Legendary pitchman Billy Mays' death today leaves fans, friends stunned

As news spread of the death of infomercial king Billy Mays, found dead in his Tampa area home Sunday morning, longtime business partner Anthony "Sully" Sullivan was stuck in London, fielding an avalanche of phone calls and struggling to hold himself together.

Mays, 50, was pronounced dead at 7:45 a.m. at a Bowen Daniel Drive condo, discovered by his wife, Deborah Mays. Though Mays had been a passenger on a US Airways flight that had a tire blow out during landing on Saturday, Sullivan said he doubted the incident had anything to do with his friend's death.

"He was going into hip surgery, and he was a little nervous about it," said Sullivan, who last saw Mays on Tuesday when the two appeared together on The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien. "We were going to take the whole of July off . . . he was going to have his hip surgery and we were going to just relax.

During a press conference with police at 1 p.m. Sunday, a spokeswoman confirmed that Mays was due to have hip replacement surgery Monday. A reporter at the press conference said Mays told reporters on Saturday that a piece of luggage hit him in the head during the flight incident.

"I hate to say it, but the king is dead," said Sullivan, his voice breaking into tears. "I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I’ll always remember his booming voice – him saying 'Billy Mays here.' He was the best friend a man could wish for – he was much more than people knew."

Mays became an internationally known celebrity thanks to his energetic infomercials for products such as OxiClean detergent and Kaboom household cleaner. Always clad in his trademark, sky blue shirt and khaki pants, Mays drew audiences with a booming voice, expansive gestures and his well-known opening: "BILLY MAYS HERE."

Heralded as one of the most successful infomercial hosts in history -- he proudly claimed $1 billion in sales over his career -- Mays reached a new audience in April when the Discovery Channel presented a TV series based on his work with Sullivan, dubbed Pitchmen.

Cool Billy Mays Links:

*Hear audio from one of Mays greatest pitches and see photos from a Gulfport filming session for Arm & Hammer baking soda by clicking here; photo at left from that session.

*See my interview with Mays, featuring outtakes from some of his best-known infomercials, by clicking here.

*One of Mays' last infomercials was for the Jupiter Jack cellphone broadcast system. Check out that video on the product's Web site, by clicking here.

*Video from the Associated Press of Mays can be found by clicking here.

*And you can sign our guestbook on Mays' legacy by clicking here.

Pitchmen's last episode of the season is scheduled for Wednesday and Sullivan hopes to talk Discovery into reworking it as a tribute to his departed partner. "We were close as anyone could get over the last six months . . . I still can't even believe this," he said. everyone in Tampa is just devastated."

Mays, who had two hip replacement surgeries last year, talked about dealing with continuing discomfort during a commercial shoot in Gulfport in April. Even the consummate pitchman, he also used the opportunity to tout the product featured in the first episode of the TV series, Impact Gel.

"I had a tough year," he said. "I had (my hip) replaced twice. I had a staph infection from the first one, so this last year’s been trying. All my shoes have the Impact Gel in ‘em and it’s given me more stamina . . . I stand on my legs all day, I’m still feeling . . . I’m healing right now, so  these hard floors just kill ya. So it’s been a big lifesaver for me." 

Mays' son, Billy Mays III, noted his father's death on Twitter Sunday morning, saying: "On my way to the house. He's gone. I'm gonna be strong for him. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers everyone."

The Discovery Channel also released a statement Sunday morning, saying: "Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth. 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."

Tampa police have announced a press conference at 1 p.m. No information yet on funeral plans.

Photos by Times photographer Scott Keeler

Here's a look at Mays' last talk show performance, on The Tonight Show, and one of his last infomercial pitches, for the Jupiter Jack:

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Comments

[HEMPRASHAD PADARAT]

HELLO BILLY MAYS
I KNOW HEAR THAT
I AM SAINT OF GOD ALIVE AND I CAN HELP HEAL BILLY MAYS CAN BACK TO LIFE NOT DEATH NO CHEAT RULES.
JESUS CHRIST ADOPT SON DEAF RULES. I DID EMAIL SEND TO YOU AND WAIT TOO LONG AND I HAVE NO HEAR FROM YOU COME EMAIL SEND ME THAT IS ALL WE LOVE YOU

[RINGO]

I am so glad, that i don't have to jump channels anymore. Mute alone would not have helped [except on the TV guide channel] Such an annoying idiot. He had no idea what to do with his hands. Every professional gesture and voice analyst would have told you, that all his advertising is a scam. I really doubt, that he ever used any of his products himself. They were crappy junk of no use at all and well overprized. a similar item was always available at the next dollar store for a fraction and you didn't have to pay additional shipping and processing for a second one.
Like so many other TV hosts, who never learned how to use gestures he is one of the persons who think useless walking around, fast and loud speaking or wild gesturing makes you appear dynamic. The opposite is true.
The next two guys I cannot wait to see disappear from the TV screen forever is that stupid Steve Bunell from the various cop show, who always walks around wildly and thinks that make him more appealing, and second the stupid man in the suit with the question mark.
Than there is a whole list of other scam artist from bowel movement to instant internet millionaires and real esttate tycoons for $ 517.13 [note the thirteen!].

By the way.
Billy mays had serious trouble with alcohol, He punished his liver severley for being in there. The autopsy should have mentioned this as well.

And one other hint for Mister Bunell! If you cannot resist the urge to walk around police cars, do it in a way, that your lower body is not in the frame. Or put a sock in it. You look like a girl. ...And your not very intelligent word games are so freaking boring, that i cannot stand it anymore. Police are crooks too. Look around. Grandmothers and priests are stunned with 20000 volts, convicted for corruption. imprisoned for murder suspicion, drug smuggling, bribes and so on. You are just one guy in the middle of a crowd of average guys, not in an army of undisputed heros!

[kimberly]

i feel very bad for what had to happen BILLY COME BACK!! the legened is still with us! =[

[kimberly]

i feel very bad for what had to happen BILLY COME BACK!! the legened is still with us! =[

[kimberly]

well i feel very bad for what had to happed the legend had to be over!

[kimberly]

well i feel very bad for what had to happed the legend had to be over!

[Dom]

Say what you want about Billy. Yeah he was loud and crazy, but he genuinly believed in these products. Even when he was on the Tonight Show it was like he couldnt wait to sell you something. He was so happy just to be there. He was a great example that if u believe in youself, no matter who tells u differently, good things can happen. He was one of a kind, and a good hearted man that cared about his family and fans. We'll miss you Billy. There should be more people like u in the world.

[Borg184]

I really miss you billy. COME BACK!

[Conner F]

Im 19 years old and Billy mMays really inspired me. I wacthed every episode of picthmen and got to love Billy Mays. He was funny and inspiring. After watching the show i was so motivtated to start my inventions and one day meeting Billy Mays. If I could of met anyone in the world it would of been Billy Mays. I was in tears when i found out he passed. I felt like I knew him. I will prey for his family.

[jeff williams]

while i feel, for his family and friends.....i am just thankful i don't have to wake to him screaming at me when i've fallen asleep during a movie !!!!!!!!!...christ.....

[New York Guy]

Originally I used to hate the commercials, Until I saw pitchmen. The show really opened my eyes to what Billy did was really a art. He became more likable with every episode. The show really revealed what a really nice person he was. He was kind and had a big heart. He was the kind of guy who would stop to talk to anyone and shake their hand. He is so missed. Billy and Sully were great together on tv. The fought like only friends can.
Billy Mays you are missed.

[John]

Hasnt anyone told this loser, its rude to point!... Rude rude rude and annoying guy. Thank god I dont have to hit mute or change the channel anymore. All you sympathisers crying over the most annoying guy in the world... give me a break. I have more care for the death of a cow... and I love beef! This wanna be celebrity deserves ZERO more airtime. Give us real news... my death should be more honorable than this jerk - RIP Michael!

[Gary]

Thank god he's gone! That goes to show you, if you pray hard enough - god listens... and believe me, I prayed every time that loud mouth stepped into my living room that he'd get the F^$% out and never come back! One more douchebag gone... king of garbage he sold. Hell to me, would be meeting him there and hearing his loud mouth for eternity. The girly man grew a beard just so you werent confused by his girly yelling obnoxious voice! Good riddens loser!

[YankeesRock]

Billy Mays was a scam artist who did nothing for the world get over it, it is just another person who died. RIP for the king of pop who contributed much more.

[Pete Simmons]

"Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit"...from the Desiderata.

[Raul Ruiz, Jr.]

Billy, you were the King of infomercial Sales and always will be! I can't believe your gone. What a sad week. My prayers go out to your family and friends. I started watching his show "Pitchmen" about 2 months ago, and I love it. I used to work in sales and I know 1st hand how hard this profession can be. He brought honesty, and integrity to the field of sales. He helped so many inventors make fortunes by pitching their products. I could tell from the show that he was very involved with his family and had a funny genuine friendship with Anthony Sullivan. You will be sorely missed and rest in peace Billy.

[Eileen]

I will miss Billy. I loved his show and I loved him. He wasn't just a "pitchman" to me. He was a warm, caring, honest human being who made me smile with his larger than life personality, generosity and beautiful smile. He was an ordinary guy who made everyday people's dreams come true. I am sure I will be watching his season finale with tears in my eyes. My condolences to his family and to Sully.

[Kylie]

The untimely death of Billy Mays is truely saddening. America has lost one of the greats. Anyone watching his show could tell that he was such an awesome, whole-hearted, down to earth guy. Billy's death has hit me harder than the previous deaths this week. He may have been loud, but that voice made the dreams of so many hopeful inventors come true. Without him, there wouldn't be a 1 billion dollar infomercial industy, he has set the bar. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. You will truely be missed; we love you Billy.

[Susan]

I really liked Billy Mays. His death hit me harder than when Michael Jackson and Farrah died. I guess it is because he just seemed so vibrant and in the prime of his life. I will truly miss him. I have absolutely LOVED Pitchmen and that show let me see who he really was, and he was a wonderful and sincere and genuine person. My condolences to the entire family and to everyone close to Billy.

[Kim B.]

I started to watch Pitchmen about a month ago, and up till then I thought Billy was just another loud TV sales guy. I was wrong. Because of the show I realized my prejudice gave me the wrong impression of such a great man. Not only did Billy set the bar in his field for integrity, he also set the bar for everyone to live a life as true to themselves as he did. My deepest sympathy to his lovely family, Anthony "Sully" Sullivan, and to everyone else Billy's life graced. He will be missed. Rest in peace. :'(

[Caressa]

Billy Mays was the most annyoing man I have ever seen on T.V. He was always shouting and it was nerve racking. but I say this, He did get you to listen and hear what he had to say. YES I even bought the products he pitched. (lol) and He was my favorite imfomertail to watch. R.I.P Billy

[Jack]

This just sucks. I was very stunned to hear this, and then the LATCH failed on the overhead compartment? I hope his family SUES the HELL out of US AIR. Those stupid latch systems need to be replaced that will hold until the plane is just utterly destroyed. Perhaps then the stupid airline mfg's will FINALLY do something about this problem. SUCH A LOSS FOR ALL. Yeah, who cared about MJ's death...but this just sucks.

[Brian Bearden]

Billy was a true marketing professional. People may poke fun at him but for the industry that he was in, he was one of the best. He will be missed by all of the As Seen on TV current and future products.

[SadMommy]

My kids and I are SO SAD!!! The kids loved watching Billy's commercial outtakes on YouTube. Last week, I was giggling to myself at work, thinking about him yelling at Anthony Sullivan on the "Pitchmen" show about "wiping with authority". Just seemed like an endearing, funny, and sweet guy who loved what he did for a living. Whether you enjoyed his commercials or not, it was hard not to love him. He had a welcoming smile and a twinkle in his eye. I wasn't so shocked about Michael, Farrah, or Ed, even though those were sad losses, too. There is something far more upsetting about losing Mr. Mays. Maybe it's because he seemed relatable and approachable, kind of an everyman. Not an icon, just a regular guy. We loved him, and the world seems a sadder place without him. I pray that God comforts his family in what will be the saddest and scariest time of their lives. RIP, Billy Mays.

[Jay]

Good Bye Bill...you went for it when most others were afraid...

You'll be missed...

[Donna]

I have been running a Billy Mays fan site for a while and it's amazing how many people have come and left comments of condolence in the last two days. As of this morning, there are over 600. When you think about it, the world has lost a truly unique person. He is one of a kind and will never be replaced. The back and forth with him and Sullivan on Pitchmen was fun to watch and now it's done. I'm going to miss that great big smile.

[Dan]

The news of Michael Jackson's death didn't really phase me, but I was very sad to hear about Billy Mays. I've been watching the Pitchman show on the Discovery channel and it has opened my eyes to what a wonderful guy Billy is. I've really enjoyed the show, and I know it wont be the same without him.

[justahunch]

I Saw him and Sullivan fighting on one of the shows when they were testing a shark deterent.
I just wonder if Sullivan didn't order a hit on him. Maybe he was jealous.
Just a gut feeling. Something about his death just doesn't sit right.
And so convenient that Sullivan was in England at the time.
I don't know. Just a feeling.

[Jim]

Even if you didn't like his commercials, Billy Mays is a guy who lived the American dream and succeeded. It seemed like his notoriety was growing by the month. My thoughts are with his family.

[Nancy]

I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Billy Mays' untimely death. The first time I ever saw him, some years back, his black hair and beard reminded me of Bluto, Popeye's nemesis. I then jokingly thought to myself, "there's Bluto" each time one of his commercials came on. He was a true professional in his field. My sincere condolences to his family. God bless you Billy, RIP.

[Shaaron]

I can't believe how heartless some of these comments are. A human being, a good one at that, has passed on. I totally agree with Denise. If you can't say anything nice, say nothing!! I loved his new show Pitchmen and my heart goes out to all those who knew and loved him.

[Randy Frieder]

My 14 year old son Alex and I have been watching and enjoying Pitchman together. When I told him the sad news this morning he teared up. He said he liked Billy, he seemed like a good guy. Billy was born in 1958, michael Jackson was born in 1958 and I was born in 1958. It makes you feel very mortal. My condolences to the family. He was good at what he did. Goodbye Billy

[!]

I miss Billy.

[Denise]

If some of you heartless people do not have nothing nice to say do not say anything at all!! My heart goes out to all of the people that Billy worked with and most of all his family and his 3 year old little girl. We will miss you Billy. You had a big heart. Love you

[Dan]

Only in America could a carnival barker die and have people react like it was Mother Theresa...

[Mimi]

My husband and I love the show, and Billys passion for what he did, showed. We are so sorry for your loss. For those of you that have not seen the show, I hope that you can catch the reruns, it is a great show.
To Billys family and to Sully, we pray that the Lord will give you strength to get through these difficult times.

[Bob H]

I don't get attached to tv personalities, but this is the most shocking death since Steve Irwin. I didn't get to know him until his show Pitchmen, but it quickly became obvious that Billy was an honest, and very real person. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, son and little daughter.

[tyler]

the phrase,HI! Billy Mays Here!,to me , is as iconic or even more, as the phrase, one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind because billy was the most energetic happy pitchman there could be. his show on the discovery channel was in my opinion one of the best shows ever. when i herd the news that he had passed away i was shocked. i could not believe he was dead .

God bless his family

~His spirit will live
on in the hearts of
everyone who has ever
watched him and his
impact on telivision
will never be forgotton.~

[brian]

For those who have ignorant comments.. get over yourself. Like him or not, Billy Mays was a human being. He was NOT a man accused of "playing" with little boys while carrying a monkey where ever he went. Maybe he had no "peace prize" the man did enrich peoples' lives and made their dreams come true. That's more than your little peace advocate! Any one can hug a tree, not too many came personally change the lives of many one at a time by launching their products. I pitty you who have demoralized the situation...

[Naraeia]

Wow I can not BELIEVE, I love Billy Mays. WTH is going on this is the worst week EVER 4 big people in one week, enough is enough.

I'm going to miss Billy and I was for sure looking forward to more seasons of Pitchmen, great show!!!

God bless your family!!
Stay Strong Sully!!!

[Amelia]

I cant believe some of the idiots on here...Billy Mays was a good man and you are saying who cares? I cant stand stupid idiotic people who say negative things about dead people. OMG RIP Billy. =/

[Sally]

OMG! Who IS this guy!!!??? Did he EVER do ANYTHING for ANYONE besides himself? Was he a world leader? A Nobel Peace Prize winner? An advocate for world peace? NO!! He yelled at the top of his lungs on television in orer to sell products that were completely discretionary and most of the people who bought them were less than what you'd refer to as literary!

PUHLEEEESE! Why is this making such front page news?

People die all the time. They die unexpectedly. They die young. Yes, it's very sad, but give substance to it for crying out loud.

[OXYMORON]

It would be a lie to say i will miss him. i COULDNT STAND HIS NON STOP SCREAMING. Did he do that in real life?
Sympathys to his family though.
he must have done over 5,000 tv commercials.
He will live forever through them.

[Charles]

pretty crazy. Makes you wonder who will be next. I've grown to like Billy over the last few months.

[Jeannine]

From the King of Pop to the King of Infomercials. Sad few days.

[Robert Alonso]

This is a sad day. Billy Mays was a true american icon, the voice for all inventors and he stood behind the producsts he offered.

Rest in peace, I will miss watching him in pitchmen...

[Mike]

Did not care for him much till I watched Pitchmen. We was really a good guy, loud on TV yes, but a good guy. Very sad. He also had a 2nd wife and a young daughter. Take care Mays family!

[Jay]

Baldo & top hat, how can you two be so cruel? Your comments were totally unnecessary and in very poor taste. What if it was someone in your family? I feel sorry for you.

[Lynn]

Enough already! Everyone take care of yourselves and hug your loved ones. My sympathies to Mr. Mays' family.

[baldo]

I could not stand this loud mouth. But I would like to buy some of that keen brown shoe polish he used for hair coloring.