Charles “Chip” Esten – Carl’s Jr.’s Carl Hardee Sr.

Carl’s Jr commercial features Charles Esten as the fictional founder of Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s. He plays a no-nonsense executive who is seen trying to take the brand in a new direction. Esten appears aged in the commercial, with grey hair, a beard, and wrinkled, weathered skin.

In real life, he looks quite the opposite. His handsome appearance has helped him bag roles like the country singer Deacon Claybourne on “Nashville.” A role in this ABC/CMT drama inspired him to delve deeper into a musical career. However, he is most known for playing Ward Cameron on “Outer Banks” and appearing on the improvisation show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”