Michael Vale, the veteran actor best-known for his portrayal of Fred the Baker in Dunkin’ Donuts commercials, has died at the age of 83. Vale died Saturday in New York City of complications from diabetes, according to son-in law Rick Reil.
It was Vale who uttered the five words “Time to make the donuts” which catapulted Dunkin Donuts and Fred the Baker into America’s consciousness as cultural icons. Vale was a veteran of the Broadway stage, film and television. He appeared in over 1,300 television commercials, including the role of Sam Breakstone for Breakstone Dairy Products.
In one commercial for Dunkin’ Donuts, Vale visited other doughnut shops in disguise in order to see if they made their donuts fresh several times a day as he did. He was dressed as a woman, holding his finger over his ever-present moustache, until he pointed at his competitor’s stale doughnuts.
A Dunkin’ Donuts spokesperson said in a statement that the corporation was “saddened,” saying Vale “became a beloved American icon that permeated our culture and touched millions with his sense of humor and humble nature.”
Vale is survived by his wife Nancy, son Tracy, daughter Ivy, and granddaughter Violet.
Source and Photo: Associated Press