As we discovered that day, getting a doughboy's attention isn't easy. So while he worked the crowd, we approached his publicist to get a behind-the-scenes story before talking to the doughed one himself.
S1 = first salesperson
S2 = second salesperson
Db = Doughboy
Interview by Jason & Carrie
What's it like to work with the Doughboy on a daily basis?
1st Salesperson (S1):
I'm a Pillsbury sales representative out of Wilmington and every so often we sponsor special events. This one's a Snow White video promotion with Walt Disney, so we came here and set up this special time to interact with the public, hand out coupons, display product. Today we're running a special buy-one-get-one-free special so that will help create excitement. And the kids get to meet the Doughboy...
Does the Doughboy ever have to leave the grocery store?
S1 -- Excuse me? The Doughboy also goes to malls, parades, and things like that....if that's what you mean.
What does he do when he's not doing this? Like what's the standard day like for the Doughboy? Does he have a desk he sits at?
S1 -- (long pause) He pretty much works on overseeing people making product, going out and making sure people are buying in the stores.
So he's an expeditor. Kinda like quality control.
S1 -- (changes subject) Kids love him.
How long does it take him to get ready?
S1 -- About 15 minutes.
Really?! To put on the hat, I guess. Does he go through any warm-up exercises or anything...
S1: No.
He's just a natural!
(Another salesperson walks up. The first one suggests we talk to her, then walks off toward the Harris Teeter office. We exchange hellos, then...)
We just want to know what it's like working with a legend in the packaged food industry.
2nd Salesperson (S2): Well, we both have been with Pillsbury, well , I've been with them for two and a half years and she's been with them for three years and basically our job title is Sales Representative. We travel -- I have 72 grocery stores -- we travel in sale promotions such as this and sell on an everyday basis. We go into stores in the promotional sections and try to push our products through. Things like this are really good because it really gets the customers involved and creates a lot of excitement, which is always good for any company. Today we're running a buy-one-get-one-free-sale. It costs Pillsbury a lot of money to do that, but when you look at the volume you move...
I noticed it says on the flyers the Doughboy is 8 Ft. Tall. Do you think there'd be much difference between, say, a 6 ft. Doughboy and...
S2 -- Again, it creates it excitement, people are wondering what's going on here? Is there a person inside?
Well, he's a lot bigger in real life than on TV, but then so is everything else. How big is Sprout?
S2 -- The Sprout costume we have is the same size and he looks just like that.
Sprout looks just like the Doughboy?!
(The salesperson starts asking us questions about what publication we're writing this for. Harris Teeter manager comes over with the first salespersan and they try to kick us out but we namedrop Harris Teeter's regional publicist and they go away. The Doughboy walks up, smiling)
Special Friends: The Doughboy with Matt Goake, Chuck
Johnson, and little people.
What brings you to Carrboro?
Doughboy -- Didn't the Sales Rep answer these questions for you?
We want to hear from you!
Db -- Well, I heard Carolina was playing State today so I wanted to check that out.
You're a big basketball fan, eh?
Db -- No, football fan.
Oh. Well let me ask you this: you're made of dough and the products you sell are made of dough. Do you have any problem with that?
(no reply)
That doesn't bother you? You're secure with that?
Db -- Well, I understand that I've got to do my job.
Do you get a lot of fat jokes from people?
Db -- Sometimes, but it's okay.
How did you start in this? How did you become a Doughboy?
Db -- (long pause, seems nervous) Um, I don't know. I was born into it.
What sort of priveleges do you have as a Doughboy? I mean, does that carry a lot of clout?
Db -- I don't know, I'm not really interested in the celebrity thing...But I can get married now.
You're looking for that special Doughgirl?
Db -- There already is one -- Poppin' Fresh.
So do you get to hang out much with other fictional characters?
Db: Sometimes.
The Keebler guys?
Db: Yeah, well, they're a little small and they get a bit underfoot, but Ernie's okay.
Weren't you rapping in a commercial a couple years ago? What was the inspiration for that?
Db -- Actually, that was a point of contention so what happened was...well, it wasn't really me.
You were lip synching?
Db: Pretty much.
Has there ever been anything else they wanted you to do in a commercial that you thought wasn't Doughboy-style?
Db -- They wanted me to do a nude scene once, you know, take off my hat, so I walked.
Are you of any relation to the Doughboys of WWI?
Db -- No.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Db -- Well, I think I'd like to direct.
(Small child walks up and asks if the doughboy can see. Of course he can see!!)
What are you going to be for Halloween?
Db -- The Sta-Puff Marshmellow man.
Wow. That ought to be a big stretch.
Db -- Well, I was going to be the Goodyear (sic) tire guy but I already used that last one year.
Okay, just one more thing. Do you have any advice for your fans?
Db -- Be true to yourself.