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Posted by: Officer Dunngeon

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 donuts," has died, his family said on Tuesday. He was 83 years old.
Michael Vale, seen here in September 1997, died Saturday of complications from diabetes in New York his family said.By Gail Oskin, AP

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 "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 Stieger.

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.

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Posted by: badogg88

He died due to complications of diabetes. Ironic?

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Posted by: CJIS

Drunkin Donuts?

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Posted by: dcs2244

RIP, Mr. Vale. Attention: Pig Pellets will kill you...

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Posted by: Officer Dunngeon

True story:

One snowy evening when I was about 11 or 12 years old, it was my father's turn to carpool all my little friends and me to our weekly Girl Scout meeting. He stopped at Dunkin' Donuts to get us all some hot chocolate for the ride and parked next to a big black limosine in the lot. As we waited in the Scout for me poor ol' pappy to return, this mustashioed guy comes out of the shop with an entourage of people. He knocked on the driver's side window of my dad's truck to get all of us to look at him, and said, "Time to make the donuts!" We all GIGGLED and GUSHED with glee when we realized it was the real Dunkin' Donuts guy! He just laughed, turned around, and disappeared into the limo.

Of course, a few minutes after he was gone my father comes bumbling out carrying a couple of trays of hot chocolate, oblivious to who that dude was and everything that had just happened, despite the fact that 6 little excited girls were all bouncing around in this rusty old truck from our very first "celebrity" encounter like rubber balls spilling out of a gumball machine. Situation normal.

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Posted by: dcs2244

That is cool, Dunny. So that makes you...errr...22 yoa?

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Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

I thought the guy died years ago????

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Posted by: Officer Dunngeon

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcs2244 That is cool, Dunny. So that makes you...errr...22 yoa?

About that, yes.

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Posted by: Delta784

Trivia: The very first Dunkin' Donuts is in Quincy, next to the Stop & Shop on Southern Artery. If you're at the counter, look to the right, and you'll see a plaque on the wall. It was originally known as the "Golden Kettle".

When DD had a big anniversary, Michael Vale came to the store in Quincy, in his Fred the Baker outfit. One of my prized possessions is a picture of me in uniform, posing with Fred.

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Posted by: MA218

I had thought he passed away awhile ago as well.......

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Posted by: Officer Dunngeon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta784 When DD had a big anniversary, Michael Vale came to the store in Quincy, in his Fred the Baker outfit. One of my prized possessions is a picture of me in uniform, posing with Fred.

Yeah, I think that's what my experience was from, he was obviously touring as a promotional thing. The Dunkin' Donuts where I saw him was in Roslindale Square, many MANY moons ago!

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