Billy Mays
Billy Mays | |
|---|---|
Mays in June 2009, shortly before his death | |
| Born | William Darrell Mays Jr. July 20, 1958 |
| Died | June 28, 2009 (aged 50) Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mount Calvary Cemetery, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Other names | King of the Pitch |
| Occupation | Television direct-response advertisement salesman |
| Years active | 1983–2009 |
| Employer | Home Shopping Network |
| Known for | Infomercial acting |
| Television | PitchMen |
| Board member of | Mays Promotions, Inc. |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 2 |
William Darrell Mays Jr. (July 20, 1958 – June 28, 2009) was an American television direct-response advertisement salesperson. Throughout his career, he promoted a wide variety of products, including OxiClean, Orange Glo, Kaboom, Zorbeez, and Mighty Mendit. His promotions aired mainly on the Home Shopping Network through his company, Mays Promotions, Inc., although they have aired on other syndicated networks. Mays's infomercials were known for his catch phrase "Hi, Billy Mays here", and his shouted delivery of lines.
Mays and his business partner, Anthony Sullivan, were also featured on PitchMen, a Discovery Channel television series that documented their work. His distinctive beard, attire, loud voice, and impassioned sales pitches made him a recognized television presence in the United States and Canada.