Death of a Pitchman

Billy Mays (1958-2009)

Whether we care to admit it or not, Billy Mays was one of us -- a pitchman.
Sure, he may have been louder and more in-your-face than most; but,
when it was all said and done, he did what we do everyday -- help to peddle
our clients's products.

A 50 year old, McKees Rock (PA) native, Mays was at the top of his game
with a reality TV show and a long waiting list of As-Seen-On-TV gadgets
and elixers to hawk.

Inventors, manufacturers and importers will miss Billy Mays. And while
the commercial breaks may be a little quieter without him, and consumers
may end up with an extra $19.95 on their credit cards; most of us in the
advertising industry will morn his passing.