Remembering Billy Mays: Infomercial Legend [RIP]

Have you ever been captivated by a television personality so magnetic, so utterly convinced of the life-changing power of a stain remover, that you simply had to buy it? Billy Mays, with his booming voice and unwavering enthusiasm, wasn't just selling products; he was selling a better version of your life, and his impact on the world of infomercials is undeniable.

Billy Mays wasn't just a pitchman; he was a cultural phenomenon. His signature "Hi, Billy Mays here!" followed by a rapid-fire delivery of product benefits became instantly recognizable and endlessly parodied. His booming voice, coupled with his distinctive beard and no-nonsense attire, made him an unforgettable presence on late-night television. He didn't just present products; he passionately championed them, convincing viewers that they needed that stain remover, that cleaning solution, or that gadget to improve their lives. He endeared himself to insomniacs and daytime television watchers alike, becoming a fixture in their homes, whether they actively sought him out or not. Even if you weren't in the market for the latest cleaning product, there was something undeniably captivating about watching Mays in action. He was like a charismatic, slightly over-the-top teddy bear, overflowing with excitement about the mundane, yet essential, tasks of everyday life like removing ketchup stains from your Sunday slacks.

Category	Information
Full Name	William Darrell "Billy" Mays Jr.
Date of Birth	July 20, 1958
Place of Birth	McKees Rocks, PA, near Pittsburgh
Date of Death	June 28, 2009
Place of Death	Tampa, Florida
Cause of Death	Heart disease
Occupation	Television Direct-Response Advertising Salesman
Spouse	Elizabeth Mays (married 2008)
Children	Billy Mays III
Known For	Infomercials, catchphrases, energetic sales pitches
Signature Phrase	"Hi, Billy Mays here!"
Key Products Promoted	OxiClean, Orange Glo, Awesome Clean, Zorbeez
Business Partner	Anthony Sullivan
Television Show	Pitchmen (Discovery Channel)
Production Company	Mays Promotions, Inc. (founded 1999)
Reference Website	Find a Grave

Mays's journey to becoming the king of infomercials was far from overnight. Before he was shouting the benefits of OxiClean, he was honing his sales skills on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, New Jersey, in the 1980s. There, he learned how to grab the attention of passersby, drawing them in to examine whatever product he was hawking. This experience proved invaluable, teaching him the art of the quick pitch and the importance of captivating an audience within seconds. He had to be engaging, persuasive, and above all, genuine. He wasn't just reciting a script; he was selling a solution, an answer to a problem, no matter how small. This raw, street-smart salesmanship would later become his trademark, setting him apart from other pitchmen in the increasingly crowded world of infomercials.

• Lucille Ascolese
• Where Are They Now Jordan Fleiss

The turning point in Mays' career came in 1993 when he crossed paths with Max Appel, the founder of Orange Glo International. This meeting led to Mays becoming the face of Orange Glo products on the Home Shopping Network in Florida. It was here that he truly began to develop his signature style, refining his booming voice and perfecting his impassioned delivery. He spent a decade filming commercials and infomercials through his own company, Mays Promotions, Inc., showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of Orange Glo's range of products. His success with Orange Glo laid the foundation for his future endeavors, proving that he had a knack for identifying and promoting products that resonated with consumers. This period also cemented his belief in the power of direct-response marketing and the importance of building trust with his audience.

In 1999, Mays took further control of his career by establishing Mays Promotions, Inc., in Florida. This allowed him to produce his own commercials, ensuring that his vision and style were fully realized. This move demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to maintaining the authenticity of his brand. He wasn't just a hired gun; he was a businessman, carefully crafting his image and meticulously overseeing the production of his infomercials. He understood the importance of branding and the need to maintain consistency across all platforms. This dedication to his craft ultimately contributed to his widespread recognition and enduring success.

Mays's success wasn't solely based on his booming voice and energetic personality; it was also fueled by his keen eye for partnering with the right products. He became synonymous with OxiClean, transforming it from a relatively unknown stain remover into a household name. He didn't just read the product description; he demonstrated its effectiveness, often in dramatic fashion, showing viewers exactly how it could solve their everyday problems. He understood that consumers wanted to see results, and he delivered them in spades. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty, showcasing the cleaning power of OxiClean on everything from stained carpets to grimy laundry. His passion for the product was infectious, convincing viewers that they too could achieve the same results.

• Natalee Vitagliano
• Kelly Royce Lesbian

His partnership with Anthony Sullivan, a British producer and pitchman, further solidified his position in the infomercial world. Sullivan, the founder and CEO of Sullivan Productions, Inc., which produces commercials for brands like OxiClean, Nutrisystem, and Arm & Hammer, brought a unique perspective and skillset to the table. Together, Mays and Sullivan became a formidable duo, combining their talents to create highly effective and memorable infomercials. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and their contrasting personalities Mays's booming American enthusiasm and Sullivan's more reserved British charm complemented each other perfectly. They were more than just business partners; they were friends, and their genuine camaraderie shone through in their work.

The Discovery Channel television series "Pitchmen" documented the dynamic partnership between Mays and Sullivan, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of infomercials. The show followed them as they traveled the country, searching for the next big product and honing their sales pitches. It provided valuable insights into the art of persuasion and the challenges of bringing a product to market. "Pitchmen" humanized Mays and Sullivan, showing them as dedicated professionals who were passionate about their work. The series also highlighted the importance of teamwork and the value of collaboration in achieving success. It offered a glimpse into the often-unseen world of direct-response marketing, revealing the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a successful infomercial.

Beyond his professional success, Mays was also known for his down-to-earth personality and his genuine appreciation for his fans. He understood that his success was directly tied to the support of his viewers, and he made a conscious effort to connect with them on a personal level. His son, Billy Mays III, revealed in a 2013 Reddit AMA that his father was a fan of Jaboody Dubs, a YouTube parody page that hilariously redubbed Mays's infomercials. This willingness to embrace self-deprecating humor demonstrated his humility and his ability to not take himself too seriously. He recognized the absurdity of his profession and was able to laugh at himself, endearing him even further to his audience.

The news of Billy Mays's death on Sunday morning in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 50, sent shockwaves through the advertising world and beyond. The pitchman, known for his trademark shout and his relentless promotion of products like OxiClean, was found by his wife. The cause of death was later determined to be heart disease. His untimely passing left a void in the world of infomercials, leaving fans and colleagues alike mourning the loss of a true original. He was more than just a salesman; he was an entertainer, a personality, and a cultural icon.

News outlets across the country, including Fox News, reported on his death, highlighting his impact on the industry and his enduring legacy. His passing marked the end of an era, a time when infomercials were dominated by larger-than-life personalities who could captivate audiences with their sheer enthusiasm and unwavering conviction. He was a master of his craft, and his absence was deeply felt by those who had been entertained and persuaded by his pitches for so many years.

Billy Mays's influence extends beyond the products he promoted. He demonstrated the power of personality in advertising, showing that authenticity and passion can be just as effective as slick production and celebrity endorsements. He proved that even the most mundane products can be exciting and engaging when presented with genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of consumer needs. He inspired a generation of entrepreneurs and marketers, teaching them the importance of connecting with their audience on a personal level and building trust through transparency and honesty.

While Mays may be gone, his legacy lives on in the countless infomercials he created and the enduring impact he had on the world of advertising. His catchphrases are still quoted, his commercials are still parodied, and his image remains instantly recognizable. He was a true original, a one-of-a-kind personality who transformed the way products are sold on television. He wasn't just selling stain removers and cleaning solutions; he was selling a better, brighter, and cleaner future, and his enthusiasm was contagious. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

Even after his death, Billy Mays remained a relevant figure in popular culture. The YouTube parody page, Jaboody Dubs, continued to create humorous redubs of his infomercials, introducing his work to a new generation of viewers. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of his personality and the timeless quality of his comedic timing. His over-the-top enthusiasm and his relentless sales pitches continue to be a source of amusement for many, proving that his legacy extends far beyond the products he promoted.

The question of who is the best infomercial pitchman of all time is often debated, but Billy Mays's name consistently appears at the top of the list. His combination of booming voice, energetic personality, and genuine passion for the products he promoted made him a standout in a crowded field. While other pitchmen may have had their own unique styles and approaches, none could match Mays's ability to connect with viewers on a personal level and convince them that they needed his products to improve their lives. He was a true master of his craft, and his influence on the world of infomercials is undeniable.

Vince Shlomi, also known as the ShamWow Guy, is another prominent figure in the infomercial world. Shlomi's energetic demonstrations and his memorable catchphrases have made him a popular and recognizable pitchman. However, while Shlomi's style is certainly effective, it lacks the genuine warmth and down-to-earth personality that characterized Mays's approach. Mays's success was rooted in his ability to build trust with his audience, convincing them that he genuinely believed in the products he was selling. This authenticity is what set him apart from other pitchmen and solidified his place as one of the all-time greats.

On Sun., July 12, 2009, just weeks after his death, images of Billy Mays promoting Arm & Hammer baking soda on an infomercial set in Gulfport, Fla., were still circulating, a testament to his prolific career and the enduring demand for his work. His image was still being used to sell products, even in death, demonstrating the power of his brand and the lasting impact he had on the industry. He was more than just a pitchman; he was a symbol of the infomercial age, and his legacy continues to resonate even today.

Billy Mays's career serves as a reminder that success in advertising is not just about selling products; it's about connecting with people and building relationships. His genuine enthusiasm, his down-to-earth personality, and his unwavering commitment to his craft made him a beloved figure in the world of infomercials. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and marketers to embrace authenticity and build trust with their audience.

The trailer for a comedy central infomercial sold 50,000 DVDs and later sold 50,000 in stores. This demonstrated Billy May's ability to draw an audience.

In conclusion, Billy Mays wasn't just the king of infomercials; he was a cultural icon. His signature catchphrases, his booming voice, and his genuine enthusiasm made him an unforgettable presence on television screens across the country. He transformed the way products are sold, demonstrating the power of personality and the importance of connecting with consumers on a personal level. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and marketers to embrace authenticity and build trust with their audience.

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