Billy Mays, born William Mays III, began his career in the late 1970s as a door-to-door salesman, a job he took up to support his family. He honed his sales skills and developed his signature enthusiastic and persuasive pitch, which would later become his trademark. His breakthrough came in the early 1990s when he started appearing on television infomercials, showcasing products like the Oxi Clean stain remover and the ShamWow absorbent cloth.

Billy Mays’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Billy Mays’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. This figure reflects his successful career as a direct-response television personality and inventor.

Billy Mays’s Career

Billy Mays, born William Mays III, was an American infomercial personality and television direct-response salesperson. He was best known for his energetic and enthusiastic endorsements of products such as the ShamWow, the Oxi Clean Stain Remover, and the Mighty Putty. Mays began his career in the late 1970s and rose to prominence in the 1990s, becoming a pop culture icon. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the direct-response industry.

Other Ventures

In addition to his infomercial work, Billy Mays also ventured into acting and producing. He appeared in several films and television shows, including “The Billy Mays Movie” and “Pitch Perfect 2”. Mays also founded his own production company, Mays Promotions, which produced infomercials for various products. Furthermore, he was a motivational speaker and author, using his life story to inspire others.

Assets

Billy Mays’s assets included a diverse portfolio of real estate investments, primarily in his home state of Florida. He also owned several luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce and a Ferrari. Mays’s personal collection of memorabilia and props from his infomercials, often referred to as “Billyverse,” is considered priceless by fans and collectors alike. Additionally, he held numerous patents for his inventions, which continue to generate royalties for his estate.

Annual Income

At the height of his career, Billy Mays’s annual income was estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings came primarily from his infomercial work, with each product he endorsed generating millions in sales. Mays was also paid for appearances on talk shows and other media outlets, further contributing to his substantial income. Despite his high earnings, Mays was known for his humble lifestyle and his dedication to helping others.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Billy Mays

What was Billy Mays’ net worth at the time of his death?

At the time of his death in 2009, Billy Mays’ net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

How did Billy Mays make his fortune?

Billy Mays made his fortune through his successful career as a direct-response television (DRTV) pitchman. He was known for his energetic and enthusiastic infomercials, promoting various products such as the ShamWow, Oxi Clean, and the Mighty Putty.

What was Billy Mays’ annual income?

According to some sources, Billy Mays’ annual income was estimated to be around $1 million to $2 million at the peak of his career.

How much did Billy Mays charge for his infomercials?

The exact amount Billy Mays charged for his infomercials is not publicly known. However, it is estimated that he could earn anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per infomercial, depending on the product and the length of the infomercial.

Did Billy Mays own any businesses?

Yes, Billy Mays owned his own production company, Mays Promotions, which produced many of his infomercials. He also had a stake in some of the products he promoted, such as the Orange Glo and the Kaboom.

How much did Billy Mays’ estate earn after his death?

After Billy Mays’ death, his estate continued to earn money from the infomercials he had filmed before his passing. The exact amount is not known, but it is estimated that his estate earned around $1 million to $2 million in the years following his death.

Who inherited Billy Mays’ fortune?

Billy Mays’ fortune was left to his wife, Deborah Mays, and their two children, Billy Mays III and camilla Mays.

What was Billy Mays’ most successful product?

Billy Mays’ most successful product was the ShamWow, a super-absorbent cloth that he promoted with great enthusiasm in his infomercials. The ShamWow was a massive hit and generated millions of dollars in sales.

Did Billy Mays have any endorsements besides infomercials?

Yes, Billy Mays had a few endorsements outside of infomercials. He was a spokesperson for the National Guard and also had a deal with the Home Shopping Network to promote some of their products.

What was Billy Mays’ cause of death?

Billy Mays died on June 28, 2009, at the age of 50, due to heart disease. He had a history of health problems, including high blood pressure and sleep apnea.