| − | '''Billy Mays''' (1958-2009) was an [[American]] [[television]] advertiser, known for his loud voice and for marketing products like OxiClean and Mighty Putty. | + | '''Billy Mays''' (1958-2009) was an [[American]] [[television]] advertiser, known for his loud voice, and for marketing products including OxiClean, Mighty Putty and the Hercules Hooks. His advertising style was highly influential on the television marketing industry; he starred in the television docudrama <i>PitchMen</i> alongside fellow businessman Anthony Sullivan. Mays was a supporter of the [[Republican Party]].<ref>http://upstart.bizjournals.com/views/columns/the-world-according-to/2008/10/09/QA-With-Pitchman-Billy-Mays.html#page4</ref> |
| − | Mays was found dead on Sunday, June 28, in his home in Tampa, [[Florida]], by his wife.<ref>http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/28/281143/tv-pitchman-billy-mays-found-dead-tampa-home/news-breaking/</ref> The cause of death appeared non-violent, and it may have been related to a recent [[airplane]] accident in which he bumped his [[head]] during turbulence. | + | Mays was found dead on Sunday June 28, 2009, in his home in Tampa, [[Florida]], by his wife.<ref>http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/28/281143/tv-pitchman-billy-mays-found-dead-tampa-home/news-breaking/</ref> The cause of death appeared non-violent, and it may have been related to a recent [[airplane]] accident in which he bumped his [[head]] during turbulence. |