The direct marketing world lost an icon and one of the greatest pitchmen of all time today; Billy Mays was found dead in his Florida home a little before 8:00 AM this morning. He was 50 years old.
In a week where the entertainment world lost Michal Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon, it's hard to imagine losing another public figure. This one hits the advertising world particularly hard, especially with the recent rise of direct marketing (the "CALL NOW AND RECEIVE..." commercials) with the dip in the economy.
Mays had an unparalleled ability to sell you something that he made look really useful, even if you didn't need it at all. Products like OxiClean, Mighty Putty, and the Awesome Auger are just a few of his success stories. Recently, he had been seen pushing iCan health insurance, and mocking his own style in ads for ESPN360.com.
Little is known about Mays' shocking death right now, but foul play is not suspected. It is reported that Mays had been hit in the head by falling baggage after a turbulent landing on a US Airways flight Saturday afternoon; it will not be known if this was a contributing factor until after tomorrow's autopsy.
Many of us will genuinely miss one of the world's most transcendent marketing personalities.
Rest in Peace.
Definitely a great loss not only for the ad/marketing industry, but for this consumer-driven country as a whole. A key figure in keeping the art of direct marketing alive (and prospering) who won't be easily forgotten.
ReplyDeleteSad to say I have yet to buy any of his products, but I'll soon pick up a tub of Oxi-Clean -- in honor of Mays and my pit-stained undershirts.
let's not forget that Billy Mays lived in Pittsburgh--home of the finest!
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