Doughboy History

In 1869, Charles Pillsbury went to work for his Uncle John. John Pillsbury lost his business and entire inventory in 1853 when a fire destroyed the business. His quick recovery really impressed his peers so they offered him the presidency of Farmers & Mechanics Bank. He went on to become a prosperous banker with diverse business interests that included land, railroads, timber, and a sawmill. By 1869, he was ready to expand again, this time into milling flour. He called on his nephew to join him. Charles and his father, George, purchased a one-third interest in a failing Minnesota flour mill. Charles Pillsbury installed a new purifier in the mill and they made $6,000 profit in the first year. He used the profits to start his own business, C. A. Pillsbury and Company, in 1872.

The Pillsbury Doughboy was created by an ad agency called Leo Burnett.  Pacific Data Images, a pioneer in the world of computer graphics for film and video, created the animated version of the figure for the commercials.

In October of 1965, Pillsbury debuted the loveable 14-ounce, 8 3/4-inch character in a Crescent Roll commercial. The original voice of the Doughboy was performed by the actor Paul Frees (1920-1986) - more than 50 people auditioned for the job. The Doughboy's costar in the commercial was Maureen McCormick. "It originally cost $16,000 to create the doughboy. To make a one second film of the Doughboy the first time took them 24 different shots. He was made of plaster and foam rubber."¹

Some people say March 18, 1965 and others say November 7,1965 is the Doughboys Birthday! I have contacted Pillsbury to see what they say and they told me in their records they do not have an official birth date for him!

Other trivia about the Pillsbury Doughboy:  his formal name is Poppin' Fresh, the only music he ever performed was rap but he played the accordian, electric guitar, bugle, violin, and harmonica. He is all dough, he has blue eyes, he always wears a bakers hat and scarf, he originates from Minneapolis, MN, he loves to bake and back in the late 60's he appeared with a wife and two pets and Uncle Rollie and Grandmommer and Grandpopper.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the company expanded its line of products to include pancake mixes, cereal, and bakery items. But Poppin Fresh, the Pillsbury Doughboy with the well-known giggle, is responsible for making the name a household word. He was created in 1965, and by 1968, more than 87 percent of Americans were familiar with the character.

¹ From www.pillsbury.com Quiz Page