Allergan Earnings Boost Came Courtesy of Its Army of Hollywood Stars
Allergan (AGN) had a great Q2 2010 earnings report: revenues were up 10 percent to $1.2 billion. In terms of Botox, breast implants and tummy tucks the recesssion is well and truly over.
But Allergan did not do this alone. It had help from Hollywood. As CEO David Pyott noted in in call with Wall Street analysts, actress Claire Danes was added as a "second spokeswoman" behind the redoubtable Brooke Shields for Latisse, the company's controversial eyelash lengthener.
More than any other drug company, Allergan ropes in the residents of Beverly Hills to help it normalize our cultural views about synthetic beauty, and to sell prescription products. Here's an incomplete list of stars that have either appeared directly on Allergan's payroll or who have indirectly shown "support" for causes funded by Allergan:
For Latisse:
Claire Danes
Brooke Shields
Allergan has also corralled Mandy Moore, Debi Mazar, Jewel, and Marisa Tomei for one-off promotional events.
In addition, former actress/model and designer Kathy Ireland
Professional ballroom dancer Chelsie Hightower
Style guide Bobbie Thomas have all assisted Allergan's Latisse in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
For Botox:
Virginia Madsen is the main spokeswoman.
Vanessa Williams and Didiayer Snyder have had supporting roles.
Vicki Iovine and gymnast Nadia Comaneci have delivered up to $250,000 to three deserving charities in a campaign called "BOTOX Cosmetic My Expressions of Kindness."
For Aczone:
Michael Welch of Twilight fame starred in an interactive campaign for Aczone, Allergan's acne drug.
All images from Wikimedia Commons.