Infomercial Hosts
Al Unser
Al Unser Sr.: The Calm, Credible Voice of Infomercial Trust When you think of infomercial pitchmen, names like Billy Mays or Vince Offer may come to mind — loud, flashy, in-your-face personalities. But in the 1990s and early 2000s, Al Unser Sr. brought a very different energy to the screen: calm, trustworthy, and quietly authoritative. As a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, […]
Anthony Sullivan
Anthony Sullivan, often recognized as the face of OxiClean, has made a significant mark in the world of infomercials and direct response marketing. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name is a testament to his skills in persuasion and product promotion. Early Life and Career Born in the UK, Sullivan moved to […]
Arnold Morris
About Pitchman Arnold Morris Arnold Morris is a name that echoes through the annals of infomercial history, known primarily for his incredible ability to sell kitchen gadgets, particularly knives. His most famous pitch was for the Ginsu knife, a product that became synonymous with the over-the-top, yet highly effective, style of infomercial salesmanship. The Rise […]
Billy Mays
The Most Memorable Infomercial Guy: Billy Mays When it comes to infomercials, no name resonates more with audiences than Billy Mays. Known for his booming voice, larger-than-life personality, and signature blue shirt, Mays became an icon in the world of direct response advertising. His enthusiastic pitches made products like OxiClean, Mighty Putty, and Orange Glo […]
Bob Circosta
Bob Circosta didn’t just sell products — he created an industry. From the first-ever televised product pitch to decades of success on HSN and beyond, he’s one of DRTV’s most important pioneers.
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris is a martial artist, actor, and television personality born in Ryan, Oklahoma in 1940. He is best known for his roles in action movies such as “Delta Force” and “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and for his legendary martial arts skills. Norris began his martial arts training in the 1950s, studying Tang Soo Do and […]
Don Lapre
The Rise and Fall of TV’s Tiny Classified Ad Millionaire If you stayed up late watching television in the 1990s, there’s a good chance you saw Don Lapre earnestly pitching his famous business kits. With his fast-talking delivery and rags-to-riches story, Lapre became one of the most recognizable—and controversial—figures in the world of infomercials. The Infomercial That […]
Ed Valenti
The Man Behind “But Wait, There’s More!” If you’ve ever stayed up late watching infomercials, you’ve likely heard the phrase “But wait, there’s more!” This famous tagline is forever linked to Ed Valenti, one of the most influential figures in direct-response television. While he never became a household face like Billy Mays or Richard Simmons, Valenti’s marketing genius […]
Joan Collins
The Original Glamour Pitchwoman Who Helped Shape the Infomercial Era I. The Unexpected Queen of DRTV When you think of Joan Collins, you probably picture the glamorous Alexis Carrington from “Dynasty,” draped in diamonds and dripping with drama. But what many forget is that Collins played a surprisingly influential role in the evolution of the […]
Kathy Smith
Kathy Smith didn’t just ride the fitness infomercial wave — she helped create it. From bestselling VHS workouts to top-selling infomercial programs, here’s how she became one of the most trusted names in health and wellness.
Kevin Harrington
The Original Shark Who Perfected the Infomercial Pitch While many infomercial legends are known for their booming voices or flashy demonstrations, Kevin Harrington built a reputation as the businessman behind the scenes—the visionary who turned direct-response television into a multi-billion-dollar industry. From inventing the infomercial as we know it to launching hundreds of household brands, Harrington’s career […]
Matthew Lesko
Matthew John Lesko, born on May 11, 1943, is an American author and infomercial personality known for his flamboyant style and unique approach to marketing government grant information. Widely recognized as the “Question Mark Guy,” Lesko has made a significant impact on the infomercial industry and consumer awareness of government funding opportunities. Early Life and […]
Michael Stephen Levey
One episode of Amazing Discoveries was titled Human Calculator, featured infomercial host Mike Levey and Human Calculator Scott Flansburg learning how you can improve your mathematical abilities with the Human Calculator program. This infomercial originally aired in the spring of 1991 on TNN. Mike Levey’s Career Mike graduated college as an electrical engineer and copy […]
Phil Swift
“That’s a lotta damage!” If you’ve spent even a minute on late-night TV, YouTube, or meme pages in the past decade, chances are you’ve come across the booming voice and over-the-top demonstrations of Phil Swift, co-founder of Flex Seal. From sawing a boat in half to patching leaks underwater, Phil has become more than just a product […]
Richard Simmons
The Energetic Heart of Fitness Infomercials Long before workout apps and Instagram trainers, Richard Simmons was the face—and the heart—of home fitness. With his trademark curly hair, sparkly tank tops, and boundless energy, Simmons didn’t just sell exercise tapes. He inspired millions to believe that fitness could be fun, accessible, and joyful. The Rise of a Fitness […]
Ron Popeil
The Visionary Pioneer Who Revolutionized the Infomercial Industry Ron Popeil was not just an entrepreneur; he was a revolutionary figure who single-handedly transformed the landscape of direct response marketing and infomercials. Born in 1935, Popeil’s name became synonymous with the infomercial industry, where his innovative products and charismatic pitches captivated millions of television viewers. Over […]
Steve Dworman
In the world of direct response television (DRTV), few names carry as much weight as Steve Dworman. A trailblazer in the infomercial space since the 1980s, Dworman helped shape an industry that revolutionized how products are marketed, sold, and remembered. As the founder of “The Infomercial Marketing Report” and producer of numerous successful long-form infomercials, Dworman brought a […]
Suzanne Somers
From Sitcom Star to Infomercial Icon When most people hear the name Suzanne Somers, they instantly think of her role as the bubbly Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company. But beyond her sitcom fame, Somers carved out an unexpected second act as one of the most recognizable infomercial hosts of the 1990s and early 2000s. Reinventing Herself Beyond […]
Tony Hoffman
Executive Producer Tony Hoffman played a significant role in shaping the infomercial industry during its golden era. His career in this unique form of advertising spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the world of direct response marketing. Rise to Infomercial Fame Tony Hoffman gained prominence in the infomercial industry during the 1980s […]
Tony Little
Revolutionizing Home Fitness with Enthusiasm and Innovation Tony Little, with his iconic blonde ponytail and enthusiastic “You can do it!” catchphrase, transformed the fitness industry through his captivating infomercials and innovative products. From overcoming personal challenges to building a multi-billion dollar empire, Little’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and positive thinking. […]
Vince Offer
The Unconventional Infomercial Pitchman Vince Offer, born Offer Shlomi in Beersheba, Israel, rose to fame as one of the most recognizable and controversial infomercial pitchmen in recent history. His unique blend of aggressive salesmanship, irreverent humor, and street-smart charisma set him apart in the world of television marketing. Early Life and Career Beginnings Growing up […]
William J. McCorkle
The Lamborghini-Driving Face of Real Estate Infomercial Fraud In the 1990s, few late-night infomercials were more jaw-dropping than those featuring William J. McCorkle. With flashy jewelry, rented Lamborghinis, private jets, and beachfront mansions, McCorkle and his wife Chantal promised viewers they could become just as rich—if only they ordered his real estate success program. But behind […]