JoBe Cerny dies at 78 after Alzheimer's battle: What we know about the Pillsbury Doughboy voice actor's final years

JoBe Cerny, the actor known for the voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy, passed away at 78 on October 30, 2026 according to an obituary published by Strang Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in Grayslake, Illinois.

Cerny was known for the character's iconic voice and giggle. He also worked as the Silent Demonstrator for Cheer detergent. His career covered more than five decades and included thousands of roles in commercials, movies, television and theatre, according to his obituary.

Cerny's son, Tim, told TMZ that his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease around 2020. His health declined, and he stepped away from voicing the Pillsbury Doughboy.


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JoBe Cerny's career and the Pillsbury Doughboy

Cerny will be remembered for his work in advertising, particularly as the voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy. He also played the Silent Demonstrator for Cheer detergent.

The obituary noted that he joined The Second City in the 1970s as part of its Mainstage and National Touring Company.

He also owned and operated Cerny/American Creative Recording Studio in Chicago's River North neighborhood for more than 30 years. The studio completed thousands of projects, from commercials and audiobooks to feature films.

His film credits included Somewhere in Time, My Best Friend's Wedding, Road to Perdition and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.

Cerny also worked on The Word of Promise, a 98-hour audio production of the New King James Version of the Bible. The project featured more than 500 actors.

What JoBe Cerny said about his work

“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 once said, as per the obituary .

JoBe Cerny's early life and education

Cerny was born on December 5, 1947, in Cicero, Illinois. His parents, Joe and Bea Cerny, combined their first names to create his name, the obituary said.

He attended Morton East High School in Cicero. He later earned a bachelor's degree in speech and drama from Valparaiso University and a master's degree in theater from Northwestern University.

His family and interests outside acting

Cerny was married to Eileen for 56 years. He is survived by his wife, their sons Tim and Patrick, daughters-in-law Andrea and Lily, and grandchildren Archer and Cleo.

The obituary described him as an avid racing fan who drove go-karts well into his 60s. He also collected model trains.

It remembered him for his “friendly and gregarious personality” and his “extraordinary ability to coincidentally run into someone he knew almost everywhere he went.”

A private service was held for immediate family only, according to the obituary.