Pillsbury Doughboy creator dies at 89

Rudolph Perz, a Chicago ad man most famous for creating the Pillsbury Doughboy, has died. He was 89.

In the early years at his Chicago advertising agency Leo Burnett, he created the character also known as Poppin' Fresh in 1965, still used today in ad spots by Pillsbury.

"We are saddened by the loss of Rudy Perz. Nearly 50 years ago, he created one of America’s most loved and adored characters. Our thoughts are with Rudy’s family during this difficult time," Pillsbury President Liz Nordlie said in a statement.

Read more from the Chicago Tribune.