Michael Vale was an American actor best known for his role as Fred the Baker in Dunkin’ Donuts commercials. He appeared in over 1,300 TV commercials and was a veteran of the Broadway stage, film, and television.
Personal and Family Life
Michael Vale was born on June 28, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York. He was married to Nancy Vale until his passing on December 24, 2005. Michael studied acting at the Dramatic Workshop in New York City, where he trained alongside notable classmates like Tony Curtis, Ben Gazzara, and Rod Steiger.
Career
Vale made his acting debut in the film “A Hatful of Rain” in 1957 and Broadway debut in “The Egg” in 1962. Although he was not very successful in movies, his role as Fred the Baker in Dunkin’ Donuts commercials, which aired for 15 years, brought him fame. His catchphrase, “Time to make the doughnuts,” became widely recognized during that time.
Death and Legacy
Michael Vale passed away on December 24, 2005, in New York City due to complications from diabetes at the age of 83. He left behind a legacy as one of the most memorable commercial characters in advertising history, with his Fred the Baker persona remaining iconic even after his retirement.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Hatful of Rain | 1957-07-17 | Cab Driver |
| Acts of Love and Other Comedies | 1973-03-15 | Dante |
| Guerrilla Girl | 1953-01-23 | Pavel Danov |
| Marathon Man | 1976-10-08 | Jewelry Salesman |
| Seasons in the Sun | 1986-01-07 | Bernie |
| Shut Up… I’m Crying | 1970-01-01 | |
| Kojak | 1973-10-24 | Nightclub Manager |