Michael Vale American character actor of stage, film and television Date of Birth: 28.06.1922 Country: USA

1. Michael Vale: The Man Behind the Donut
2. Early Life and Theater Career
3. Film and Television Appearances
4. "Fred the Baker" and Other Commercial Roles
5. Legacy and Passing

Michael Vale: The Man Behind the Donut

American character actor Michael Vale made a notable career in theater, film, and television, but it was his iconic role in Dunkin' Donuts commercials that solidified his place in popular culture. For fifteen years, from 1982 to 1997, Vale portrayed "Fred the Baker," the company's mascot who uttered the unforgettable catchphrase, "Time to make the donuts!" Spanning over 1,300 commercials, he also appeared in ads for Dunkin' Donuts' ready-to-eat cereals.

Early Life and Theater Career

Michael Vale was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 28, 1922. Childhood friends dubbed him "The Entertainer" for his uncanny ability to impersonate celebrities and mimic the mannerisms of baseball stars. After serving in the Army Signal Corps in Europe during World War II, he attended the Dramatic Workshop in New York City, alongside Tony Curtis, Ben Gazzara, and Oscar winner Rod Steiger. One of his earliest performances was in George Bernard Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion," which he wryly described as being "thrown to the lions."

Film and Television Appearances

Vale made numerous appearances on television shows, including "Car 54, Where Are You?" in the 1960s and "The Cosby Show" in 1987. On the big screen, he made his debut as a taxi driver in the 1957 drama "A Hatful of Rain," which unflinchingly portrayed the struggles of a soldier addicted to morphine after being wounded. In 1976, he played a jewelry salesman in the thriller "Marathon Man" alongside Dustin Hoffman and legendary British actor Sir Laurence Olivier. Vale later described working with the esteemed British actor as "the thrill of a lifetime."

"Fred the Baker" and Other Commercial Roles

Michael Vale's chance encounter with the role of "Fred the Baker" came about after he was initially told that another actor had been cast. Undeterred, he attended the audition anyway. The "other actor" failed to appear, and Vale's performance secured him the role and national recognition. He also had a long-running role as Sam Brickstone, a dairy farmer, for Kraft Foods Inc.'s advertising campaign promoting cottage cheese and sour cream. These commercials featured humorous "lightbulb moments" where Sam would envision ways to enhance "his" products.

Legacy and Passing

Michael Vale passed away on December 24, 2005, at the age of 83, from complications of diabetes. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances, particularly as "Fred the Baker." The catchphrase "Time to make the donuts!" became a cultural phenomenon, and Vale's portrayal of the character brought joy to countless viewers for generations.