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Last year, Kara Kovalchik wrote about Infomercial Superstars (and Where They Came From). Here’s her section on Billy Mays, who will be missed:
Billy Mays Cleans Up His Act
If Billy Mays’ onscreen sales technique reminds you of the “Step right up!”-style banter of a carnival barker, you’re not far off the mark. Shortly after graduating from high school, Mays took a job selling a household device called the Washmatik on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk. He then spent 12 years traveling the U.S. and selling everything from vegetable choppers to cleaning products at state fairs and home shows. Along the way he carefully studied the veteran pitchmen in neighboring booths and copied their shtick. In a nice slice of serendipity, Mays happened to be working across the aisle at a show from Max Appel, the founder of Orange Glo. Appel’s microphone broke just prior to a presentation, and Mays graciously gave him one of his spares. The two struck up a friendship, which led to Mays becoming the national spokesperson for Orange Glo. That gig led to spots for OxiClean and Kaboom! and a recognition factor that automatically guarantees millions of dollars in sales for any product.
You can read the full article here.
Comments (11)
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I love pitchmen. i didnt like him at first, but he comes across as likeable. can you imagine him at the pearly gates, saying BILLY MAYS HERE, and polishing the gates with orange glo and using oxiclean on the robes? btw recaptcha:half-theatrical
posted by kevinj on 6-29-2009 at 1:16 pm
This about the saddiest news I heard in a long time. To me this is a bigger deal Micheal Jackson passing. Billy Mays is someone an average person can relate to, he started at the bottom and worked his way to the top. True All-American story.
posted by Eric P on 6-29-2009 at 1:38 pm
I must be the only person on the planet who found this man to be the most irritating personality on TV since Gilbert Godfrey. Screaming through the TV set at middle of the night, commercials like his are the reason I own a Tivo.
I’m sorry for his family’s loss, however I really don’t understand where all of this public affection comes from.
posted by Jeffrey on 6-29-2009 at 1:39 pm
Commentary from my young children watching TV (paraphrased):
4yr old Sam: “We should have one of those (whatever Billy is selling today)!”
7yr old Gracie: “Mom says that we don’t by things from the guy who yells on TV.”
I guess I don’t have to worry about this anymore.
posted by SDK on 6-29-2009 at 2:14 pm
I’ll never look at my filthy laundry without crying again.
posted by Ryoki on 6-29-2009 at 7:46 pm
You either love him or hate him. I haven’t been this sad over a celebrity passing since Steve Irwin a few years back. My thoughts are with his family.
posted by Matt on 6-30-2009 at 1:07 am
You know, celebrities usually die in threes (Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson). Leave it to Billy Mays to throw in an extra one for free!
posted by Richard Dixon on 6-30-2009 at 8:46 am
RichardDixon – Now THAT was funny!
“Leave it to Billy Mays to throw in an extra one for free!”
posted by Hyacinth on 6-30-2009 at 9:52 am
Sorry to his family for his loss but I COULD NOT STAND listening to him yell. It’s an attack – what’s with screaming at people?
posted by Charlie M on 6-30-2009 at 5:14 pm
Another “celebrity” who was 50 just died. He had a lot going for him.
May Billy Mays rest in peace despite some of the negative things people say.
posted by ace on 7-1-2009 at 12:15 am
Billy Mays will be deeply missed. Not only a salesman- but as an inspiration to inventors and aspiring business-owners everywhere.
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posted by WB on 7-6-2009 at 10:41 am