Time To Make The Donuts

[LoKyBuckeye]

LINK

Actor who said 'Time to make the donuts' dies
December 27, 2005

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

Vale's long-running character, "Fred the Baker," became a cultural icon. The ad campaign lasted 15 years, until Vale retired in 1997.

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

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

Brooklyn-born Vale 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.

Vale is survived by his wife Nancy, son Tracy, daughter Ivy, and granddaughter Violet.

© Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

[buckeyefool]

I can't beleive I missed this...who the hell is going to make the doughnuts now?

 

[exhawg]

I can't beleive I missed this...who the hell is going to make the doughnuts now?

I hear donny got a job at Krispy Kreme.

 

[buckeyegrad]

Perhaps this is why the Dunkin' Donuts advertising campaign has focused more on the coffee than the donuts over the last year. They saw his death coming!

 

[Buck Nasty]

I hear donny got a job at Krispy Kreme.

I think you can see on this chart the approximate time he started there.

 

[SanAntonioBuck]

I can't beleive I missed this...who the hell is going to make the doughnuts now?

Dude retired in 1997, he's got his old lady making the donuts now...