King of Pitchmen Billy Mays Died Today at Age 50

The police have only preliminarily reported there is no suspicion of foul play, and his wife has stated Mr. Mays complained of not feeling well the previous evening.

Brief Biography of Billy Mays

Bill Mays was an entrepreneurial icon. Anyone who claims direct marketing is an advertising dinosaur need only look at the phenomenal success of pitchman legend Billy Mays. Born to sell, Mays began selling portable washing devices (Washmatik) on the Atlantic City, NJ boardwalk just after he graduated from high school. It was here, Mays began developing his signature pitch style.

In 1993 he was hired by Orange Glo International (OGI) to become their pitchman for for a line of cleaners: OxiClean, Orange Clean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom.
He was an instant celebrity on the Home Shopping Network and helped OGI earn a spot in the top ten on Inc.’s fastest-growing, privately-held companies from 1999 to 2001.

He was the CEO and founder of Mays Promotions, Inc. and recently starred in the reality series, “Pitchmen,” pitting direct marketing skills against rival Anthony Sullivan.

His famous and enthusiastic greeting, “Hi! Billy Mays here..” announcing himself as if we all should know who he was without any further explanation, left an endearing, tangible infomercial impression in our hearts and memories.

Rest in peace Billy Mays.