Who Was the Infomercial Guy Who Died in 2011?

By Webmaster

  • Who Was the Infomercial Guy Who Died in 2011?

    Remembering Billy Mays, the booming voice of American television sales

    (By Carmichael Phillip)

    (Photo: KoolShooters | Pexels)

    The Voice That Sold America

    If you turned on your television during the 2000s, chances are you heard the thunderous, unmistakable voice of Billy Mays. Dressed in a blue button-down shirt and shouting enthusiastically about cleaning products or gadgets, Mays became a staple of American infomercials. His high-energy pitches, iconic beard, and commanding tone made him one of the most recognized pitchmen in advertising history.

    Tragically, Billy Mays passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that defined a generation of “As Seen On TV” products. He wasn’t just a salesman—he was a television phenomenon.


  • Who Was Billy Mays?

    Born William Darrell Mays Jr. on July 20, 1958, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Billy Mays started his career as a pitchman at fairs and home shows. Long before he was known across the country, Mays honed his craft by selling products live to passersby, mastering the art of attention-grabbing and persuasion.

    In the early 1990s, he was discovered by the Orange Glo International company while demonstrating cleaning products at a home show in Pittsburgh. His collaboration with them on products like Orange Glo, OxiClean, and Kaboom would catapult him into infomercial fame.

    “Hi, Billy Mays here for OxiClean!”
    —one of the most recognizable opening lines in infomercial history.


  • His Most Iconic Products and Pitches

    Mays could sell just about anything, but he became best known for a few standout products that made waves thanks to his passionate delivery.

    OxiClean: A powerful stain remover that he called “the miracle cleaner.”

    Orange Glo: A wood cleaner and polish that gained wide popularity in the late ’90s.

    Kaboom: A bathroom cleaner with a purple foam that turned white when activated.

    Mighty Putty: An epoxy putty he described as being “like a plumber, carpenter, and handyman all rolled into one!”

    Each commercial was filmed with Mays projecting pure confidence in the product, often using real-world tests to demonstrate its value. He didn’t just tell you something worked—he showed you.

    “It cleans, it polishes, it protects! You name it, it does it!”
    —Billy Mays on Orange Glo


  • The Science of the Shout

    Billy Mays’ pitch style was impossible to ignore. With a booming voice that seemed to erupt from the television, he caught viewers’ attention immediately. While some found it jarring, millions found it endearing and effective.

    His approach was based on urgency and clarity. Mays believed that if he couldn’t grab your attention in the first few seconds, the sale was lost.

    “People thought I was yelling,” Mays once explained in an interview. “But I was projecting. I was enthusiastic. I believed in the product.”

    His vocal delivery became so iconic that comedians often imitated it, and fans coined the term “shoutvertising” in his honor.


  • PitchMen: Billy Mays Goes Primetime

    In 2009, Billy Mays partnered with fellow pitchman Anthony Sullivan to star in a Discovery Channel reality show titled “PitchMen.” The show followed the behind-the-scenes process of testing and pitching products, offering viewers a new appreciation for what it takes to make a product a TV sensation.

    The show was praised for its sincerity and highlighted Mays’ passion for helping everyday inventors succeed.

    “Billy wasn’t just selling. He cared about the inventors,” Sullivan said after Mays’ passing. “He really wanted them to win.”

    “PitchMen” humanized Mays, showing him as a hardworking family man who respected the art of the pitch and took immense pride in his work.


  • The Tragic Death of Billy Mays

    Billy Mays died suddenly on June 28, 2009, not 2011 as some incorrectly remember. His passing came just a day after he had flown home from promoting OxiClean on a shopping network in Florida. He was 50 years old.

    At first, there were rumors that his death was linked to a rough airplane landing, during which he had reportedly hit his head. However, the official autopsy reported hypertensive heart disease as the cause of death. Mays had previously experienced heart issues and high blood pressure, which contributed to his untimely passing.

    The news stunned the advertising and television communities. Tributes poured in from fans, celebrities, and even companies whose products he helped make famous.

    “Billy Mays was more than a pitchman—he was a symbol of optimism and hard work,” said Discovery Channel in a statement.


  • Public Reaction and Media Coverage

    The death of Billy Mays came during a summer when several high-profile celebrities died, including Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon. Though Mays wasn’t a traditional celebrity, his death was treated with similar reverence, showing just how beloved he had become.

    Fans created tribute videos, memes, and even held moments of silence on online forums. Media outlets like CNN, Fox News, and NPR covered the story with interviews and retrospectives on his life and influence.

    “He made infomercials entertaining, which is no small feat,” one fan tweeted.
    “We lost a legend of late-night TV,” another posted.


  • Legacy and Continued Influence

    Billy Mays’ legacy lives on not just in the products he pitched but in the style of infomercials that still mimic his energy today. His son, Billy Mays III, has even kept his memory alive through various creative projects and social media tributes.

    Products like OxiClean continue to dominate shelves, and reruns of Mays’ commercials still air. His image has even become part of internet culture—memes, gifs, and tribute pages are devoted to celebrating his larger-than-life persona.

    “Billy Mays never really left. He just moved to another channel,” joked one fan site.

    In the world of infomercials, there’s a clear before and after: before Billy Mays and after Billy Mays. Few pitchmen—if any—have ever achieved that level of fame.


  • Comparisons to Other Infomercial Icons

    Billy Mays often gets compared to other notable TV salesmen, like:

    Ron Popeil, the inventor behind the Pocket Fisherman and Showtime Rotisserie.

    Vince Offer, known for ShamWow and Slap Chop.

    Anthony Sullivan, Mays’ co-host and longtime friend.

    While all these personalities had their niche, Mays stood out because of his consistent ability to elevate a product through nothing but sheer enthusiasm and trustworthiness. His confidence in the items he sold made viewers feel like they weren’t being sold to—they were being helped.


  • Final Thoughts: A Voice That Echoes

    So, who was the infomercial guy who died in 2011? The answer is Billy Mays—though, to clarify, he actually passed away in 2009. His impact, however, carried on well beyond that date, leading to confusion about the year of his death.

    Mays remains an icon not because of gimmicks or flashy stunts, but because he truly believed in the products he pitched and connected with millions through a simple formula: honesty, enthusiasm, and volume. His voice, now silent, continues to echo in every high-energy infomercial that dares to follow in his footsteps.

    Billy Mays may be gone, but his legacy is louder than ever.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • Who is the actor in the Jeep commercial?

    Who is the actor in the Jeep commercial? Inside the story of Hollywood legend Harrison Ford starring in Jeep’s Super Bowl “Owner’s Manual” ad (By Carmichael Phillip) A Legendary Face Delivers a Simple…

    Who Is the Bald Guy in the Farmers Commercials?

    Who Is the Bald Guy in the Farmers Commercials? Unveiling the actor behind the iconic “We know a thing or two…” campaign (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: That Familiar, Bald-Faced Trusted Voice If you’ve…

    Are Kevin Miles and Patrick Mahomes friends?

    Are Kevin Miles and Patrick Mahomes friends? A playful bromance born in State Farm commercials that has spilled into real‑life camaraderie (By Carmichael Phillip) An Unlikely Buddies: Jake and the MVP Kevin Miles,…

    Is Jason Momoa in the Mountain Dew commercial?

    Is Jason Momoa in the Mountain Dew commercial? Unpacking the viral rumor of Aquaman’s cameo in the Mountain Dew “Mountain Dude” campaign (By Carmichael Phillip) Intro: A Man in Green Sparks a Celebrity…

    Who Is the Guy in the Green Coat in the New Mountain Dew Commercial?

    Who Is the Guy in the Green Coat in the New Mountain Dew Commercial? Meet the Mountain Dude: Mountain Dew’s buzzy new mascot bringing fun, adventure, and fur. (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction to…

  • Ad

  • Whose tongue is in the Super Bowl commercial?

    Whose tongue is in the Super Bowl commercial? The quirky Coffee‑Mate spot with a singing, dancing tongue—here’s who brought it to life (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. A tongue steals the show As viewers…

    Why did they switch Jake from State Farm?

    Why did they switch Jake from State Farm? The real story behind the iconic character’s facelift—and what it reveals about branding, diversity, and marketing strategy (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. Who was the original…

    How much does Subway pay Patrick Mahomes?

    How much does Subway pay Patrick Mahomes? A look into the NFL superstar’s Subway deal and what it reveals about athlete marketing (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. Patrick Mahomes: Subway’s latest quarterback recruit Patrick…

  • Ad

  • Who was the Seal in the Super Bowl commercial?

    Who was the Seal in the Super Bowl commercial? The singer turns into a seal—here’s the wild story behind Mountain Dew’s biggest ad of the year (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. The surreal seal…

    Who is the guy in the Black Ops 6 commercial?

    Who is the guy in the Black Ops 6 commercial? The man stepping in so you can step out—meet The Replacer (By Carmichael Phillip)   1. Enter The Replacer: a Call of Duty…

    Who is the Guy in the Mac Commercial?

    Who is the Guy in the Mac Commercial? From Justin Long to the Newest Faces—Uncovering the Man Behind Apple’s Latest Mac Ads (By Carmichael Phillip) The Man Behind the Icon: Justin Long, “I’m…

    How Much Does State Farm Pay Patrick Mahomes?

    How Much Does State Farm Pay Patrick Mahomes? Breaking Down the Multi-Million Dollar Partnership Between the NFL Superstar and America’s Favorite Insurance Brand (By Carmichael Phillip) Image Source: State Farm / YouTube The…

    Who is the Guy in the Sierra Ads?

    Who is the Guy in the Sierra Ads? Unveiling the Outdoorsy Charmer Who’s Becoming the Unexpected Star of Sierra’s Commercials (By Carmichael Phillip) Image Source: Sierra / TJX Companies What is Sierra, and…

  • Ad

  • Who is the Guy in the Ultra Commercial?

    Who is the Guy in the Ultra Commercial? Unmasking the Chill, Charismatic Man Behind the Michelob Ultra Ads (By Carmichael Phillip) Image Source: Michelob ULTRA / YouTube The Rise of the Michelob ULTRA…

    Who are the 10 Most Popular Commercial Actors From Iconic Catchphrases to National Fame: The Faces You Know But Might Not Know By Name (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. Stephanie Courtney – The Woman…

    How much does Capital One Bank Guy make?

    How much does Capital One Bank Guy make? Behind the scenes of advertising pay: the Capital One “Bank Guy” salary revealed (By Carmichael Phillip) Who Is the Capital One Bank Guy? The clean-cut,…

  • Ad

  • Who is the big guy in the MT Dew commercial?

    Who is the big guy in the MT Dew commercial? Unearthing the towering figure behind the Mountain Dew “Mountain Dude” craze (By Carmichael Philip)** Introducing the “Mountain Dude” The towering, fur‑coated figure climbing cliffs, sipping…

    Who is the guy in the Hanes commercial?

    Who is the guy in the Hanes commercial? Unveiling the charismatic star of Hanes’ “Ball‑ance” underwear ads (By Carmichael Phillip) Meet Tony Cavalero, a.k.a. “Hans” The energetic actor featured in the popular Hanes “Ball‑ance” campaigns…

    Who is the guy in the Truly commercial?

    Who is the guy in the Truly commercial? Unmasking the face of your favorite hard seltzer ad (By Carmichael Phillip)   Meet Keegan‑Michael Key: The Star of Truly The charismatic face you keep seeing in Truly Hard Seltzer ads…

    Who is the Famous Infomercial Actor?

    Who is the Famous Infomercial Actor? The unforgettable faces behind the “As Seen on TV” revolution (By Carmichael Phillip) The King of Infomercials: Billy Mays When discussing famous infomercial actors, one name stands…

    Who is the Actress in the Vaseline Lotion Commercial?

    Who is the Actress in the Vaseline Lotion Commercial? Exploring the Faces Behind Vaseline’s Iconic Skincare Campaigns (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: A Glimpse into Vaseline’s Skincare Campaigns Vaseline, a brand synonymous with skin…

  • Ad