In 2010, Ted Williams was a homeless man with a “golden voice” living on the streets of Columbus, Ohio. But one chance encounter and a YouTube video gone viral launched Williams into overnight superstardom. He had an emotional reunion with his mother and even found work doing a voice-over gig for a Kraft commercial.
But going from homeless to Hollywood is no easy transition. After a fiery altercation with his daughter, Williams was convinced by Dr. Phil to check into rehab after only one week of fame.
But less than two weeks after beginning treatment for drug and alcohol dependency at a center in Texas, Williams left rehab against medical advice. A short time later, he went back in.
When Dr. Phil convinced Williams, 53, to seek professional treatment for his addictions, the overnight star seemed committed to getting help. Although Williams initially denied he’d been drinking, he admitted that the rise to fame had introduced significant stresses into his life and had been a definite challenge.
The Cavaliers basketball team very publicly offered Williams a job doing voice-over work for the Cavs and Quicken Loans Arena. They even offered him a house. All that has been rescinded now.
Life coach and radio host Mel Robbins told PopEater, “Ted Williams may have a golden voice, but he’s also got a rap sheet, a drug addiction, nine children he abandoned and a mother he has been estranged from for 20 years. Does everyone deserve a second chance, sure. But don’t kid yourself — you can’t overcome a lifetime of bad decisions and mental health issues with a few morning show appearances.”
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Adapted from “‘Golden Voice’ Ted Williams Ditches Rehab,” by Rebecca Macatee on America Online, Jan. 24, 2011; and “Cavs Take Back Job Offer from Ted Williams, Homeless Superstar Turned Fameball Flameout,” by Vince Grzegorek at www.clevescene.com , May 9, 2011.