Charlotte Foster
Food & Wine

Return of the Happiest Little Vegemite

In 1954, Trish Cavanagh became a household icon, known as the adorable Happy Little Vegemite. 

Now, 60 years on, Trish is reprising her role as the original face of the Aussie brand as Vegemite prepares for its 100th birthday. 

Trish, now 71, was just seven years old when she marched to the beat of the famous Happy Little Vegemite tune in the company's first advertisement, which became a staple of Australian pop culture.

Earlier this year, Trish was called upon to march to the tune once more for the brand's centenary, as they planned to remake the original ad for the occasion. 

Trish revealed the ad "changed my life forever": something she didn't foresee when she first filmed the commercial.

"Vegemite has been and continues to play a huge role in my life, and I am so thrilled to be passing the baton to the next generation of Happy Little Vegemite kids," she said.

While the remake heavily features the new generation of Happy Little Vegemites and brand new footage, to uphold the legacy, it also features a few clips from the original.

Trish's lead role, back when television was still in black and white, made way for hundreds more Vegemite kids to take centre stage in catchy campaigns.

"These children today don't realise what a big event this is for them, and I hope in the years to come they look back with pride," she said.

"To be in the remake of the original Vegemite ad for the 100th birthday is something very special. Get ready for the ride, kids – I think it will be a long one."

Image credits: Vegemite

Tags:
food & wine, Vegemite, Trish Cavanagh, reprise