View Full Version : Dunkin' Donuts Ad Actor Michael Vale Dies


Janice
12-27-2005, 10:51 PM
Dunkin' Donuts Ad Actor Michael Vale Dies

http://ak.imgfarm.com/images/ap/thumbnails//OBIT_VALE.sff_BX103_20051227201206.jpg (http://apnews.excite.com/image/20051227/OBIT_VALE.sff_BX103_20051227201206.html?date=20051228&docid=D8EOVGQ84)
(AP) Michael Vale, also known through his acting role as Dunkin' Donuts' "Fred the Baker," drives down... Full Image (http://apnews.excite.com/image/20051227/OBIT_VALE.sff_BX103_20051227201206.html?date=20051228&docid=D8EOVGQ84)

NEW YORK (AP) - Michael Vale, the actor best known for his portrayal of a sleepy-eyed Dunkin' Donuts baker who said "Time to make the doughnuts," has died. He was 83.

Vale died Saturday in New York City of complications from diabetes, according to son-in law Rick Reil.

Vale's long-running character, "Fred the Baker," for the doughnut maker's ad campaign lasted 15 years until he retired in 1997.

Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' Donuts said in a statement that Vale's character "became a beloved American icon that permeated our culture and touched millions with his sense of humor and humble nature."

Vale was born in Brooklyn and studied acting at the Dramatic Workshop in New York City with classmates Tony Curtis, Ben Gazzara and Rod Steiger. A veteran of the Broadway stage, film and television, Vale appeared in more than 1,300 TV commercials.

Brian Damage
12-27-2005, 10:53 PM
"Time to make the doughnuts." :rip:

theshark8777
12-27-2005, 10:53 PM
I miss those commercials. I remember them well, even when I was little.

RIP.

TJL
12-27-2005, 11:06 PM
He also played a fictionalized version of Sam Breakstone, the creator of Breakstone's sour cream in a series of commercials in the 70's.

R.I.P.

80s_Fan
12-27-2005, 11:13 PM
:rip:

Cactus Jack
12-27-2005, 11:23 PM
RIP :(

*Pleasant Tomorrow*
12-27-2005, 11:56 PM
RIP :(

Southern Hellraiser
12-28-2005, 12:13 AM
:rip: :(

Mr. Television
12-28-2005, 12:17 AM
R.I.P. :(

Redd Foxx
12-28-2005, 01:49 AM
That's messed. RIP. He was probably a good guy in real life.

dawsongirl
12-28-2005, 02:51 AM
Aww...let's all have a donut on him.

phoebe7165
12-28-2005, 03:00 AM
"Time to make the doughnuts." :rip:

Years ago, I worked at a Dunkin Donuts and people, thinking they were being witty, would say that to me all the time. Almost made me want to fling a cruller at them!!!

"I made the doughnuts"!!!:p

RIP, Michael.:( :rip:

80sTrivia
12-28-2005, 07:07 AM
I loved those commercials! My favorite was when he donned a dress and a wig and covered his signature moustache with his finger and grilled other bakery employees (in a falsetto voice) about whether or not they made their donuts fresh each morning... He will be missed... :(

KristinHerreraFan
12-28-2005, 08:31 AM
:rip: Let him rest in peace :(

Brad Russ
12-28-2005, 09:55 AM
That guy was awesome. I always loved those commercials. May he Rest In Peace!!

YoliUSA
12-28-2005, 07:18 PM
:rip:

EmoJoe
12-28-2005, 11:02 PM
RIP :( :rip:

Nighthawk76
12-28-2005, 11:22 PM
:rip: