Ted Williams, the so-called man with the golden voice who was homeless in Columbus, Ohio, a few days ago but then skyrocketed to Internet superstardom, introduced the Today show on Thursday.
Williams was spotted on the side of the road in Ohio with long hair and a sign saying he was a former radio announcer who had fallen on hard times.
A video published on the Columbus Dispatch website said that Williams was doing well until drugs and alcohol took their toll on his life, leading to his homelessness. He said he has been clean for two years and was just trying to get back on his feet.
His sign read that he had a “God given gift of voice” and “any help will be greatfully appreciated.” Williams added that he became enamored with radio and voice work at 14 and received training.
The Dispatch video was placed on Reddit on Tuesday, and within a few hours it received hundreds of thousands of hits. Many commenters noted that he deserved a second chance.
Since the video was posted, Williams received a plethora of offers from various organizations including the Cleveland Cavaliers, NFL FIlms, and the Today show in what is shaping up to be the feel-good story of the season.
Williams, 51, said he wants to see is 90-year-old mother in Brooklyn.
“I haven’t seen my mom in, in great deal of time ... But she doesn’t believe that I am doing well now,” he told CBS’ The Early Show on Wednesday.
According to the Dispatch, Williams did indeed reunite with his mother. He also nabbed a gig doing voice work for Kraft, and is slated to appear on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Thursday night.
“There’s just no way in the world I could have imagined that I would have all this,” he told Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera of the Today show.
