If you found this page, I'm sure you've heard by now that Billy Mays, died early Sunday morning in his Tampa condo.
Some people think of Billy Mays as the yelling, obnoxious guy in the blue shirt that gets on their nerves ... but I kind of liked the guy, especially when I got to know him
little better :)
I had only seen Billy, as most of you have, doing his favorite pitches for some of America's best "as seen on TV" products. His in-your-face style came across to me as being someone you wanted to have a beer with. At least it did for me, and judging by his success I'm sure that was true for many others as well. Then came the Discovery Channel's Pitchman, that featured Billy and Anthony Sullivan, better known as Sully, in a new reality series that allowed us to get to know Billy better.
Born William Darrell Mays on July 20, 1958 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania and attended Sto-Rox High School. He also attended the University of West Virginia but later dropped out to work for his Dad's hazardous waste company.
Billy was second generation "Billy Mays" with a Dad, Billy Mays Sr. and then a Son,
Billy Mays Jr.. The latter appeared on the Discovery channel show and was the mirror opposite of his Dad being very reserved and it was always apparent he was very proud of his Dad. It was clear to me that Billy was very much a family man who often had his wife Deborah and Daughter Elizabeth on set too.
In the earlier days, Billy could be found on the Atlantic City Boardwalk learning his craft pitching Washmatik portable washing machines as well as other "As Seen On TV" products. He would also travel the U.S. working at Home Shows, State Fairs and other venues where he could perfect his craft.
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His first break came in 1993, when he struck up a friendship with Max Appel, founder of Orange Glo international whose main line included Orange Glo and Oxy Clean which would become synonymous with Billy. He was hired to promote these products as well as Kaboom on the up and coming Home Shopping Network where Billy was responsible for a sharp increase in sales on these products. It was here that Billy made famous his signature "Billy Mays here" that later opened all his pitching proposals.
Billy went on to start Mays Productions and stood behind and used the products he endorsed. People seemed to value his judgement for products and this would contribute to his overall success. The world was just beginning to become familiar with the real Billy Mays when his "Pitchmen" series debuted on the Discovery Channel. I looked forward to the program every week as Billy and "Sully" searched for the next big "As Seen On TV" product. I never met him but feel I kind of knew him thru the series and will miss him and his patent "Billy Mays Here".
The circumstances around his death are yet unknown as his body is being autopsied as I write this and an update will be forth coming.
May you rest in peace Billy and godspeed to your family in this tough time.
Check out some of Billy's most played spots:
Billy Mays for Kaboom All Purpose Cleaner
Billy Mays for Oxi Clean Detergent
Billy Mays pitching Orange Glo
Billy Mays for mighty puddy
Seems like everyone wants to be Billy Mays for Halloween this season and why not. It's easy to do. Khaki beige pants and the blue oxiclean shirt ... a little black stubble (use a burnt cork)or the glue on full beard, a spray bottle of oxyclean and viola ... Billy Mays here.
