Ortiz stars in new D'Angelos ad

Red Sox star David Ortiz will co-star in a D'Angelo's TV ad with a life-sized, talking steak-and-cheese sandwich cast in the demanding role of himself.

The slugger known as Big Papi has had a promotional relationship with the D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches chain for three years, and starting May 17, Ortiz will appear in TV ads in the Boston and Providence markets, the company said.

In the ad, the talking sandwich follows Ortiz through his daily routine, and the ad's message is that the D'Angelo steak-and-cheese sandwich will follow you throughout your day until you satisfy your craving for it, the company said.

D'Angelo's parent company is Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. of Dedham, which also operates the Papa Gino's pizzeria chain.

D'Angelo's said the ad was created by Boathouse Inc. of Waltham.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)