Written by: Cassandra Blake

Billy Mays: The Infomercial King

Billy Mays, the boisterous and charismatic television pitchman, is synonymous with late-night infomercials and revolutionary cleaning products. With his iconic beard, loud voice, and infectious enthusiasm, Mays peddled everything from OxiClean to Kaboom, becoming a household name in the process.

Early Life and Career

Born William Darrell Mays Jr. on July 20, 1958, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Mays grew up in nearby Pittsburgh. He attended StoRox High School and later enrolled at West Virginia University, where he walked onto the football team as a linebacker. However, he dropped out of college to work for his father's hazardous waste company.

Mays' journey as a pitchman began on the Atlantic City boardwalk in 1983, where he sold Washmatik portable washing devices and other As Seen on TV products to passersby. He honed his skills by traveling to home shows, auto shows, and state fairs across the United States, peddling maintenance products and tools for 12 years.

Rise to Fame

In 1993, Mays met Max Appel, founder of Orange Glo International, at a Pittsburgh home show. Appel hired Mays to promote Orange Glo's line of cleaning products, including OxiClean, on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). This partnership catapulted Mays to national fame, and he soon became a staple on HSN.

In 2007, Mays and business partner Anthony Sullivan starred in PitchMen, a Discovery Channel series that followed their lives as infomercial pitchmen. The show ran for two seasons, further solidifying Mays' status as a household name.

Philosophy and Approach

Mays' success stemmed from his unique approach to sales. He believed in demonstrating products in an honest and straightforward manner, without resorting to gimmicks or false claims. His enthusiasm and conviction were infectious, making audiences feel like they needed the products he was peddling.

Mays once said, "I'm not a TV personality, I'm a salesman. I'm not trying to be a movie star, I'm trying to sell products." This philosophy earned him a reputation as a trustworthy and relatable pitchman.

Legacy and Impact

Billy Mays' impact on modern society extends beyond the world of infomercials. He helped popularize the concept of direct-response marketing, paving the way for future generations of pitchmen and entrepreneurs.

Mays' influence can be seen in contemporary advertising, with many companies adopting his straightforward and demonstrative approach to selling products.

Personal Life and Milestones

In his personal life, Mays was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He supported various charities, including the Pittsburgh Children's Hospital and the StoRox Community Park.

Mays was also an avid sports fan, often attending Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates games.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite his success, Mays faced criticism for his aggressive sales tactics and the perceived quality of some products he promoted. However, he remained unapologetic about his approach, insisting that he only peddled products he believed in.

Tragically, Mays passed away on June 28, 2009, at the age of 50. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and fellow pitchmen.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Mays' signature beard became an iconic part of his brand, but he only grew it to cover up a scratch on his face from a bar fight.
• He was a prolific pitchman, appearing in over 500 infomercials throughout his career.
• Mays' loud voice was a natural talent – he never used vocal enhancers or amplifiers on set.

In conclusion, Billy Mays' legacy as the Infomercial King is cemented in the annals of American pop culture. His unwavering enthusiasm, unapologetic approach, and trustworthiness have made him a beloved figure in the world of advertising.