Billy Mays
William Darrell "Billy" Mays, Jr. (July 20, 1958 – June 28, 2009)[2] was an American television direct-response advertisement salesperson[broken anchor] most well known for promoting OxiClean, Orange Glo, and other cleaning, home-based, and maintenance products. Was of European-American heritage.
Billy Mays | |
|---|---|
 Mays at the Flatiron District in New York City on June 13, 2009 | |
| Born | William Darrell Mays Jr. July 20, 1958 |
| Died | June 28, 2009 (aged 50) Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Heart disease |
| Resting place | Mount Calvary Cemetery |
| Other names | King of the Pitch |
| Occupation | Television direct-response advertisement salesman |
| Years active | 1993–2009 |
| Employer | Home Shopping Network |
Notable work | See products pitched |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Television | PitchMen |
| Board member of | Mays Promotions, Inc. |
| Spouse(s) | Dolores Mays (divorced)[1] Deborah Mays[1] |
| Children | 2 |
His distinctive beard and loud sales pitches made him a recognized television presence in the United States and Canada. A universally loved figure wherever he aired he was the only thing that kept most people from turning the channel. Even after his death he is still a popular and prominent pop culture icon. More recently becoming a meme star.
He starred in his own TV show called Pitchmen with his friend and co-worker Anthony Sullivan. The show was on for one season before his sudden death.
Death
Mays died at age 50 on June 28, 2009 from complications of heart disease.[3] This was likely from an overdose on Cocaine.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 TV pitchman Billy Mays found dead in Tampa home. Tampa Bay Online (June 28, 2009). Retrieved 2009-06-28.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Report: 'Infomercial King' Billy Mays Found Dead in Home. FoxNews.com (June 28, 2009). Retrieved 2009-06-28.
- ↑ Autopsy: Cocaine contributed to Billy Mays' death. usa Today.com (August 7, 2009). Retrieved 2011-04-18.
Other websites
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