---
title: "JoBe Cerny Passes Away at 78"
url: https://noti.group/jobe-cerny-passes-away/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Entertainment"
published: 2026-11-10T20:02:08.000Z
updated: 2026-11-10T20:55:24.243Z
id: f9572407-93e1-485d-a02a-e68a0f2c0202
source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jobe-cerny-dead-pillsbury-doughboy-word-of-promise-1236752126/"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/jobe-cerny-passes-away/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# JoBe Cerny Passes Away at 78

Renowned actor and director JoBe Cerny has passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Renowned actor and director JoBe Cerny has passed away at the age of 78.

Cerny's family announced that he died on October 30th in Grayslake, Illinois, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

In addition to his acting career, Cerny was also a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated Cerny/American Creative Recording Studio in Chicago for over three decades. The studio completed thousands of projects, including commercials, films, and audiobooks.

Cerny's accomplishments extend far beyond the entertainment industry. One notable achievement is his direction of "The Word of Promise", a 98-hour dramatized audio production of the New King James Version of the Bible that featured an all-star cast of over 500 actors.

As part of his work, Cerny adapted episodes of CBS' classic series "The Twilight Zone for radio programming and also wrote new installments for a podcast series.

Cerny's long-standing association with the Pillsbury Doughboy character led him to navigate office politics over the years. He recalled a specific instance where a new executive expressed disdain for the voice he provided for the beloved brand mascot.

The incident occurred around seven years ago when the executive made it clear that Cerny was no longer welcome to contribute his voice to the character. However, this decision proved short-lived as the executive lost his job the following year and many others on his team were let go along with him.

Cerny's versatility as a performer extended beyond the world of advertising. He also appeared in numerous commercials for Procter & Gamble's Cheer detergent, playing the role of The Cheer Man without ever uttering a word. Additionally, he found himself getting killed thousands of times" as an insect in spots for Raid.

Cerny was born on December 5, 1947, in Cicero, Illinois, to parents Joe and Bea. The combination of their names resulted in his first name, JoBe. His educational background included a bachelor's degree in Speech & Drama from Valparaiso University, which he earned after initially planning to pursue a career in the seminary.

Before transitioning into the entertainment industry, Cerny attended Morton East High School in Cicero and later graduated with a master's degree in Theater from Northwestern University. His early career saw him join The Second City in Chicago, where he honed his skills as an improvisational performer for both its mainstage and national touring company.

Cerny's filmography is a testament to his versatility as an actor. He appeared in notable roles such as a desk clerk in Somewhere in Time and a tailor in My Best Friend’s Wedding, showcasing his ability to play a wide range of characters.

In addition to these dramatic performances, Cerny also had notable appearances in comedic films like Rent-a-Cop and Mo’ Money, as well as the romantic comedy Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde. His television credits include episodes of Lady Blue, Early Edition, and Chicago Hope.

Cerny's life extended beyond his on-screen presence, with a passion for collecting model trains and driving go-karts well into his 60s. He is survived by his wife Eileen, two sons, Tim and Patrick, daughters-in-law Andrea and Lily, and grandchildren Archer and Cleo, leaving behind a legacy of joy and entertainment.

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Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jobe-cerny-dead-pillsbury-doughboy-word-of-promise-1236752126/)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/jobe-cerny-passes-away/