I think I did see Beckham in a US ad once. But he was already a recognized celebrity.

Of course, there was the iconic "Marlboro man" in the '50s, a cowboy with a discreet back-of-the-hand tattoo of something or other.

But that was a unique attempt to show just how tough this imaginary smokin' cowpuncher really was, even though he was smokin' them (formerly sissy) *filtered* cigs.

At least one of the models later died of smoking-related illnesses, however.