Free Newsletter Subscription
        BNC All Access

Pitchman Billy Mays Dies

TV ad man who hawked OxiClean, Orange Glo found dead in Tampa home

By Claire Atkinson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/28/2009 4:28:56 PM

Television advertising legend Billy Mays died Sunday in his home in Tampa, Fla., according to Associated Press, which reported that an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause. He was 50 years old.

Billy MaysMays was best known for his over-the-top delivery of cleaning product infomercials on behalf of OxiClean and Orange Glo. He was also star of Discovery Channel's Pitchmen, which followed his career in television advertising.

"Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger than life personality, generosity and warmth," read statement issued Sunday by Discovery Communications. "Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams. He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend." Discovery will air a day-long marathon of Pitchmen on Wednesday, July 1.

His death comes amid sad days for the entertainment business following the loss of actress Farrah Fawcett and pop star Michael Jackson.

Related Content

No related content found.

Also by Claire Atkinson

Most Popular Pages
    No Top Articles
Newbay Business Information Resource Center

Featured Company


Most Recent Resources

Advertisement
More Content
  • Blogs
  • Photos
  • Podcasts

Paige Albiniak

Fates & Fortunes

Paige Albiniak
February 15, 2010
Fates & Fortunes Round-Up: Feb. 8 – Feb. 15, 2010
In my house right now, it’s Olympics 24/7. Who cares if NBC is losing $250...
More

John Eggerton

BC/DC: Eggerton on Washington

John Eggerton
February 14, 2010
Color Bronze Missing From Peacock's Olympic Tale
Come on NBC.  Bryon Wilson was Skiing USA and got hardly a mention...
More

Free Streaming panel_Grossman_Graboff_Rosenblum_Tellem_Wells_vertical

Free Streaming: Killing or Saving the Television Business

Photos from the B&C/Multichannel News panel discussion and networking breakfast held Nov. 17, 2009, at the Academy Television Arts & Sciences. (Photos by credit: Craig T. Mathew/Mathew Imaging)



Advertisement
About Us   |   Advertising Info   |   Submissions   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Affiliate Links   |   RSS
© 2011 NewBay Media, LLC. 28 East 28th Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10016 T (212) 378-0400 F (212) 378-0470
Use of this website is subject to its Terms of Use | Privacy Policy