, he epitomizes that smiling, good natured spirit.
While Dory might have sung about just keep swimming, another fish, goldfish, have been said to have short term memories. Whether it was a Ted Lasso moment or the concept that people have mentioned when a moment takes an unfortunate turn, the idea of pick up, move on, and forget the mishap has merit.
The new snack campaign, Be Like Goldfish, features Ben Marshall and showcases that humorous and playful take on the concept. As Janda Lukin, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Campbell’s Snacks explained, “Our new campaign invites snackers of all ages to embrace the playful spirit of Goldfish. As America’s favorite fish-shaped snack, beloved for its iconic, comforting smile, Goldfish is here to remind everyone to ‘Be Like Goldfish’ and keep swimming through all of life’s ups and downs.”
As the face of the campaign, SNL actor and comedian Ben Marshall graciously answered some questions about his role, his favorite SNL skits, and his summer plans.
Cristine Struble, What drew you to the Be Like Goldfish campaign? What does it mean to you to have the “be like Goldfish spirit”?
Ben Marshall: I thought the spots were really funny and relatable. “Be Like Goldfish” is all about smiling through everyday mishaps, and that’s something I try to do in my life.
Struble: Do you think that there is a benefit of having short term memory? Have you ever wanted to instantly forget a particular moment or event? If so, what is it?
Marshall: Being able to forget something awkward that happens to you is definitely a superpower and a gift. I'm constantly waving back at people who aren't waving at me, or telling Uber drivers to have a great flight, too.
Struble: What are some of your favorite Goldfish flavors or how do you enjoy Goldfish? Does snacking fit into your everyday routine? Is snacking a big part of the writer’s room?
Marshall: My favorite Goldfish flavors are Original and Flavor Blasted. I’m constantly snacking, both at work and at home. It’s biologically impossible to think of new ideas without snacks. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.
Struble: Goldfish is known as the snack that smiles back, does sharing a smile or a laugh really make people feel better? Do you ever feel pressure to be funny?
Marshall: 100%. Without laughing and smiling I don’t know how we would survive. I sometimes feel pressure to be funny because that’s my job, but at the same time I just feel really lucky to be able to make jokes for a living.
Struble: Many of your SNL skits/videos are legendary. While it might be hard to pick, do you have some favorites? Did one resonate with an audience, and it surprised you?
Marshall: Some of my favorites are Touch Up, Mean Cute, Roast, Hard Seltzer, Three Sad Virgins, and Bad Bunny Is Shrek. I didn’t know how people would respond to us and Dakota Johnson mercilessly roasting each other, and I was happy it seemed to connect with people.
Struble: What’s next for you? What are you looking forward to this summer?
Marshall: I’m going on tour with Please Don’t Destroy this summer and one thing is for certain: there will be Goldfish in the green room.
Ready to bring some smiles to summer snacking? Being like a Goldfish can be a good thing because life is too short to forget to smile through all the ups and downs.