Updated June 28, 2012
“Hi, Billy Mays here!” For years, that was the opening line for scores of commercials featuring this master pitchman. Mainly associated with products used around the home, his commercial gigs included health insurance and even snowboards. Although some found his maximum-volume voice annoying, his old-school pitchman technique put millions in his pocket and a Bentley in his garage. In April 2009, Billy achieved even greater fame by starring with Anthony Sullivan in the Discovery Channel television series Pitchmen. The hit show profiled the behind-the-scenes world of inventing and marketing “As Seen on TV” products.
Billy Mays died in his sleep at his Tampa home at age 50 on June 28, 2009. The cause was heart failure. You can find more in-depth biographical info on the Billy Mays Wikipedia page.
We'll never forget you, Billy Mays. You live on through your many TV commercials and infomercials. Here are some of our favorites.
Originally broadcast on July 9, 2009. Warning: have some Kleenex ready before you watch.

