• by Joe Mandese , December 6, 2022

Publicis Groupe this morning released an annual Christmas video greeting using comedy to deliver a serious message: that people should get vaccinated for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cancer and is something that CEO Arthur Sadoun was diagnosed with and treated for earlier this year.

Following a bit of banter between Sadoun and Chairman Maurice Levy playing a clueless straight man regarding the virus's stats, American actor Michael Douglas -- or as Levy pronounces it, "Dooglass!" -- makes a surprise cameo to close the pitch.

"Michael, thank you so much for coming all the way. You've always been so transparent about your cancer," Sadoun says, greeting the actor.

"That's because talking about it is the only way to spread the word about the importance of the vaccine, which can save so many lives," the Douglas responds, adding: "And if we together can help protect as many people as possible by encouraging them to get vaccinated, so much the better."