In recent years, the ad character Jake from State Farm has been through a lot. For instance, just last year, it was decided that the part had to be recast.
In the beginning, Jake from State Farm was played by Jake Stone, an actual insurance agent who worked at the company’s Bloomington, Illinois office. Later on, however, it was decided that the role had to be portrayed by a professional character. And so, actor Kevin Miles eventually landed the gig.
The State Farm commercials have since received some mixed reactions (some like it, others think they’re not really funny). As for Miles himself, it seems the gig was worked out quite well for him.
After all, the insurance role has certainly boosted his Hollywood profile. In fact, it seems to have also led to a lot more gigs for the actor.
Before Landing The State Farm Gig, Kevin Miles Lived In His Car
Growing up, Miles always had a passion for acting. In fact, he even pursued it for his studies, graduating from the Webster University Conservatory of Theater Arts before deciding to move to Los Angeles.
Right off the bat, he knew he was a risky move. But Miles had a survival plan, sort of. “Before I decided to move to L.A., it was so scary to think about leaving family and memories behind to start over,” he told Chicago Tribune. “But I do remember telling myself, right before I bought a ticket: The quicker you jump into the pool, the quicker you can enjoy the water. You will adapt, even when things get hard and difficult.”
True enough, his early days in LA were challenging times. For starters, Miles ended up living in his car.
“My mom came with me and helped me get this old used Mustang and she left the next day,” the actor told Forbes. “I didn’t have an apartment. I came with two bags and a pillow.”
Miles slept in his car for several weeks and around this time, friends suggested that he attend several casting calls. That’s when he started pursuing all sorts of available roles (he mainly booked minor roles, including a guest part in the TV series S.W.A.T.). “It was definitely hard. I kept going. It was brick-by-brick and making sure I put my best foot forward and go for it.”
At some point, Miles learned of a casting call for Jake from State Farm. And while he may have been determined to get cast, the actor didn’t exactly come in prepared.
They asked people to wear a red polo and khakis and I didn’t even see that for the wardrobe, so I showed up in a white shirt, gray blazer, black distressed jeans and Jordans,” the actor recalled. “I did the audition and then when I did the callback, you show up to the callback in the same thing [you wore before] and I’m seeing a hundred people wearing red polos and khakis and I’m like Man, did I miss something?”
Fortunately for Miles, his audition alone was enough to get the casting director’s attention. He also stood out across various groups.
“In the focus groups, I always tested as number one except for maybe one [group],” he recalled. State Farm was convinced he was the right man for the job.
“The CMO of State Farm Rand [Harbert], he’s a great dude but he let me know ‘I was not looking for you,’” Miles revealed. “I was definitely looking for the original 'Jake.' It was my wife that saw your callback sheet and said, 'That’s your Jake' immediately.” The rest is history!
Here’s What’s Next For Jake From State Farm
After becoming Jake from State Farm, it seems a lot more opportunities have opened up for Miles. For starters, the actor stars in the upcoming sequel to the Netflix film Tall Girl, and Tall Girl 2.
Miles has also been attached to the upcoming comedy-drama Most Guys Are Losers, which also stars Mira Sorvino and Andy Buckley. Lastly, the actor is also set to star in the upcoming McG action-adventure film Uglies. The film was written by Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff. It is headlined by Netflix breakout stars Joey King, Laverne Cox, and Chase Stokes.
And while Miles does have several non-commercial projects already lined up, it also seems that the actor is still determined to play Jake from State Farm for as long as possible. In fact, he already envisions a future where viewers will get to see Jake with his family.
“Jake definitely has a family. I’m sure one day we’ll bring it to light,” the actor said. “I think those would be some fun spots, but it’s definitely not official. This is me just shooting off the cuff.”
