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Michael Vale Obituary
Vale died Saturday in New York City of complications from diabetes, according to son-in law Rick Reil.
Vale's long-running character, "Fred the Baker," for the doughnut maker's ad campaign lasted 15 years until he retired in 1997.
Canton, Massachusetts-based Dunkin' Donuts said in a statement that Vale's character "became a beloved American icon that permeated our culture and touched millions with his sense of humor and humble nature."
Vale was born in Brooklyn and 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.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
97 Entries
Craig Boulais
August 29, 2023
Michael was in an Alka-Seltzer advertisement filming a fictitious advertisement saying, "Mama mia, that's a spicy meatball!", over and over again I was just a kid and I thought it was the funniest thing! Comedy requires perfect delivery and timing. It's not the line, its how it delivered that makes it funny. Michael was the best comedian ever.
A Lee
February 10, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. His commercials were great. Rest in peace Mr Vale.
Ken Yackel
August 29, 2014
I just finished training at the local Dunkin Donuts shop... your legacy will continue! <3
How you can show support
Kimtraila Williams
February 3, 2012
TO: Mr. Vale Family,
God looked around his garden
And found an empty space.
Then He looked down upon this earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best.
God Bless,
Kimtraila Williams
Kimtraila Williams
February 3, 2012
Mr. Ben,
Memory can tell us only what we were,
In company with those we loved;
It cannot help us find out what each of us,
Alone, must now become.
Yet, no person is really alone;
Those who live no more still echo
Within our thoughts and words,
And what they did has become
Woven into what we are.
God Bless,
Kimtraila
April 2, 2010
For Michael...you caused people
to eat tons of donuts after
your sensational commercial
"Time To Make The Donuts."
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
mark ware
May 14, 2009
I had the great pleasure of working with you Michael.
I'll never forget our drive to Miami Beach in my convertible.
Michael, you will be sadly missed forever, thanks for the the memories. " Time to rest in Peace".
-MWARE
Linda
January 14, 2006
I am a nightshift nurse, and every morning before we start to give out our medications, the other nurse who works with me always quotes "Time to make the donuts". That saying brings back fond memories of childhood.
Mike put a smile on America's face.
God Bless him and his family.
Gail Siegel
January 14, 2006
To The Family of Michael Vale:
Your husband will always remain in my memories as The Dunkin Donuts Man. I remember going to Dunkin Donuts with my father, who I miss so very much. He always would say, as we went to Dunkin Donuts, It's time to make the donuts.
May God Bless Michael & Your Family.
michaela ford
January 12, 2006
im sorry for the entire family. i remember when was little i loved the dunkin dounuts commercials. i lived in ri accross from the dounut shop and i always wished to see him there but i never did.i thought he was an amazing man.
Tracy Janssen
January 11, 2006
Ivy and Family,
Your dad was such a wonderful man. While we all remember him as Fred the Baker, I remember watching football with your dad and brother when we were in Massachoo for your wedding. I know how much you will all miss him. Ivy, I remember thinking what wonderful family and friends both you and Rick have. May you all find comfort in your fondest memories and in the hearts and hugs of your friends and family.
Much Love to all,
Tracy (HRLIE)
Greywolfe Gallagher
January 11, 2006
I will ALWAYS remember his line of "Time to Make the Doughnuts". It was a part of my childhood and I always enjoyed having some with my family. May all who was touched in anyway by this man be happy to have had him in your life and be blessed.
Evelyn Zelmanowitz
January 11, 2006
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. What comfort it must bring, in your time of grieving, to know that your loved one gave so much joy to so many.
What a wonderful tribute the Dunkin Donuts Company gave to Mr. Vale by compiling that touching commercial. It was comforting to us, his fans, to see that sweet character once again.
laurynrenee Anselment
January 10, 2006
i met michael at dunkin donuts on dalton ave in pittsfield mass i am from there i got his autogragh i will always remember him im very sorry for your loss he will always be remeberd
from laurynrenee scott/anselment
joy horton
January 10, 2006
my heart goes out to you and your loved ones. keep the memories alive. everytime i saw that commerical it remind me of my dad getting up in mid-morning to go the base and make the doughnuts for the guys (which my dad was a cook in the service) and it was like seeing him getting up and dragging to make the breaksfast for some x's amount of guys in the service.. my prayers go out and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..
Julie Wilcox
January 10, 2006
"Time to make the donuts". I will forever remember Mr. Vale for the Dunkin Donuts ad. May God Bless Michael Vale and his family.
Reagan Gray
January 3, 2006
Dear Tracy and the rest of your family,
I was in Boston, when I heard about your father (Does that city love him!). I want to wish you my deepest sympathy. In case you don't remember me, I was your date at one of your family member's wedding and met your parents and sister. Was thinking about you and my thoughts are with you.
Warm Regards,
Reagan Gray
g wood
January 3, 2006
We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Vale, just recently I was commenting to my son who works at a bakery about the"its time to make the donuts" phrase and said how funny that commercial was and then read about the passing of that funny man, Our condolences go out to the family.
Mark Salamone
January 3, 2006
I was a roomate of Tracy's at Hofstra and met his father when he was doing the Sam Breakstone ads.
He was a very nice person
Leonard Edelson
January 2, 2006
Nancy,Tracy,Ivy,Rick,Violet, I knew my Uncle before you. Even as a young man he enjoyed making people smile. I remember playing basketball with him in Brooklyn and then watching him start his acting career. He loved you all.
Brandon Zapata
January 2, 2006
He was the man!! He will be forever know as The Dunkin Donuts man!!! " time to make the donuts!" R.I.P. big guy!!!
Marianne Rinaldi
January 2, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Vale family. Michael Vale is now in the arms of the angels. He connected with the American people in a real, simple, and sweet way. Above all, he made millions of people smile. That alone made him a force for good. Michael, may your numbers increase! Godspeed.
A Fan.
Duane Betz Sr.
January 1, 2006
Mr. Vale put a little humor into all of our lives. May you rest in peace. God bless the Vale family.
Linda Rathbun
December 31, 2005
Nancy and Family:
Time to make the doughnuts--this
will make Michael a legend! He is making the angels laugh now. My
sincerest sympathy to you,Tracy,
Iris,Rick and beautiful little Violet! Her Papa will always
be remembered! He will be missed
by all. He is watching over you all. If there is anything I can do-
just let me know.
Love,
Linda (White Pines)
Maryann Martin
December 31, 2005
He will be missed.Our thoughts to his family and friends.God bless.
aaron goetz
December 31, 2005
May God wrap his comforting arms around the Vale family.
sandra britton
December 31, 2005
i was glancing through the obituaries and came across time to make the donuts.i remember all his duncan donuts commercials.he will be surely missed.sandra from las vegas,nevada
ann
December 31, 2005
i always got a kick out of michael doing one of his comercials, covering his moustache and saying is a womans voice saying "do you make fresh dounuts daily"
may you rest in peace michael
NOREEN ALVAREZ
December 31, 2005
we vary sorry
Thomas King
December 31, 2005
I was shocked to hear of Michael Vale's death. As a lifelong customer of Dunkin' Donuts, I loved his commercials and laughed along with everyone when they appeared on TV. Rest in peace "Fred the Baker".
Wanisha
December 31, 2005
He will certainly be missed. I grew up saying,"Time to make the donuts." Just like he remembered to make the donuts, God will remember those who have fallen a sleep.
"The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice..." John 5:28,29
May you find comfort in those words.
Sincerely,
STEPHEN BLANK SR
December 31, 2005
WHAT A WEIRD THING.JUST THE OTHER DAY I WAS TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO MY 21 YEAR OLD SON WHY I WAS GOOFIN' AROUND SAYING "TIME TO MAKE THE DOUGHNUTS" I WONDERED WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO THAT MAN,NOW I KNOW.WHAT A LOVABLE GUY! RIP MY FRIEND.
thomas capp
December 30, 2005
May you rest in peace and my your happy memories live on. TC
Thomas Caldwell
December 30, 2005
My condolences to the Vale family and friends. Mr. Vale is a New England television commercial legend. The "time to make the doughnuts" line is a classic and Mr. Vale was perfect...the stars were aligned. Thank You Mr. Vale for the memories. I miss Dunkin' Donuts and RI.
Bonnie Bruce
December 30, 2005
He will be missed and God Bless during you time of morning
cindy bright
December 30, 2005
God Bless the Vale family.
Patrick Burns
December 30, 2005
So sorry to hear about our sleepy eyes sponsor, for Dunkin Donuts. As a new employee for Dunkin Donuts I always liked Michael's job in " Time to make the Donuts" he always made sure I got my coffee & donut every morning. May god bless his soul & family
gayla gebhardt
December 30, 2005
hi he was a shinening light to the world he made people smile and laugh every day he will be miss god bless you family on this sad times we watched him on tv my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time god is with you all to god bless you all my god be with you all rest in peace
Ellie Orr
December 30, 2005
We owned a donut shop and many days felt like the commercial Michael did. Michael will be missed by many.
peay delores
December 30, 2005
MAY GOD BE WITH THE VALE FAMILY
Heidi McKeehan
December 30, 2005
I was looking to sign the guest book of an Uncle listed in the same obituaries and here is face I well remember. What fond memories I have of this face. He as a man that touched so many with his humor. We are sorry for your loss.
Cindy
December 30, 2005
A joy to watch! He was far more enjoyable to watch than any movie of today! He's greatly missed!
Seth Darvick
December 30, 2005
I was an Art Director on several commercials featuring the talented Mike Vale. I was working for an ad agency during the eighties on "The Sound Playground" account. In these commercials Mike was simply referred to as the sound playground guy. These spots were shot while Mike was still under contract to Dunkin Donuts. He was actually well known for this regional character before he was the Dunkin Donuts guy, therefore it was not a conflict.
I had the privilege of spending a great deal of time with him and we would discuss movies, plays, food etc. One time he requested sushi for lunch and I was given the task of finding it in Hartford CT. Anyone who knows that city surely would understand that I was given an impossible mission. I wound up driving about 40 miles to get it and he was very grateful. I also remember him telling me that he's cried at the final scene of Chaplin's film, "City Lights" and said that no other movie has moved him as much as that one did.
Gail Vannier-Coton
December 30, 2005
What a memorable face...so sweet...like a family member. He will be remembered!
Connie Calabrese
December 30, 2005
There must be a great soul behind that great face. It's comforting just to look at his picture. He will be remembered fondly by many fans. Condolences to all his loved ones. Connie Calabrese
CHAZ LANCELIN
December 30, 2005
THERE NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE YOU!R.I.P. WITH LOVE
Paul Palombo
December 30, 2005
It's quite incredible that an actor who did commercials for a popular donut company could bring out so many good thoughts and warm feelings from people who viewed those commercials. Rest in peace Mr. Vale, your donuts were great!
L FRANKS
December 30, 2005
WHO'S GOING TO MAKE THE DONUTS NOW? MR VALE WILL BE MISSED & NO ONE ELSE WILL BE ABLE TO SAY THOSE WORDS LIKE HE DID. MY SYMPATHY & CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. REST IN PEACE .....
Brian Drake
December 30, 2005
From this moment on you will be making donuts for GOD. R.I.P.
Addie Moody
December 30, 2005
There will never be another donut man to leave such a loving impression as Mr. Vale. Be comforted in the love he left.
mike manell
December 29, 2005
he, was a funny guy! going to be missed!!
Frank Kuzyk
December 29, 2005
Here in Muskegon we miss Michael Vale dunkin donut commercials and we also miss Dunkin Donuts. We have no Dunkin Donuts left here in Muskegon.May the donut king rest in peace god bless him and his family.
sean fortier
December 29, 2005
he was a great and funny guy hell be missed my thoughts go out to the family
DAVID HESCOTT
December 29, 2005
TO A GREAT GUY AND THE COMMERCIALS HE DID. HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. HE REMINDS ME OF A PASTOR THAT WE HAVE IN OUR CHURCH. WE CALL HIM THE DONUTMAN. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
William Larkin
December 29, 2005
He was loved and will be missed, now who will make the donuts!!!1
JOHN & KAY CASHMAN
December 29, 2005
thanks for the memoires
Dunkin' Donuts The Scrivanos Group
December 29, 2005
Memories and laughter last a lifetime. May they bring you peace.
olivia solomon
December 29, 2005
Every Saturday we would say,"Dunk
them Donuts" and I would go buy the Mix box.
What a Guy.
MY heart goes out you and yours
"
Vanna Zuckerman
December 29, 2005
Uncle Michael was a great man. He was bigger than life to all who knew him, but to his family he was just Uncle Michael. We didn't get to see him often, but we did get to see him at the occasional family functions. (He always tried to make the time to be with the family.) His great comical sense of humor was not from a script, he was a truly talented man who was always making us laugh, even if the joke was on him.
To Aunt Nancy, Tracy & Ivy: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Richie, Vanna & Amy Zuckerman
(Great-Nephew and family)
Khary Nettles
December 29, 2005
I just happen to be looking up an obituary and saw where Mr. Vale had died. Every morning when I was in college I would wake up to hearing the slogan "Time to make the Donuts".
Mr. Vale will truly be missed. Let us remember "How happy are the saints above who once went sorrowing here; for now they taste unmingled love and joy without a tear".
God Bless the family and friends and the many loved ones all across this nation as we mourn the Dunkin Donuts man. He is now absent from the body but present with the Lord.
Well done thy good and faithful servant, rest from your labors and go to your eternal reward.
Khary K. Nettles
ANITA& BILL
December 29, 2005
'TIME TO MAKE THE DONUTS"
WE SAY IT EVERYDAY AS WE GO OUT THE DOOR TO WORK, AND SOMEHOW IT MAKES WORK, NOT SO BAD!
THANK TO YOU MR.VALE! :)
Odette Clouthier
December 29, 2005
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Michael Vale. The Dunkin Donuts commerial that he appeared in, always made me smile knowing that at times we all have that sleepy "time to make the donuts" event in our lives. It was that commerial that made him more human to us all then we realized. It is true that the commerial will always remain with me. But it is more true that Mr. Vale's loveable, positive, yet sleep nature with remain with me.
Mr. Vale, you never knew how much you touched other peoples' lives. Yet I can hope his family realizes this now.
God bless and may your hearts be comforted.
Theresa MacKenzie
December 29, 2005
I want to say my very best to the family for their great loss.The add for the donuts was and always will be the best hey had.To this day I still say time to make the donuts.Their are many good people in Heaven so he will be very busy doing what he did best making people laugh. God Bless
NEMITH MOTORS
December 29, 2005
MR. VALE WILL BE TRUELY MISSED BY ALL. SEEING MR. VALE IN THE DUNKIN DONUT COMMERIALS BROUGHT US ALL SMILES AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Bonni Becka
December 29, 2005
My condolences to Mr. Vale's Family. He certainly put Dunkin Donuts on the map. We will miss his commercials.
Helena & Neil Perlmutter
December 29, 2005
Your commercials were unique and you will be missed by many. Now you can "make the donuts" in Heaven. Rest in peace Michael Vale. Our sympathy to all the Vale family.
Ralph L
December 29, 2005
Sorry to have read this. God bless the family for their loss.
Christopher Blair
December 29, 2005
He was greatest expression faces and his commercial was one of my favorites. I miss him. I hope he still do donuts in heaven smile. He is rest in heaven smile. Love friend
Betty Wilson
December 29, 2005
To the Vale family, I'm sorry for your loss. His commercial was one of my favorites. R.I.P.
Sam McPheeters
December 29, 2005
Now you will be making the donuts in heaven.
Heather Walter
December 28, 2005
Though I am of the Younger generation, I loved these commercials. Through College I worked at Dunkin Donuts and I would wake up every morning bright and early to go to work and "make the donuts." Now every day, before my husband leaves for work, even though he isn't making donuts, he still recites the saying. It's a tradition of sorts in this house. Thank you Mr. Vale for starting this one for us! My Condolences to his family, may you find comfort in knowing he is in a far better place.
J G
December 28, 2005
He was what getting a donut was before lattes and bagels. I miss the Dunkin Donuts he represented.
I am sure he is/was a special man. Blessings and thoughts to his family.
We will miss you Mr. Vale, as we miss your nice commercials.
mike eldred
December 28, 2005
sorry to see him go
Carol Ertel
December 28, 2005
I bet the doughnut line in heaven is
packed...LOL :o) a little humor for
a wonderful man
Judy Coons
December 28, 2005
I'm sooo sorry to hear this sad news... Bless you, Nancy, and your family. May Michael rest pain-free now and continue to make others smile and laugh in a better place.
Donna
December 28, 2005
I not only remember you as being on commercials but I remember seeing you every once in a while around town. I remember you from the time you hit my girlfriend and I when you ran a stop sign. She just kept saying "The Got to make the donuts guy hit me". She has since past away but I still think of this when ever I see your picture or hear your name. Say hello to her for me please!
Chuck Wright
December 28, 2005
I met Mr. Vale twice in Lenox. The first time I did, I called him "Mr. Breakstone" & he smiled very curiously @ first. Then he went on to tell me how he hadn't heard that in some time. He was a joy to meet & talk to. Those of us here in the Berkshires who ever met or knew him will truly miss him.
John Christensen
December 28, 2005
He always made me smile. Truly a part of Americana. Rest in Peace.
crystal jackson
December 28, 2005
sorry 2 hear about your lost!!!! but he will surely be missed...crystal iyah jackson!!!!
Susan
December 28, 2005
Time to make the donuts..... Mr. Vale will be missed dearly. Our hearts & prayers are with the family. God Bless.
Dee
December 28, 2005
I loved watching you on the DD commercials when I was a kid, rest in God hands. May peace be on your family.
A Jacksonville Fan
December 28, 2005
Rest in peace - your kind face will be missed. To Mr. Vale's friends and family - my condolences for your loss.
sull
December 28, 2005
rest in peace mr vale
Catherine Lambert
December 28, 2005
I was just thinking of him and the Dunken Donuts commercials the other day. He always made me smile. He will not be forgotten. My prayers are with you all.
douglas marentette
December 28, 2005
WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN TO HAVE LOST. HE HOOKED ME ON DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE. WISH WE HAD SOME IN ONTARIO. ANGELS WILL BE IN THERE GLORY.
DOUG
Koren Williams
December 28, 2005
To the family of (Michael Vale). My thoughts and prays go out to the rest of the family. May GOD bless and watch over the family, As you face the task that is ahead of you. The Williams Family
Barbara Hall
December 28, 2005
"Time to make the donuts" ... Just yesterday morning that saying came to my mind after many years! Perhaps to share it here today(?)
Lifting your family in prayer. Kindest regards, Barbara Hall & Family
David RUDERMAN
December 28, 2005
Hello,
We are suffering a great loss! Mr. Vale brought humor and smiles to our household. We love his Dunkin' Donuts commercials! He will surely be missed. We are sorry for your loss.
Take Care of yourselves.
Sincerely,
David Ruderman
Letrice G.
December 28, 2005
Mr. Vale will be sorely missed.
sasceria wrighten
December 28, 2005
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
My family and I will keep you in our prayers. We love Dunkin Donuts.
Susan Kemp
December 28, 2005
Hello,
We are suffering a great loss! Mr. Vale brought humor and smiles to my household. I love his Dunkin' Donuts commercials! He will surely be missed. I am sorry for your loss.
Take Care of yourselves.
Sincerely, Susan Kemp
C Kearns
December 28, 2005
I remember you as 2 other characters that the press never mentions: 1)The original Sam Breakstone in the Breakstone Cottage Cheese ads; 2)The pitchman for the now-defunct Sound Playground electronics stores.
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