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GLOBAL, JANUARY 2011 – How often do you hear a genuine happy ending? Ted Williams was just another homeless guy from Columbus, Ohio, up until a reporter had him tell his story. In a velvet baritone voice, Williams talked about how listening to the radio and meeting a local DJ made him want to be a voice talent. “Then alcohol and drugs and a few other things kicked in”, leading to a life on the streets.
When The Columbus Dispatch and Associated Press aired his story, the video posted on January 5 went viral. Viewers were amazed at his voice and sought to help him. Williams’ initial video is nearing 800,000, with the reddit aggregate page collecting over one thousand comments.
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CBS and NBC were said to have fought over who got to cover his reunion with his Mom, and there are said to be talks to have him in a Super Bowl spot. Even more services are being offered to him: pro-bono legal advice, new teeth from dentists, psychological services, even air travel! AirTrans is offering to fly Williams around for free.
Williams has been offered a voice-over jobs from the NFL, with the Cleveland Cavaliers offering him a house to sweeten the deal. Williams has also voiced for and been interviewed by The Today Show, and is the voice for the new Macaroni & Cheese ad by Crispin Porter & Bogusky, which aired January 9th during the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. View the spot and the recording session below.
Says Williams, on his newfound fame, "I’ve been out there about a year; I just didn’t know anything like this would ever happen. There’s so many words. I’ve already been compared to Susan Boyle. I’m just so happy."
But the latest news isn’t so rosy. Williams was briefly detained by the LAPD after a supposed altercation with his daughter.
Not everyone gets a second chance. Let’s hope he won’t throw this one away.
