The Super Bowl commercial featuring a young boy dressed as Darth Vader, who thinks he successfully uses the Force to start his dad’s car, has tied for highest finish ever by a car ad in the Super Bowl in an annual USA Today Ad Meter poll of consumer panelists. In a field of sometimes funny (the Ozzy Osbourne/Justin Bieber Best Buy ad), sometimes sexy (the Kim Kardashian Sketchers ad) and sometimes tasteless (the mockumentary Groupon ad) the cute and cuddly ads won out with consumers. According to the Ad Meter poll, the top 2 viewer favorites both featured dogs (for Doritos and Bud Light) with 3rd place going to Volkswagen’s adorable Darth Vader. But who is the kid behind the mask?

6 year old Max Page plays the little boy dressed as Darth Vader, who unsuccessfully tries to use his Force powers around the house until he points his power in the direction of the family’s VW Passat, which starts up seemingly at Max’s command. This is the first national TV spot for young Max, though he has appeared in other regional commercials and has a recurring role on the Young and the Restless. Reportedly, Max and his family didn’t realize the spot was for the Super Bowl until after shooting had began.

But Max’s story is also one of perseverance and strength. You see, Max was born with a congenital heart defect and had a surgery when he was just 3 months old to implant an artificial pacemaker. According to his Mom, he is still routinely at the hospital. Blue eyed Max was beaming with a vivacious smile as he made the media rounds following the success of the Super Bowl spot. Definitely an inspiration!

http://superbowlads.fanhouse.com/2011/volkswagon-darth-vader-kid/