Marlboro Man Dead: Darrell Winfield Dies At 85
Darrell passed away on Jan. 12 in Riverton, Wyoming, according to his obituary. His face became one of the most recognizable in all of advertising from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Darrell was discovered by the Leo Burnett Advertising Agency in 1968 when he was working at the Quarter Circle 5 Ranch in Wyoming, USA Today reports.
The “Marlboro Man” was one of the ultimate symbols of masculinity. The rugged cowboy taking a smoke was the focus of the iconic cigarette ads for decades. This was the case until a Master Settlement Agreement between tobacco companies and state attorney generals prohibited the use of humans in cigarette commercials.
The rancher was humble to the core. When asked what his life would have been like if he had not become the “Marlboro Man,” he said “life would have basically been the same.” He loved horses, rodeo, team roping, ranching, and living the cowboy way of life, his obituary said.
Darrell is survived by his wife, son, five daughters, three grandchildren and one great grandchild, Huffington Post reports.
The cause of Darrell’s death has not been released.
Our thoughts go out to Darrell’s family and friends during this difficult time.
— Avery Thompson