Billy Mays, the original OxiClean guy, passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2009. He was found dead in his home in Tampa, Florida. The cause of death was later determined to be heart disease, specifically hypertensive heart disease, which is a condition that can lead to heart failure.
Mays had a successful career as an infomercial superstar, known for his loud and enthusiastic pitch style. He gained fame through his appearances in commercials for a variety of products, including OxiClean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom. His energetic persona and memorable catchphrases, such as “But wait, there’s more!” and “Hi, Billy Mays here,” made him a recognizable figure in the world of direct-response advertising.
In the days leading up to his death, Mays had been involved in a minor incident during a US Airways flight. The plane he was on had a hard landing, which resulted in a blown-out tire. Though the incident was not believed to be directly related to his death, some speculated that it may have contributed to his health condition.
Mays’ sudden passing came as a shock to many, as he was only 50 years old at the time. The news of his death spread quickly, and fans and colleagues mourned the loss of a charismatic and talented pitchman. His impact on the infomercial industry and his memorable presence on television screens across the country will always be remembered.
It is worth noting that after Mays’ death, other individuals, such as Anthony Sullivan, took over as the face of OxiClean in subsequent commercials. However, Mays will always be remembered as the original OxiClean guy, whose energetic and persuasive style made him a household name.