JoBe Cerny, Pillsbury Doughboy Voice Actor, Dies at 78

JoBe Cerny, the renowned voice behind the iconic Pillsbury Doughboy, has passed away at the age of 78. His family has confirmed the news, sharing that he breathed his last on October 30. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed publicly. Born on December 5, 1947, in Cicero, Illinois, Cerny's name was a creative amalgamation of his parents' first names, Joe and Bea.

He pursued his passion for speech and drama, earning a bachelor's degree from Morton East High School, followed by a bachelor's degree in speech and drama from Valparaiso University and a master's degree in theater from Northwestern University.

Cerny's journey in the entertainment industry began in the 1970s when he joined The Second City, contributing both to its Mainstage and National Touring Company. Over three decades, he not only owned and operated Cerny/American Creative Recording Studio in Chicago’s River North neighborhood but also left an indelible mark by working on thousands of recording projects, ranging from commercials and audiobooks to feature films.

Throughout his illustrious career, Cerny made appearances in movies such as "My Best Friend’s Wedding," "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," and "Road to Perdition." He also served as the casting director for the ambitious 98-hour audio production of the Bible, "The Word of Promise," which featured an ensemble cast including Jim Caviezel, Marisa Tomei, Richard Dreyfuss, and many others.

In 2014, Cerny took on the role of the Pillsbury Doughboy's voice, replacing Paul Frees and Jeff Bergman. His distinctive portrayal of the beloved character lasted for numerous commercials, earning him admiration from fans and colleagues alike. Reflecting on his career, Cerny once remarked, "I'm lucky, I get to be somebody different every day and in the end, I'm glad I stuck with my irresponsible decision to have fun.

It allows me to live happily ever after… every day." He is survived by his wife, Eileen, and two sons, Tim and Patrick Cerny. Their family also includes two adorable grandchildren, Archer and Cleo.