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Entertainment & Media
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More Than a Mascot: The Shocking Truth Behind Six Flags' Mr. Six
Remember the dancing old man from the Six Flags commercials? Mr. Six became a cultural icon in the early 2000s. The surprising truth is that the energetic character was played not by an elderly man, but by 29-year-old British choreographer and professional dancer, Danny Teeson.
In the mid-2000s, you couldn't turn on a television without seeing him. An elderly, balding man in a tuxedo and oversized glasses would pull up in a colorful bus, crank up the Vengaboys' hit "We Like to Party," and break into a spastic, high-energy dance that defied his apparent age. He was Mr. Six, the unforgettable mascot for the Six Flags "It's Playtime!" advertising campaign, and he became an instant pop culture phenomenon. But the biggest secret behind the character wasn't his dance moves; it was his real age.
The Man Behind the Tuxedo
The spry senior citizen who seemed to have boundless energy was, in reality, 29-year-old British dancer and choreographer Danny Teeson. Under layers of professional prosthetics and makeup, Teeson brought the character to life. His background wasn't in retirement homes but in professional dance, having performed as a principal dancer in productions like Fame – The Musical. This expertise was the key to Mr. Six's signature style—a flurry of flailing limbs, high kicks, and frenetic movements that no actual elderly person could safely perform. The illusion was so complete that for years, audiences believed Six Flags had simply found the world's most energetic grandpa.
Crafting a Cultural Icon
The campaign, created by Doner Advertising, was a massive success. The commercials were simple yet effective: Mr. Six would arrive to liven up a dull situation, his infectious dancing encouraging everyone to drop what they were doing and head to Six Flags. The character's bizarre, almost surreal energy made him instantly memorable. He was part of a wave of 'weird-vertising' that dominated the era, creating mascots that were talked about long after the 30-second spot ended. While Danny Teeson provided the iconic movements, the character's gravelly voice saying "More Flags, More Fun!" was provided by a voice actor, adding another layer to the carefully constructed persona.
A Legacy of Creepy Fun
While the campaign was wildly popular, the public's reaction to Mr. Six was complex. For every person who found him charmingly goofy, there was another who found him downright unsettling. His manic energy and unchanging expression created an uncanny effect that many described as "creepy." As one pop culture critic noted at the time:
There is something inherently unnerving about the character. The juxtaposition of his aged appearance with his frantic, youthful dancing creates a disconnect that is both fascinating and slightly disturbing.
This dual perception only added to his legend. Whether loved or feared, he was impossible to ignore. The campaign was retired in 2005 but briefly brought back in 2009 due to popular demand, cementing the character's status as one of the most memorable advertising mascots of the 21st century.
Where is He Now?
After hanging up the tuxedo, Danny Teeson continued his successful career in choreography and creative direction. He has worked on major television shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, and has served as a creative director for artists like Kelly Clarkson and Paula Abdul. The role of Mr. Six remains a unique and standout entry on a long and impressive resume, a testament to the hidden talent that can bring an iconic character to life.