Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

Did the Kid From the Life Cereal Ads Really Die From Mixing Pop Rocks and Coke?

A rumor claimed Life cereal’s Little Mikey died after mixing Pop Rocks and Coke. He was alive, but the candy’s reputation took a hit.

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

In 1972, Quaker Oats launched a new commercial for Life cereal featuring three-year-old John Gilchrist as “Little Mikey.” The 30-second ad starts with two young boys arguing over who should try the cereal first. They eventually decide to pass it off on their brother, Mikey, who apparently hates everything.

“Hey Mikey! He likes it!” one of them famously shouts after Mikey ends up enjoying the cereal:

The Candy-and-Soda Death Story........

© Vice