Move over Antoine Dodson, there’s a new viral video star in town. Former radio announcer Ted Williams has become an overnight celebrity after a YouTube video of him panhandling with his golden voice went viral.
Less than a week ago, Williams, whose begging sign read “fallen on hard times,” was just another homeless man on the streets of Columbus, Ohio, when a reporter from the Columbus Dispatch posted his video on YouTube.
Now, eight million hits later, Williams has been offered a job as an announcer for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a full-time hosting “The Quiet Storm” on WXMG-FM in Columbus, and did a voiceover for a Kraft Macaroni and Cheese commercial.
Ironically, Williams worked as a host on WXMG years ago before his addiction to drug and alcohol led him to the streets. Now two years into sobriety, Williams gets to follow his passion again.
“This is a dream come true,” said Williams.