Following the passing of former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, a Pizza Hut ad he starred in back in 1997 has gone viral online.
The ad was released for Pizza Hut in Russia and shows the politician seated in the corner as several Russians discuss what he did for the country, both good and bad, before celebrating him with pizza slices held high.
The ad itself is pretty wild to watch, especially with historical context in mind. Gorbachev was the final president of the former Soviet Union before it dissolved against his wishes, and Russians would have spent years debating his impact on the nation – exactly as they do in the ad.
It also highlights a key point in his career, as a once larger-than-life member of the Union being forced into supporting an American brand forcing its way into his country.
The video has been shared across social media in the days following his death (Gorbachev passed on Tuesday), and while many comments have been in mourning of the former leader there’s plenty of people putting a more humorous spin on the situation.
“Rest in Peace Mr. Gobachev. Bringer of Opportunity, Spokesperson for Pizza Hut”, said one commenter, while another joked “He breathed his last and said ‘It’s Gorbin time’ before going gently into that good night”.
B&T will begin its research into whether Vladimir Putin has been in any Domino’s ads as soon as we can.
