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Discovery plans Wednesday 'Pitchmen' tribute to Mays

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 29, 2009

Mays co-starred on the 13-episode series which wraps up its first season at 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The light-hearted reality series followed Mays and fellow TV pitchman Anthony Sullivan as they tested new products and filmed infomercials.

Officials at the Discovery Channel issued a statement Sunday:

"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."

The series had good ratings (1 to 3 million viewers) and had been renewed for a second season, according to Sullivan.

Sullivan has said that he would like to continue the show as a tribute to his departed partner.

In a recent interview with The Tribune, Mays said the TV show was a way of giving back some of the success he had enjoyed. "I want to find people who have products that can make life easier and help that inventor achieve his or her dream," he said.

He also said 'Pitchmen' might "give people an appreciation of what we do."

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654

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