If you grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, chances are you’re familiar with the energetic and charismatic pitchman Billy Mays. He was the face of OxiClean, a popular cleaning product that was heavily advertised on television. Mays’ loud, boisterous, and enthusiastic personality made him a household name, and his commercials for OxiClean are still widely remembered today. But what happened to the original OxiClean guy?
The Rise of Billy Mays
Billy Mays was born on June 20, 1958, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a working-class family and developed an interest in sales at a young age. After high school, Mays attended West Virginia University, but he dropped out to pursue a career in sales. He started out selling products at trade shows and eventually landed a job as a pitchman for various companies.
Mays’ big break came in the late 1990s when he started working with Orange Glo International, the company behind OxiClean. He became the face of the product, appearing in numerous commercials and infomercials. His energetic and charismatic personality made him a natural fit for the role, and he quickly became synonymous with OxiClean.
OxiClean’s Success
OxiClean was a huge success, thanks in large part to Mays’ enthusiastic pitching. The product was a powerful cleaning agent that could be used to clean a variety of surfaces, from carpets to countertops. Mays’ commercials for OxiClean were ubiquitous, and his catchphrase (“OxiClean gets the tough jobs done!”) became a cultural phenomenon.
Under Mays’ guidance, OxiClean became one of the best-selling cleaning products on the market. The product was widely available in stores, and its popularity continued to grow throughout the early 2000s. Mays’ success with OxiClean also led to other opportunities, including appearances on TV shows and endorsement deals with other companies.
The Death of Billy Mays
Tragically, Billy Mays’ life was cut short on June 28, 2009. He was found dead in his home in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 50. The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack, which was likely brought on by a pre-existing heart condition.
Mays’ death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow pitchmen. He was remembered for his energetic personality, his charismatic pitch style, and his ability to make even the most mundane products seem exciting.
Legacy of Billy Mays
Billy Mays’ legacy continues to be felt today. He is still widely remembered as the face of OxiClean, and his commercials for the product remain iconic. Mays’ influence can also be seen in the work of other pitchmen, who have followed in his footsteps and adopted similar styles.
In addition to his work with OxiClean, Mays also appeared in numerous other commercials and infomercials. He was a prolific pitchman, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans of the genre.
What Happened to OxiClean After Billy Mays’ Death?
After Billy Mays’ death, OxiClean continued to be a popular cleaning product. However, the company faced a significant challenge in finding a new pitchman who could fill Mays’ shoes.
In 2010, OxiClean announced that it had hired a new pitchman, Anthony Sullivan. Sullivan was a well-known pitchman in his own right, having appeared in numerous commercials and infomercials. However, he was not able to replicate Mays’ success, and OxiClean’s sales began to decline.
In recent years, OxiClean has continued to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The company has expanded its product line to include a variety of cleaning products, and it has also invested heavily in digital marketing.
OxiClean’s Current Status
Today, OxiClean remains a popular cleaning product, although its sales are not what they once were. The company continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, and it remains a major player in the cleaning products market.
In addition to its core product line, OxiClean has also expanded into other areas, including laundry detergent and dish soap. The company has also invested heavily in digital marketing, and it has a strong presence on social media.
Conclusion
Billy Mays was a true original, a charismatic pitchman who became synonymous with OxiClean. His energetic personality and enthusiastic pitching style made him a household name, and his legacy continues to be felt today.
While OxiClean is not as widely popular as it once was, the company remains a major player in the cleaning products market. Its continued innovation and adaptation to changing consumer preferences have helped it to stay relevant, even in the face of increased competition.
As for Billy Mays, he will always be remembered as the original OxiClean guy, a pitchman who brought energy and enthusiasm to the world of cleaning products. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain, and his memory will live on for generations to come.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1958 | Billy Mays was born on June 20th |
| 1990s | Mays started working with Orange Glo International, the company behind OxiClean |
| 2009 | Billy Mays died on June 28th at the age of 50 |
| 2010 | OxiClean hired a new pitchman, Anthony Sullivan |
In conclusion, Billy Mays was a true original, a charismatic pitchman who became synonymous with OxiClean. His energetic personality and enthusiastic pitching style made him a household name, and his legacy continues to be felt today.
Who was Billy Mays?
Billy Mays was an American television pitchman, best known for promoting OxiClean, a popular cleaning product. He was born on July 20, 1958, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. Mays gained fame for his loud, energetic, and charismatic sales pitches, which made him a household name.
Mays’ career as a pitchman spanned over two decades, during which he promoted numerous products, including OxiClean, Kaboom, and Scrubbing Bubbles. His unique style and enthusiasm made him a beloved figure in American advertising. Mays’ success as a pitchman led to appearances on various TV shows, including “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
What happened to Billy Mays?
Billy Mays passed away on June 28, 2009, at the age of 50. He was found unresponsive in his home in Tampa, Florida, by his wife, Deborah Mays. The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack, which was likely caused by hypertensive heart disease.
Mays’ death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities. His legacy as a pitchman continues to be celebrated, and his iconic commercials remain popular to this day. Despite his passing, Billy Mays’ impact on American advertising and popular culture remains significant.
What was Billy Mays’ net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death, Billy Mays’ net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His successful career as a pitchman, combined with various endorsement deals and business ventures, contributed to his significant wealth.
Mays’ net worth was also boosted by his appearances on TV shows and his own production company, Mays Promotions, Inc. Despite his passing, Mays’ estate continues to earn money from his iconic commercials and endorsement deals.
Did Billy Mays have any children?
Yes, Billy Mays had two children, Billy Mays III and Elizabeth Mays. His children have kept a relatively low profile since their father’s passing, but they have made occasional appearances at events and tributes honoring their father’s legacy.
Mays was known to be a devoted father and husband, and his family was very important to him. Despite his busy career, he made time for his loved ones and was often seen with them at public events.
What was Billy Mays’ relationship like with his wife, Deborah Mays?
Billy Mays was married to Deborah Mays for over 20 years, until his death in 2009. The couple met in the 1980s, and Deborah became Mays’ manager and business partner. She played a significant role in his career, helping him to secure endorsement deals and manage his finances.
Deborah Mays has spoken publicly about the couple’s close relationship, describing Billy as a loving husband and father. She has continued to manage his estate and legacy since his passing, ensuring that his iconic commercials and products remain popular.
Did Billy Mays have any health problems before his death?
Yes, Billy Mays had a history of health problems before his death. He had been diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure and can lead to heart attacks.
Mays had also been experiencing hip problems and had undergone surgery to repair a torn tendon in his hip. Despite his health issues, Mays remained active and continued to work until his death.
How is Billy Mays’ legacy remembered today?
Billy Mays’ legacy is remembered today as a beloved pitchman and entrepreneur. His iconic commercials for OxiClean and other products continue to be popular, and he remains a household name.
Mays’ impact on American advertising is still celebrated, and he is often credited with helping to popularize the infomercial format. His enthusiasm, energy, and charisma have inspired a new generation of pitchmen and entrepreneurs, ensuring that his legacy will continue to be remembered for years to come.