JoBe Cerny, Voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy, Dies at 78

JoBe Cerny, the Chicago character actor who voiced the Pillsbury Doughboy's giggle and played Procter & Gamble's silent Cheer Man, died October 30 in Grayslake, Illinois. He was 78.

Cerny spent more than four decades in Chicago's film, stage and advertising worlds. He reached millions of viewers, often without saying a single word.

Who was JoBe Cerny?

Cerny was born December 5, 1947, in Cicero, Illinois. He earned a bachelor's degree in speech and drama at Valparaiso University and a master's degree in theatre from Northwestern University.

That training took him from Chicago stages to Hollywood films and to some of the most recognizable television commercials in America.

What roles made him famous?

Cerny became a familiar face nationwide as the Cheer Man, Procter & Gamble's silent spokesman for Cheer detergent. His deadpan demonstrations let the product do the talking.

In the role he is best remembered for, he followed Paul Frees and Jeff Bergman as the voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy. He provided the cheerful, high-pitched giggle that generations of families heard every time someone poked Poppin' Fresh in the tummy.

What was his screen career?

Cerny built a substantial film résumé. His credits span:

• 'Dreamer' (1979)
• 'Somewhere in Time' (1980)
• 'Rent-a-Cop'
• 'Prelude to a Kiss'
• 'Mo' Money'
• 'My Best Friend's Wedding'
• 'Love and Action in Chicago'
• 'Novocaine'
• Sam Mendes' 'Road to Perdition'
• 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde'

On television he guest starred on 'Early Edition' and 'Chicago Hope' and appeared on 'Oprah.' In later years he took roles in 'Even and Odd,' 'The Dreamers,' 'The Origins of Wit and Humor' and 'Margaret and the Moon.'

He also lent his voice to a landmark audio Bible recording featuring more than 600 actors. That project alone equals a full ensemble of voices larger than most regional theatres employ in a season, a measure of his standing among character performers. He performed in numerous stage productions.

What did he do behind the camera?

Cerny founded and led Cerny/American Creative, a Chicago production company serving filmmakers and advertising agencies. He wrote a weekly column for Screen Magazine.

He received the American Advertising Federation's American Scene Award for his contributions to the industry.

What is his legacy?

Cerny's career ran from theatre student in Cicero to the giggle heard in kitchens across America. He spent his life finding the fun in every role, big or small.

Whenever a little doughboy laughs on screen, a bit of that Chicago warmth comes through with it.