Creator of World-Famous Pillsbury Doughboy Has Died

The creator of one of the most recognizable figures in the world has died.

Rudolph R. Perz, 89, created the Pillsbury Doughboy, affectionately known as Poppin’ Fresh. The iconic character of General Mills was Perz’s brainchild during his tenure as creative director at the renowned Leo Burnett ad agency in Chicago.

According to ADWEEK, the figure was one of the most beloved in the world. When asked how the idea came to him, Perz said he was under pressure to come up with a campaign for Pillsbury refrigerated dough products. While sitting at his kitchen table, he imagined the character jumping from the roll of dough. To distinguish him from the dough itself, Perz gave him a kerchief, a chef’s toque and big, blue eyes.

His chuckle of “hee hee” when poked in the stomach became his signature.

Perz, of Glenview, formerly Wilmette, died on Wednesday, April 1. He was to have been honored later this year at “A Salute To Advertising’s Greatest Icons” at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. He created Poppin’ Fresh 50 years ago.

“He was from the glory days of ‘critter’ advertising,” said Perz’s daughter Martha Nora referring to the 1960s era of advertising when whimsical animals and characters were used to sell products. “I thought everyone’s family had reels of commercials with Tony the Tiger and Snap Crackle and Pop,” she added.

“The one image I have of my dad was of him tapping the can of refrigerated dough against the kitchen table,” said his daughter. “That’s how his mind worked for everything. The wheels were always turning and your never were sure what idea he would come up with. There was always a twinkle in his eye and he loved the element of surprise.”

ONE OF THE FIRST PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY COMMERCIALS, 1965

» RELATED IMAGES: An American Icon, Poppin’ Fresh

Perz was married to the late Lois Wagberg Perz. He is survived by daughters Laura (Steve) Matlin, Martha (PJ) Nora. His six grandchildren include Tyson Perz-Pettit, Katherine and Isabelle Matlin and Connor, Peyton and Erin Valerie Nora.

“With his grandkids, he always was their biggest fan. He was the ideal grandfather that way. He was always very encouraging and clever in his assessment of their abilities. He always spun the positive out of their characteristics,” said Nora.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 4, 2015, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Robert R. Perz Memorial Scholarship Fund, Development and Alumni Affairs Office, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, PO Box 571021, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157 -1021. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or call 847-675-1990

» submitted by Donnellan Funeral Home, Skokie