Homeless man turns into a star overnight
Source: Agencies |
January 7, 2011, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
A HOMELESS man whose deep, velvety voice and touching story prompted an outpouring of sympathy and job offers from across the country, has become an overnight sensation.
Ted Williams is America's hottest - and most improbable - star.
Yesterday, Williams, who was living in a tent near a highway in Columbus, Ohio, just days ago, was in his hometown of New York for an emotional reunion with his 90-year-old mother, media appearances, and to do some commercial voice-over work. On NBC television, he described his previous 48 hours as "outrageous."
"There's no way in the world that I could have ever imagined that I would be - I mean, just have all of this just all of a sudden come into this portion of my life," he said during a live interview with NBC yesterday.
Left homeless after his life and radio career were ruined by drugs and alcohol, Williams has been offered a job by pro basketball team the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 53-year-old is also being pursued by NFL Films and others for possible work. Williams and his compelling tale became an online sensation after The Columbus Dispatch posted a clip of him demonstrating his voice-over skills while begging by the side of the road.
Now, he's in demand.
"I don't know which one to choose, which one is the right one," he said on NBC regarding the job prospects.
But he said he was ready to handle the second chance he was being given and predicted that in five years, he'd be working as a radio program director and living in his own apartment.
He was contacted by the Cavaliers, who have offered him a position that could include announcing work at Quicken Loans Arena, the team's downtown facility. Williams said the team has offered him a two-year contract plus living expenses.
It's been a shocking turn of events for the golden-voiced man, who had gotten by living in shelters and occasionally with family and friends over the past few years.
Williams has also been in his share of trouble. His past includes a lengthy list of arrests. He has served time in prison for theft and forgery and has been cited with numerous misdemeanors, including drug abuse.
He was most recently arrested on May 14. He pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor theft charge.
Upon learning of Williams' criminal history, the Cavaliers said their offer still stands.
"We believe in second chances and second opportunities," said Tracy Marek, the Cavaliers' senior vice president of marketing.
Williams planned to see his mother, Julia, who lives in Brooklyn, while in New York. She has stood by him during his battles with addiction.
"She has always been my best friend," he said, crying. "I'm just glad that she is still around. I prayed that she would live long enough that I could make her proud and she could see her son do something other than stand along the side of the road with a sign asking for money."
Ted Williams is America's hottest - and most improbable - star.
Yesterday, Williams, who was living in a tent near a highway in Columbus, Ohio, just days ago, was in his hometown of New York for an emotional reunion with his 90-year-old mother, media appearances, and to do some commercial voice-over work. On NBC television, he described his previous 48 hours as "outrageous."
"There's no way in the world that I could have ever imagined that I would be - I mean, just have all of this just all of a sudden come into this portion of my life," he said during a live interview with NBC yesterday.
Left homeless after his life and radio career were ruined by drugs and alcohol, Williams has been offered a job by pro basketball team the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 53-year-old is also being pursued by NFL Films and others for possible work. Williams and his compelling tale became an online sensation after The Columbus Dispatch posted a clip of him demonstrating his voice-over skills while begging by the side of the road.
Now, he's in demand.
"I don't know which one to choose, which one is the right one," he said on NBC regarding the job prospects.
But he said he was ready to handle the second chance he was being given and predicted that in five years, he'd be working as a radio program director and living in his own apartment.
He was contacted by the Cavaliers, who have offered him a position that could include announcing work at Quicken Loans Arena, the team's downtown facility. Williams said the team has offered him a two-year contract plus living expenses.
It's been a shocking turn of events for the golden-voiced man, who had gotten by living in shelters and occasionally with family and friends over the past few years.
Williams has also been in his share of trouble. His past includes a lengthy list of arrests. He has served time in prison for theft and forgery and has been cited with numerous misdemeanors, including drug abuse.
He was most recently arrested on May 14. He pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor theft charge.
Upon learning of Williams' criminal history, the Cavaliers said their offer still stands.
"We believe in second chances and second opportunities," said Tracy Marek, the Cavaliers' senior vice president of marketing.
Williams planned to see his mother, Julia, who lives in Brooklyn, while in New York. She has stood by him during his battles with addiction.
"She has always been my best friend," he said, crying. "I'm just glad that she is still around. I prayed that she would live long enough that I could make her proud and she could see her son do something other than stand along the side of the road with a sign asking for money."
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