Update!

Famed TV Pitchman Billy Mays Found Dead

"Infomercial King" found unresponsive in his Florida home Sunday morning; he was 50

By Megan Masters Jun 28, 2009 11:40 PMTags
Billy MaysAP Photo

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

Tampa police confirm to E! News that Mays' unresponsive body was discovered by his wife, Deborah, at 7:45 a.m.

Police do not suspect foul play. Mays, 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.

Following the flight, Mays was interviewed by Tampa's local Fox 13 and joked about being bumped during the landing. "All the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head," he said.

His 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."

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 cohost of his own Discovery Channel series, Pitchmen, alongside fellow infomercial honcho Anthony Sullivan. The pair appeared on The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien last week, discussing their foray into what is officially called direct-response marketing.

Following the sad news, Discovery Channel released its own statement: "It is with incredible sadness that we have to report that Billy Mays died in his sleep last night. Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth.

"Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams. He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this time of incredible loss. More information will be distributed as it becomes available."

Authorities expect an autopsy to be completed by Monday afternoon.

(Originally published on June 28, 2009, at 8:35 a.m. PT)