Variety.com - Infomercial pitchman Billy Mays dies

(varietycomments@reedbusiness.com) has sent you an Article.

http://wwwvariety.com/article/VR1118005469.html?c=14

 

 

Posted: Sun., Jun. 28, 2009, 9:29am PT

Infomercial pitchman Billy Mays dies

Co-host of Discovery's 'Pitchmen' series

By VARIETY STAFF

Billy Mays, the energetic product salesman of infomercial fame and co-host of Discovery Channel's "Pitchmen" series, was found dead early Sunday at his home in Tampa, Fla. He was 50.

Mays was well-known and well-regarded in the biz for his "larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth," Discovery Channel said in a statement.

"Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams," the cabler said.

Known as the "king of the infomercial," Mays got his start hawking products on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. He moved on to traveling the country with home and garden shows and other sales-oriented exhibitions. In 1996, he was tapped to pitch the Orange Glo cleaning solution live on the Home Shopping Network. His career in direct response advertising stemmed from his successful appearances on HSN. He became known for his loud, rhythmic and relentless delivery.

Mays teamed with popular British personality Anthony Sullivan to host "Pitchmen" for Discovery earlier this year. The show revolves around a competition among aspiring inventors to develop marketable products. There's no word yet from Discovery on the fate of the show.

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118005469.html

Like this article? Variety.com has over 150,000 articles, 40,000 reviews and 10,000 pages of charts. Subscribe today!
http://www.variety.com/emailfriend
or call (866) MY-VARIETY.
Can't commit? Sign up for a free trial!
http://www.variety.com/emailfriend

© 2009 Reed Business Information
Use of this Website is subject to Terms of Use. Privacy Policy