If you’ve watched TV in the past few years, you’ve probably seen the iconic khaki-wearing spokesperson, “Jake from State Farm.” But did you know the man behind the role isn’t actually named Jake? Let’s get to know the real Jake, actor Kevin Miles, and dive into his journey from auditions to becoming a household name.
Who Is Kevin Miles?
Kevin Miles, whose birth name is Kevin Mimms, became the face of State Farm commercials in 2020. He replaced the original “Jake from State Farm,” played by Jake Stone, who starred in the now-famous 2011 ad where a suspicious wife interrupts her husband’s late-night call to an insurance agent. The original “Jake” replied to her infamous question, “What are you wearing?” with the simple yet unforgettable line, “Uhhh … khakis.”
Nine years later, State Farm decided to revive the character, and Kevin Miles stepped into the role. Since then, he’s become a prominent figure not only in advertising but also in pop culture, earning recognition on platforms like Instagram and TikTok as the new Jake. His friendly, relatable demeanor has made him the perfect representative for the brand.
How Kevin Miles Landed the Role
State Farm announced its plans to bring back Jake in 2020 and held auditions in Los Angeles to find the perfect fit. Kevin Miles was one of 40 actors called back for the final round, and he admits he felt nervous.
“You see these actors that you admire and have seen before going in for this role, and you’re just like, ‘Oh crap, I know they’re great,’ ” Miles said on the Dan Patrick Show in 2021.
Despite the competition, Miles’ authenticity and charm won over the focus groups, landing him the role of a lifetime. He approached the character by staying close to his real personality, avoiding any over-the-top caricatures.
The Original Jake: Where Is He Now?
Before Kevin Miles took on the role, the original Jake, played by Jake Stone, became an instant sensation after the 2011 ad aired. Stone was actually a State Farm employee at the time, cast through an internal audition process. Following his brief stint in the spotlight, Stone left the company and now works as a bartender at Pub II, a bar in Normal, Illinois.
In a 2023 interview with The Pantagraph, Stone shared that he’s happily married with two young children and still proudly rocks khakis. In fact, the iconic pants from the commercial hang on the wall at his workplace as a fun memento.
Kevin Miles: Personal Life and Net Worth
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Kevin Miles has always been drawn to storytelling. Before landing the role of Jake, he studied acting and appeared in minor roles on shows like Criminal Minds and S.W.A.T. His perseverance paid off when he became Jake from State Farm, a role that not only skyrocketed his career but also opened doors to new opportunities.
At 34 years old, Miles is enjoying his newfound fame. Though he keeps his family life private, he has credited his parents and loved ones for supporting his dreams. With his growing success, Kevin Miles’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, a significant leap from his early days as a struggling actor.
The Impact of Jake from State Farm
Since taking on the role, Kevin Miles has made “Jake from State Farm” a cultural icon. His charisma has turned the character into more than just a spokesperson; Jake has become a relatable, friendly face representing trust and reliability.
State Farm’s Chief Agency Sales and Marketing Officer, Rand Harbert, described Jake as embodying the company’s values: “Jake from State Farm isn’t just an individual — he is all of us. He represents what every one of the 19,000 State Farm agents and 58,000 employees strive to deliver.”
Jake’s Super Bowl Moment and More
One of Kevin Miles’ standout moments as Jake came during the 2021 Super Bowl, when he starred alongside Drake and Paul Rudd in a commercial. In the ad, NFL stars Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes joke about their less-than-ideal stand-ins, only for Jake to reveal he doesn’t get one. Enter Drake, who hilariously tries to deliver Jake’s signature line, only to be told, “Stand-ins don’t have lines.”
This high-profile ad solidified Jake’s place in pop culture and helped Kevin Miles build connections with celebrities like Rodgers, Mahomes, and Travis Kelce. Miles frequently shares behind-the-scenes moments with his “squad” on Instagram, showing off the fun dynamic they’ve developed.
Balancing Fame and Fitness
Miles’ growing fame hasn’t stopped him from prioritizing fitness. On the Dan Patrick Show, he revealed he tailors his workout routine to match the vibe of his commercials. For NFL-themed spots, he bulks up to look like he could play a pickup game with the pros, while for NBA ads, he leans out for a more agile appearance.
“I’m trying to be the Christian Bale of these commercials right now,” Miles joked, referencing the actor’s dramatic physical transformations for roles.
A Good Neighbor, On and Off Screen
From Super Bowl commercials to viral TikToks, Kevin Miles has turned Jake from State Farm into an enduring symbol of trust and dependability. As he continues to build his career, one thing is clear: Miles’ charm and talent are here to stay. Whether he’s acting alongside NFL superstars or interacting with fans online, Kevin Miles embodies the spirit of a good neighbor — always there when you need him.
