Tim Williams, the actor known as the Trivago Guy, found out he had been replaced when he saw a new Trivago commercial last December. Trivago had tried re-running old ads featuring Williams, but the results were not promising. The new commercials feature a new actor who uses AI to appear to speak in multiple languages for different markets. Williams, now living in the U.S. after more than 20 years in Germany, shared his thoughts on the change in a recent video chat.
Williams, who is a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) member, explained that Trivago may have been saving money by using AI for commercials and eliminating the need for multiple actors. He made more than 60 commercials for Trivago, with the last original one airing in 2018. Despite the success of the commercials, Williams did not necessarily get rich from them. He had three contracts with Trivago but did not get paid based on the number of impressions. Williams and his mom, Sharon Williams, shared their thoughts on the reactions to the commercials and how they made an impact.
The Trivago commercials featuring Williams were known for his distinctive look and style, including not wearing a belt and appearing scruffy in some of the early ads. Williams explained that the beltless look came about due to budget constraints and creative decisions. He also shared that his appearance was influenced by a character he played on a German soap opera, which required him to have a certain look. Despite no longer appearing in new Trivago commercials, Williams is currently working on writing a TV or film script with his production company and appeared in other projects.
Looking back at his time with Trivago, Williams expressed gratitude for being a part of the experience and helping Trivago gain recognition. His mom, Sharon Williams, shared her pride in his accomplishments. While the use of AI in commercials may be replacing the need for multiple actors like Tim Williams in the future, his contributions to Trivago’s success and his impact on the advertising industry remain significant. As Williams continues to pursue new opportunities in the entertainment industry, his legacy as the Trivago Guy will always be a memorable part of his career.
