counter

Deborah Mays, Widow of Billy, Resurrects the Steam Buddy

Now this is something truly unique in the infomercial world: Having the widow of a dead pitchman pitch one of his old products.

Deborah Mays, wife of the legendary pitchman Billy Mays, appears in this commercial for the Steam Buddy, a hand-held wrinkle remover that was of her husband’s more successful products:

As you can see, almost half of this infomercial is just a replay of the old Billy Mays spot. Much of the rest is Deborah Mays paying tribute to her late husband and recalling his fondness for the Steam Buddy.

Deborah Mays, wife of Billy Mays, hosting the Steam Buddy infomercial“Hi, I’m Deborah Mays. For many years my husband Billy introduced numerous products to you,” she begins. “What they all had in common was quality and affordability. Billy truly believed in all these products and we use them in our own home. Steam Buddy was one of his favorites…I remember how excited Billy was about Steam Buddy. Before he even had it out of the box he had already thought of dozens of uses that would be of value and benefit to everyone. Billy always wanted to look his best. But with his busy travel schedule and living out of a suitcase, Steam Buddy always went with him to keep his clothes wrinkle-free.”

In the political world, a widow of a politician who dies in office often runs for her husband’s seat, under the premise that voters will feel too sorry for the woman to vote against her. (cf. Jean Carnahan, Mary Bono). This Steam Buddy commercial is the first time (and probably only time) this approach has been taken with an infomercial product.

The viewers will have to decide for themselves the effectiveness, propriety, or creepiness of it all.

Comments

  • 3 Responses to “Deborah Mays, Widow of Billy, Resurrects the Steam Buddy”

  • I saw a part of it last night, but then fell asleep.

    Comment by znkp on May 13, 2011 at 1:18 am

  • This is blasphemy. They should make an infomercial with Vince Offer, and have it dubbed by the guy who does the voice of ‘Scout’ in Team Fortress 2!

    You’re gonna love my chucklenuts, BONK!

    Comment by Mark on August 22, 2011 at 6:30 pm

  • coke buddy to steam buddy.

    Comment by jimmy on January 26, 2013 at 10:54 am