Kraft Debuts Ad Featuring 'Golden Voice' of Ted Williams

By Zach Dionne Posted Jan 7th 2011 01:56PM

Kraft Debuts Ad Featuring 'Golden Voice' of Recently Homeless Ted Williams

Ted Williams, the homeless, humble YouTube discovery with a magnificent radio voice, has had the week of a lifetime. Capping it off is his quickly assembled advertisement for Kraft -- just Thursday morning, Williams told Matt Lauer on the 'Today' show he was heading to Kraft later that day to record some voice work.

Now that ad, for Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese, is here. Williams' voice concludes the clip, singing the praises of the Kraft's "cheesy noodles topped with golden brown breadcrumbs -- you know you love it." See the video:

Lynne Galia, a Kraft spokeswoman, told the Chicago Tribune the company saw the YouTube clip like the rest of the world and moved to work with Williams for four commercials. "We were moved by his story and his amazing voice," Galia said, adding that Williams' voice is "perfectly suited" for the ad campaign. "We were in the middle of making our TV spots and in a unique position to help Ted use his great voice and also provide him employment."

Williams, 53, said on the 'Today' show it was his first trip to New York, where he grew up in Brooklyn, since 1986. He recalled taking his then-girlfriend to Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve.

"I was doing fairly well then," he said. At the time, he was working in radio, but in 1993, drugs and alcohol took hold of his life. "I started snorting cocaine and then I started smoking it, crack and all that. Drinking ... has always been a part of my life."

Williams said he believed at the time that he was a "functional alcoholic" despite drinking about a whole bottle ("a fifth") each day. But in 1993, he lost his home and started living in homeless shelters.

The influx of income will certainly be a boon for his large family. Williams told 'Today' that he has nine adult children -- seven girls and two boys -- as well as grandchildren.

►Ted Williams Reunites With Mother, But Not Before Morning Show Drama

Tags: Kraft, Ted Williams

Comments

(43)

Friday 07 January

By opinionlady

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I was ready to roll my eyes at this story, but....then I saw how humble he is, and how honest he is about his addiction, and then I heard his voice. His voice is amazing! I am very happy for him. I wish him all the success in the world.

By CMD

Way to Go, Ted!

By Christina

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Best of luck to Ted! Way to turn your life around. Keep clean & you can make a great life for yourself.

By David A

What a great inspiration for others less fortunate! Just pray the fame and fortune does not lead him back to old behavior. God bless you Ted.

By rj hedgepath

It's a great story and let's all wish him the best...but just be aware there are those who want to do nothing more for him than to use him for their own agendas. Who knows if this is legitimate or B.S., he may be back on the street by February, or he may turn his life around. It won't impact your or my life at all, so give him the benfit of doubt.

By Christine Brown

WELL, WELL, WELL..EXPLOITATION is alive and well in the USA, who knew!! He has an addiction. His mother is very religious. I do wish him well. Ted, pick your vampires carefully. God Bless.

By Irma

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God Bless you Ted, God has definitely opened up and and has listened to your prayers. Now don't let yourself down, let me just let you know that ppl like you deserve to make those deals and make that kind of money. A person that's been through a lot and that knows what a hard life is really like, may this year bring you and your family the best things ever. God Bless.

By Cindy

Ted,
Your story has had us glued to the internet and TV for the last few days. We cried with you and giggled at your childlike enthusiam....so infectious!!
Our prayer is that you are able to make the most of this amazing opportunity you've been given. We support you and want you to succeed, not for the sake of the almighty dollar but for your family and for yourself. You can be such an inspiration if you play this right...we are pulling for you friend!!!

Saturday 08 January

By phoenix

good golly miss molly little richard has got an understudy.

By johnson

Great because he needs the CHEESE!

By angieb

I don't know you sir, but I can relate to your story, I have a son who has a drug addiction, since the age of 16. He is know 30 yrs od, our family has tried in everyway to help him, but to no avail. I pray for him daily. I pray you stay clean, and healthy. Please get a attorney, save, and take care of your family.

By Terri Visel

I think this is just GREAT! I wish Ted Williams the best..this story is so inspireing,I hope he and his mother travel and do everything thier hearts desire,Good Luck Ted!!!!!

By Margaret

I wish so many good things for Ted. God Bless you Mr. Williams.

By Stanley

We Hope You The Best. You Are So Lucky To Have A Sec. At Life God Be With You Alway.

By mensawahine

Yes, Its always amazing how someone is in the pigpen flinging mud at someone else who shines some light of hope. Its good to remember that if YOU are wanting to shine light or believe that something wonderful can/will happen. Someone in the pigsty will always throw crap...but Shine On Anyway!! I think it much more fun and uplifting...when the pigsters want to clean up and believe in something else other than negativity...they'll do it in their own sweet time...or else die rightously unhappy and full of themselves.

By Mom

Way to go Ted!!!

By weebleddd

This guy is an inspiration to everyone who has been down on theyre luck. Even when were down us weedyelp-ers and everyone else still has our talents, and can change the world.

By C.D. Johnson

This is a great testimony of how God can take anyone's past and change it for His glory. Throughout the first video, this man was giving God the praise for what God has done. Yes some people recognized his talent, but it couldn't happen unless God allowed it. To God be the glory for the things He has done and will do... Amen...

Sunday 09 January

By doneldathomas

ted, good luck to you.wishing you all the best.Please remember to pay it forward and help another homeless person,when you can.BE the voice for the homeless.

Monday 10 January

By Shelene

I wish him well, I pray that his rise doesn't do more harm than good. When addictions or problems are not fixed, with instant revenue and resources, they tend to multiply. There was a problem before the self sabotage, and unless that is addressed, we will be a wittness to him self destructing. May God bless this man and above all his wife and children. I can only imagine the hell they went through.

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