Ask American Profile 7/12/09

Billy Mays, Mickey Rooney, Kathy Ireland

Q Tell us a little bit about the very loud television pitch character Billy Mays, who sells cleaning products.
—Bob Thomas, Northumberland, N.H.

In case you haven't noticed, Mays has his own TV series on the Discovery Channel, Pitchmen, co-starring Englishman Anthony Sullivan, another infomercial king. Mays, a Pittsburgh-area native, began his career hawking products on the Atlantic City boardwalk in the 1980s. After he hooked up with the inventor of Orange Glo, OxiClean and Kaboom!, he became a superstar TV salesman.

Editor's Note: Billy Mays died of an apparent heart attack in his sleep on June 28, 2009, just after the issue containing this item in its "Ask American Profile" column went to press. American Profile extends condolences to his family, friends and fans.


Q As a child of the 1930s, we kids loved the Andy Hardy movies starring Mickey Rooney. How many movies did Rooney appear in?
—Larry Pergzola, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Born Joseph Yule Jr. in Brooklyn, N.Y., the 88-year-old Rooney made 15 Andy Hardy movies. His feature film credits are more difficult to tally. If you don't include his more than 70 "Mickey McGuire" film shorts and his TV movies, the number stands at more than 170.  


Q Kathy Ireland was one of my favorite Sports Illustrated swimsuit models. What is she up to these days?
—Carl Rogan, Pine Valley, N.J.

Ireland, who graced the swimsuit issue for 13 consecutive years (1984-1996), now works behind the scenes. As the head designer and CEO of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, a design and marketing firm based in Southern California, she is a perfect example of a model-turned-mogul. "I specifically built a business that was not about my appearance," says the mother of three, who has been married to Dr. Greg Olsen, an emergency-room physician, since 1988. Most recently, Ireland, 44, released an advice book, Real Solutions for Busy Moms, and says her wisdom comes from her deep faith, "the foundation of my life."

Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos

Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.

 Start Uploading Now!

 

Discuss this Article