Throughout the world, few advertising icons have stood the test of time like the Pillsbury Doughboy. According to General Mills, the Doughboy had an 87 percent recognition factor among consumers within three years of his 1965 introduction. Today it’s even greater. The Doughboys’ creator, Rudolph “Rudy” Perz, passed away on April 1, 2015—but there’s no doubt the Pillsbury Doughboy legacy will live on for generations
The first incarnation of the legendary flaky baked-goods mascot cost $16,000 to develop as a stop-motion animation figure. Five bodies and 15 heads were used to bring the Doughboy to life. Each second of animation took 24 individual shots of the Doughboy to make viewers believe. The Doughboy’s popularity hasn’t waned as time has gone on, it’s grown. He’s even appeared in some crossover commercials, such as a recent Geico ad and a “Got Milk?” campaign ad from a few years ago.
Martha Nora is Perz’s daughter, and General Mills quotes her from an interview with Patch as saying this about her dad:
The Doughboy has starred in numerous commercials, but here are some standouts from his 50-year history.
His Very First Appearance
Introducing Danishes
Cheering Up A Tiny Drew Barrymore
Making Cookies With M&Ms
Hanging Out With Tiny George Michael Bluth
The Controversial “Got Milk?” Unaired Ad
Salon published a great piece that details the entire story of how this “Got Milk?” ad wasn’t approved because the Pillsbury Doughboy wasn’t depicted as his normal, helpful self. As usual, #ThankGodForYouTube
The Pillsbury Doughboy Gets Some Clothes
14 Doughboys And Their Dance Crew Entertain Chicago Commuters
[via General Mills, Ad Age]