Showbiz
Infomercial star Billy Mays dies, aged 50
Published Monday, Jun 29 2009, 15:04 BST | By Alex Fletcher
Infomercial pitchman Billy Mays has passed away at his home in Tampa, aged 50.
The TV star, who was famed for his trademark shout, died in his sleep and was found by his wife Deborah on Sunday morning.
The father-of-two began as a salesman on the Atlantic City boardwalk in the 1980s before he was handed contracts to promote products such as Oxi Clean and Kaboom. Rob Walker recently claimed in The New York Times magazine that Mays had one of the most familiar voices on US TV.
Mays insisted that he never worked with a company that he did not believe in and described himself as a "pitchman" and "problem solver" rather than an actor. His unique presenting style made him a popular figure for online video parodies.
He also recently moved into the world of reality TV with the Discovery Channel's Pitchmen, where he judged inventors' new products alongside fellow infomercial star Anthony Sullivan.
A spokesperson for Discovery told People: "Everyone [who knew] him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth.
"Billy was a pioneer in his field... He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this time of incredible loss."
Tampa Police Department revealed that it "suspects no foul play" in Mays's death, saying: "We responded to a call from his wife at 7:45am Sunday morning along with Tampa Fire and Rescue. She said he was unresponsive. We are waiting for an autopsy report tomorrow or later this week."
The police also stated that they have no reason to suspect that Mays's rough plane landing at Tampa International Airport earlier in the week was in any way related to his death.
The TV star, who was famed for his trademark shout, died in his sleep and was found by his wife Deborah on Sunday morning.
The father-of-two began as a salesman on the Atlantic City boardwalk in the 1980s before he was handed contracts to promote products such as Oxi Clean and Kaboom. Rob Walker recently claimed in The New York Times magazine that Mays had one of the most familiar voices on US TV.
Mays insisted that he never worked with a company that he did not believe in and described himself as a "pitchman" and "problem solver" rather than an actor. His unique presenting style made him a popular figure for online video parodies.
He also recently moved into the world of reality TV with the Discovery Channel's Pitchmen, where he judged inventors' new products alongside fellow infomercial star Anthony Sullivan.
A spokesperson for Discovery told People: "Everyone [who knew] him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth.
"Billy was a pioneer in his field... He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this time of incredible loss."
Tampa Police Department revealed that it "suspects no foul play" in Mays's death, saying: "We responded to a call from his wife at 7:45am Sunday morning along with Tampa Fire and Rescue. She said he was unresponsive. We are waiting for an autopsy report tomorrow or later this week."
The police also stated that they have no reason to suspect that Mays's rough plane landing at Tampa International Airport earlier in the week was in any way related to his death.
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