Entertainment
TV Pitchmeister Billy Mays Found Dead At His Home In Florida
By Mike Thomas
Jun 28, 2009 - 3:34:59 PM

Billy Mays, the face and voice behind some of television's biggest products, was found dead in his Florida home on Sunday morning.

The Tampa Police Department confirms to Fox News that Mays' unresponsive body was discovered by his wife, Deborah, at 7:45 a.m.  While police do not suspect foul play, Mays, who was 50, was on board a US Airways flight into Tampa on Saturday, when its front tires blew out during landing. US Airways spokesman Jim Olson said that while some passengers reported a few bumps and bruises, no one was seriously injured. Mays'  wife released a statement after news of Mays death broke on Sunday, saying: "Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days. Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times."  Authorities expect an autopsy to be completed by Monday afternoon.

Mays is widely recognized as the "Infomercial King" for such products as OxiClean, Orange Glo and Kaboom. The ad spokesman has become a staple on televisions nationwide, always lighting up the screen with his trademark blue button-up shirt, distinctive beard and loud but memorable sales pitches. Most recently, Mays became the co-host of his own Discovery Channel series, Pitchmen, alongside fellow infomercial honcho, Anthony Sullivan.