Dave Thomas | |
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![]() Thomas in 1998 | |
Born | Rex David Thomas July 2, 1932 |
Died | January 8, 2002 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. | (aged 69)
Cause of death | Neuroendocrine cancer |
Resting place | Union Cemetery Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
Occupation(s) | Businessman, philanthropist |
Years active | 1953–2002 |
Known for | Founder of Wendy's |
Spouse | Lorraine |
Children | 5, including Melinda |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/branch | ![]() |
Years of service | 1950–1953 |
Rank | ![]() |
David "Dave" Thomas (July 2, 1932 – January 8, 2002) was the founder of Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, and was its chief executive officer (CEO). He never graduated from high school, but did earn his GED in 1993.
Thomas is also famous as a commercial spokesman for his company. He first appeared in a Wendy's TV commercial in 1989, and by the time he died, he had appeared in over 800, including every Wendy's commercial that aired in the 1990s.