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.
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