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.
I hope someone leads him to a 12 Step Program or treatment program. He still needs to address the issues that caused his dependency to alcohol and drugs...in other words Ted needs true sobriety and along with dependence upon God to make it through.
I hope his new sponsor gets it through his thick head that the traditions are what keep drunks sober: violate them, you'll drink. It's Alcoholics Anonymous, Ted. At the level of press, radio and film, you total lame-o. If I was in a meeting this week, and he was there, I'd walk out. I like Ted, but seriously, there are some things bigger than him, and he knows it. He's a sick, sick man, because when you step on the traditions, you're saying you don't care to keep house, in AA or anywhere. He needs help, I wish him luck, but he already did something really f-ing lame, and I hope he learns his lesson.
I very much want for this story to end up happy, and I don't think I'm alone in my feelings. So why can't we all just try to be kind and supportive. Just maybe Ted will feel a little better about himself, and maybe you will, too!
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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.
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I hope someone leads him to a 12 Step Program or treatment program. He still needs to address the issues that caused his dependency to alcohol and drugs...in other words Ted needs true sobriety and along with dependence upon God to make it through.
Reply
I hope his new sponsor gets it through his thick head that the traditions are what keep drunks sober: violate them, you'll drink. It's Alcoholics Anonymous, Ted. At the level of press, radio and film, you total lame-o. If I was in a meeting this week, and he was there, I'd walk out. I like Ted, but seriously, there are some things bigger than him, and he knows it. He's a sick, sick man, because when you step on the traditions, you're saying you don't care to keep house, in AA or anywhere. He needs help, I wish him luck, but he already did something really f-ing lame, and I hope he learns his lesson.
Reply
I very much want for this story to end up happy, and I don't think I'm alone in my feelings. So why can't we all just try to be kind and supportive. Just maybe Ted will feel a little better about himself, and maybe you will, too!
Reply