Ted Williams, the man rescued from homelessness by his golden voice, knows his past is never far behind him but he’s determined to take advantage of the newest chances that continue to fall at his feet.
“My future is on its way to a bigger and brighter note,” Williams told NBC’s Kevin Tibbles, noting that he has been clean and sober for 22 months.
Just four years ago, Williams was living on the streets of Ohio. A local videographer discovered him panhandling at a highway intersection, with a sign informing everyone, “I’m an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times.”
A recording of Williams performing a voice-over was viewed more than 20 million times on YouTube, and suddenly, Williams became an overnight sensation.
Watch the video that launched Williams to fame
He appeared on the couches of several late-night talk shows, as well as the set of TODAY, where Matt Lauer asked how he planned to cope with the sudden fame.
“I have a God of understanding in my life,” he said at the time.
Despite numerous offers for voice-over work, including one for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, as well as a $300,000 book advance, Williams is still finding his way.
“It happened so fast. One day I'm homeless with not two pennies to rub together, and then the next day I'm in Hollywood,” he said.
Depression soon followed, along with bad business deals and failed attempts at drug rehabilitation. He lost his car and his condo.
Today, he has a new manager and says he’s determined not to squander opportunities he has found. He’s back in the studio, relying on a few voice-over contracts for income, and says he finds satisfaction through his work with the homeless.
His future remains uncertain, but Williams feels optimistic.
"Still that second chance but this time a better shot at it you know," he said.
“I had a cloud covering that star you know. Now that cloud is slowly moving away."
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