1976

First airing in 1972, the popular commercial was a regular for more
than twelve years, ending up as one of the longest continuously
running commercial campaigns ever aired. 

Gilchrist in a 2000 promotion photo

Little Mikey was played by John Gilchrist (above) and his brothers
in the commercial are Gilchrist’s actual brothers, named Michael
(the one on the left in the spot) and Tommy.