Often called the most successful tobacco advertising campaign ever, the Marlboro Man appealed to American men because of his masculinity, individuality and freedom.
Though some of the Marlboro Men in the famous cigarette advertisements launched in the 1950s were actors, Winfield was the real thing.
Winfield was working at a Wyoming ranch in 1968 when Leo Burnett/Philip Morris Advertising came looking for real cowboys to feature in the campaign, according to his local obituary.
He often wore his own clothes and provided many of the animals in the photo shoots.
“His family said he loved horses, rodeo, especially team roping, ranching, and the cowboy way of life,” according to his obituary. “He liked to tease, was quite a character, and never met a stranger. He collected bits and spurs, loved to read western non-fiction, history, and stories of the Native Americans.”
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
Advertising Archive/Courtesy Everett Collection
On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued a landmark report on the negative health risks caused by smoking tobacco. But you wouldn't know those risks by looking at some of these prominent advertisements of the 20th century. Here, actor and future U.S. President Ronald Reagan is seen in a 1950s ad for Chesterfield cigarettes.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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A billboard advertises Marlboro cigarettes. The rugged "Marlboro Man" was a staple of the brand's marketing.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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This French advertisement for Benson & Hedges cigarettes was published in 1970.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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A model is seen lying down in an advertisement for Opera Puffs Cigarettes.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
Mary Evans Picture Library/Everett Collection
Sobranie Cocktail cigarettes were available in a variety of colors.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
GAB Archive/Redferns
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong appears in an advertisement for Camel cigarettes.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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Ground-breaking baseball player Jackie Robinson endorses Chesterfield cigarettes in this 1940s advertisement.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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Some early smoking advertisements, like this one for Craven "A" cigarettes, claimed their products wouldn't affect the throat.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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Baseball players Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Jensen, Bucky Harris and Ewell Blackwell advertise Chesterfield cigarettes in a magazine ad from around 1950.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
Mary Evans Picture Library/Everett Collection
Kensitas cigarettes were marketed as a appetite suppressant in 1929. It suggested having a cigarette between meals instead of snacks.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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This Joe Camel billboard, advertising Camel cigarettes, was seen on West 34th Street in New York City. Philip Morris eventually dropped the cartoonish figure amid protests that it appealed to children.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
Advertising Archive/Courtesy Everett Collection
An ad for Tipalet cigarettes claims its smoke can make men more attractive to women.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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A giant bra was added to this Camel ad in San Francisco by Billboard Liberation Front members who objected to the use of male bodies in ads. At the bottom of the billboard is the surgeon general's warning, which were added to cigarette ads soon after Terry's report in 1964.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images
This postcard, printed in Paris around 1950, promotes Wings cigarettes.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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This advertisement for Lucky Strike cigarettes says their "light smoke" offers throat protection.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
Mary Evans/National Magazines/Everett Collection
An advertisement for Bachelor cigarettes invites the audience to sample their "individual charm and delightful character."
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
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An advertisement for Our Little Beauties cigarettes, near the turn of the 20th century.
Photos: Cigarette ads from the 20th century
Advertising Archive/Courtesy Everett Collection
A 1940s holiday ad for Philip Morris cigarettes.
Other Marlboro Men became disillusioned with the campaign, eventually starring in anti-smoking campaigns.
The Marlboro Man’s run ended when the tobacco companies and state attorneys general reached a settlement in 1998 that banned the use of humans and cartoons in U.S. tobacco advertising.
Yet Winfield stayed true to the brand from the time he was hired in 1968 until he died, according to his obituary.
He is survived by his wife, Lennie, their six children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
