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Billy Mays


Billy Mays

Billy Mays, celebrated TV infomercial pitchman, was found dead in his home on June 29, 2009 from a heart attack complicated by cocaine use.

About Billy Mays

Known for: Television Infomercial Pitchman

Billy Mays began work as a salesman in the mid-80’s. He worked on New Jersey’s Atlantic City boardwalk selling As Seen on TV’ products to passerby’s. Billy’s style was that of the olden days, as he was trained by older salesman. Soon he began traveling to various home shows and fairs across the country, setting up and selling his wares.

It was at one of these shows where Billy met Max Appel, the founder of Orange Glo International. Max hired Billy to pitch his cleaning products in television infomercials. Billy had by then developed a unique style. When pitching a product he was loud, abrasive and direct. He didn’t sweet talk his audiences like many salesmen did. His tactics worked and within the first day of his infomercial the sales of Orange Glo International rose.

Before long, Billy Mays became a household name. He became one of the most sought-after pitchmen of all time. He began pitching other products as well as for Orange Glo. He also went on to appear in commercials for ESPN promoting ESPN 360, a broadband service. The Discovery Channel launched a show titled Pitchman’, a documentary starring Billy and fellow pitchman Anthony Sellers. Billy’s career was higher than ever.

Sadly, on the morning of June 28, 2009 Billy Mays’ wife Deborah found him in their home dead; he had passed away sometime during the night. An autopsy revealed that Billy had died from heart disease which had been complicated by cocaine use. Toxicology tests also revealed that multiple pain-killers and anti-anxiety drugs were in his system at time of death.

Created by ExtraordinarilyYours

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