Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Ron Popeil

Ronald Martin Popeil (May 3, 1935 – July 28, 2021) was an , salesman, and television personality renowned for pioneering the modern and founding Teleproducts, Inc., through which he marketed groundbreaking kitchen gadgets and household items like the vegetable slicer and the Showtime oven. Born in to Jewish parents Samuel and Julia Popeil, who divorced when he was three, Popeil endured an unstable childhood, attending boarding school before moving to live with his grandparents in and later , where he joined his father's kitchenware manufacturing business at age 13. By age 16, he began selling products on 's Maxwell Street open-air market, honing his pitchman skills and earning up to $500 a day—far exceeding typical wages of the era—before transitioning to state fairs and department stores in his late teens. In the early 1950s, Popeil partnered with salesman Mel Korey to promote his father's Chop-O-Matic food chopper on local television in and , marking his entry into broadcast direct-response and laying the groundwork for the half-hour format he would perfect in the and 1980s. Founding in 1964, he developed and sold over a dozen patented inventions, including the Mr. Microphone (1970s) and the Ronco Electric Food Dehydrator, amassing sales exceeding $2 billion lifetime through late-night TV spots that featured his energetic demonstrations and memorable catchphrases like "But wait, there's more!" and "Set it and forget it," as well as marketing his father's inventions like the Pocket Fisherman folding (1963). Popeil's innovations not only revolutionized but also influenced the broader advertising industry; several of his products, such as the , are preserved in the , and he received the Electronic Retailing Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to . Despite facing business setbacks, including multiple bankruptcies in the and 2000s due to market competition and recalls, he continued inventing into his later years, launching Popeil Inventions, Inc., in 2000 to focus on new product development. He died of a brain hemorrhage in at age 86, survived by his wife of 26 years, Robin; five daughters; half-sister Lisa Popeil, a ; and several grandchildren.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Ronald Martin Popeil was born on May 3, 1935, in to a Jewish family. His parents were Samuel J. Popeil, an inventor known for developing kitchen gadgets such as the Chop-O-Matic, and Julia Popeil (née Schwartz). Samuel co-founded Popeil Brothers, Inc., in 1945 with his brother , establishing a family business focused on manufacturing and marketing household products through direct sales demonstrations. Popeil had an older brother, Jerome "Jerry" Popeil, and a half-sister, Lisa Popeil, who became a prominent voice coach specializing in vocal and performance techniques. Extended family connections included distant cousins and , both actresses known for roles in film and television. When Popeil was three years old, his parents divorced, after which he and his brother were placed in a before relocating with relatives to during his childhood. The inventive legacy of his father, , provided early exposure to that subtly shaped Popeil's future interests.

Childhood and Early Influences

Ron Popeil experienced an unhappy childhood marked by his parents' early separation, after which he had limited contact with his father, Samuel J. Popeil, an inventor and salesman who had relocated to . Following a period in a boarding school in with his older brother Jerry, Popeil was sent to live with his grandparents in , where he endured strict discipline, including being tied to his bed to curb a habit of bumping his head. At around age 13, he moved with his grandparents to , still maintaining distance from his father, though he began working weekends at the Popeil Brothers factory. The family's Jewish heritage influenced his cultural upbringing, as evidenced by burial traditions in a . Popeil briefly attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign after high school but dropped out after less than two years to focus on sales full-time, prioritizing practical experience over classroom learning. In , he self-taught essential sales skills by observing carnival barkers and vendors, particularly drawing inspiration from his great-uncle , a skilled pitchman. These early exposures to high-energy, performance-driven selling at open-air markets shaped his lifelong approach to , emphasizing demonstration and persuasion. His initial foray into sales came at age 13, when he began demonstrating products at Chicago's Maxwell Street flea market, preparing large quantities of vegetables daily to showcase their uses and honing his pitch through trial and error. This progressed to jobs at state and county fairs as well as retail demonstrations at stores like Woolworth's in the Chicago Loop, where he refined direct marketing techniques such as engaging crowds and closing sales on the spot. These experiences built his confidence and expertise, transforming casual observations into a foundational skill set for his future career.

Career Beginnings

Work with Popeil Brothers

In 1948, at age 13, Ron Popeil moved from Florida to Chicago to live with his grandparents and reunite with his father, Samuel J. Popeil, beginning to work in the family business. He joined Popeil Brothers Inc., the company founded by his father and uncle Raymond in 1939, initially taking on weekend shifts in the manufacturing facility where he prepared gadgets for sale. By age 16, Popeil had transitioned into a demonstrator role, selling products at Chicago's Maxwell Street flea market and earning up to $500 per day. As a demonstrator for Popeil Brothers, Popeil traveled to trade shows, state fairs, and department stores like Woolworth's, where he showcased his father's inventions, including the Chop-O-Matic food chopper. Starting around age 17 in 1952, he set up stands for 12-hour demonstrations six days a week, drawing crowds with live performances that highlighted the gadgets' functionality. These experiences built on the sales skills he had observed in his family during childhood, refining his ability to engage audiences in competitive retail environments. Popeil's time at Popeil Brothers was instrumental in developing his high-energy sales pitches, characterized by rapid-fire delivery and interactive demonstrations that captivated onlookers. He mastered techniques like "the turn," a pivotal moment in pitches where he would pivot from explanation to urgent call-to-action, often mesmerizing crowds to the point that store employees paused work to watch. Within the company, Popeil collaborated closely with his uncle Raymond Popeil, who co-founded the firm and shared a background in inventive of gadgets. Their involved joint efforts on product promotion, with Raymond—sometimes pitching under the alias Arnold Morris—providing mentorship in the fast-paced world of live sales, though the relationship remained focused on rather than personal ties. This dynamic honed Popeil's expertise, setting the stage for his independent ventures.

Entry into Direct Sales

In the late 1950s, Ron Popeil left the family-operated Popeil Brothers to pursue independent sales opportunities, drawing on the demonstration techniques he had learned from his and during his earlier years in the . He began selling gadgets and items at open-air markets, fairs, and stores across the Midwest, particularly in , where he set up stands at locations like the and Woolworth's flagship store. These in-person pitches allowed him to hone his high-energy style, often using live s with vegetables and everyday objects to engage crowds and drive immediate sales. Popeil's transition to television marked a pivotal step in his direct sales career, with his first appearances occurring on local Chicago stations in the 1950s. In the late 1950s, he produced and starred in a low-budget black-and-white commercial for the Chop-O-Matic vegetable chopper, partnering with Mel Korey to air it. These early demos, broadcast on shows like those hosted by Chicago broadcasters, showcased his charismatic delivery and product functionality, quickly generating orders through phone-ins and establishing television as a viable channel beyond traditional markets. By the early 1960s, Popeil had expanded his operations by building a of distributors to market kitchen tools nationwide, leveraging his growing TV exposure to secure partnerships with retailers and wholesalers. This distribution system enabled broader reach for items like slicers and choppers, moving from localized fairs to regional and national outlets. The commissions from these sales, which could reach up to $500 per week during peak periods at markets and through initial TV-driven orders, provided the financial foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits and product innovations.

Ronco and Infomercial Career

Founding Ronco

Ron Popeil founded Ronco Teleproducts Inc. in 1964 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, near Chicago, partnering with Mel Korey to establish a company focused on direct-response marketing of consumer gadgets. The incorporation marked Popeil's transition from demonstrating his father's inventions at fairs and stores to building his own enterprise, leveraging his prior experience in sales to create a business centered on innovative household products. The company's initial product lineup emphasized kitchen gadgets, beginning with the Ronco Spray Gun for painting and cleaning, which became its first mail-order offering and sold nearly 1 million units within four years through television advertisements. Subsequent early successes included the Chop-O-Matic food chopper and Veg-O-Matic vegetable slicer, both kitchen tools that Popeil marketed aggressively via mail order and short TV spots, achieving combined sales of over 9 million units for approximately $50 million. These products were promoted using Popeil's high-energy demonstrations, which aired as the company's first national television ads in the 1960s, capitalizing on the growing reach of broadcast media. Following the 1984 bankruptcy, Ronco was reestablished with its headquarters in in the late , which facilitated expanded advertising efforts. The company achieved multimillion-dollar annual sales, reaching approximately $14 million by 1969 and $36.9 million in revenue by 1980, driven by the of its direct-sales model.

Development of Infomercial Techniques

Ron Popeil pioneered the modern format by expanding short television advertisements into extended programming, particularly after the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) deregulation in the early 1980s, which removed restrictions on commercial lengths and airtime ratios. Prior to this, in the , Popeil had tested longer-form ads but was constrained by FCC limits on commercial time, leading him to create fast-paced, informative spots that blended sales pitches with product . With following a 1982 court ruling, he transitioned to 30-minute , often set in simulated environments, where he conducted live demonstrations to showcase functionality in real-time, such as slicing vegetables or assembling gadgets on air. These segments incorporated testimonials from family members or hired to build and urgency, establishing a template that emphasized problem-solving and immediate benefits. A hallmark of Popeil's approach was the development of memorable, scripted catchphrases that heightened viewer engagement and drove impulse purchases during Ronco broadcasts. Phrases like "But wait, there's more!" were used to introduce offers, creating a sense of escalating value, while "Set it and forget it!" encapsulated the effortless convenience of his inventions, becoming synonymous with persuasion. These lines, delivered with high-energy enthusiasm, were carefully crafted to navigate regulatory scrutiny over product claims; in 1971, Popeil faced (FTC) examination for potentially misleading advertising, prompting him to refine his pitches with hyperbolic yet legally defensible language that focused on demonstrations rather than unsubstantiated guarantees. This method allowed him to comply with evolving FCC and FTC guidelines on truthful representation while maintaining an air of excitement. Popeil's innovations profoundly shaped the infomercial industry, training a generation of pitchmen who adopted his high-pressure, demonstration-heavy style and licensing the format to competitors, which fueled the sector's growth into a multibillion-dollar market by the late . His techniques influenced direct-response television globally, with emulators replicating the structure of extended demos, testimonials, and urgency-building phrases, transforming late-night programming into a dominant sales medium.

Inventions and Products

Kitchen and Food Preparation Gadgets

Ron Popeil's innovations in kitchen and food preparation gadgets revolutionized home cooking by emphasizing ease, efficiency, and marketing through television demonstrations. These products, central to Ronco's lineup, focused on simplifying tedious tasks like chopping, slicing, and cooking, often featuring manual or electric mechanisms designed for everyday use. The , introduced in the 1950s as an early precursor to Popeil's inventions, was a hand-operated that efficiently minced , meats, and other ingredients with a simple tapping mechanism to rotate internal blades. Demonstrated live starting in 1958, it marked Popeil's entry into broadcast , with a low-budget that aired nationally and generated millions in revenue by showcasing its speed in preparing items like or . Building on this success, the debuted in as a hand-powered slicer and dicer, invented by Popeil's father Samuel J. Popeil but popularized by Ron through . Its mechanics involved pushing produce through interchangeable stainless-steel blade sets housed in a body, allowing users to create uniform slices, dices, or julienne cuts without , ideal for salads or . The product's sales history was pivotal, contributing significantly to 's growth in the and by capitalizing on infomercials that highlighted its versatility and time-saving benefits, ultimately helping the company achieve over $200 million in annual revenue at its peak. The Dial-O-Matic, a variant of the , introduced adjustable slicing capabilities through a dial mechanism that controlled blade thickness, enabling precise cuts from thin slices to thicker rounds. Marketed as an enhancement for varied food preparation needs, it maintained the manual push operation but added customization, making it a staple in Ronco's expanding portfolio. In 1998, Popeil launched the Showtime & , an electric self-rotating oven that cooked meats evenly on a spit, incorporating a mode for outdoor-style results indoors. Its patented design featured a motorized turnspit and glass door for monitoring, epitomized by the "set it and forget it" to emphasize hands-off operation. The product achieved massive commercial success, generating over $1 million in sales during a single one-hour broadcast in 2000 and contributing to more than $1 billion in total sales over 12 years. Popeil's Electric Pasta Maker, released in the late , automated fresh production with an electric and interchangeable dies for shapes like or , including recipes for cholesterol-friendly varieties. It streamlined and extruding, reducing preparation time compared to manual methods, and became a hit in Ronco's infomercial-driven sales, appealing to home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results. The 5-in-1 Turkey Fryer, introduced around 2014 as one of Popeil's later inventions, offered multi-functionality including , , , and in a compact 5-quart pot, capable of cooking a 15-pound turkey in under 50 minutes with safety features like a locking lid. Its commercial success built on Popeil's direct-response expertise, positioning it as a versatile holiday essential that outperformed competitors in speed and ease, though specific sales figures underscored its role in sustaining Ronco's legacy into the .

Other Household Innovations

Beyond his kitchen-focused inventions, Ron Popeil developed several household gadgets aimed at everyday convenience and utility, often marketed through his signature style. These products emphasized portability, odor control, and for non-cooking applications, reflecting Popeil's interest in practical solutions for and home maintenance. One of Popeil's early non-kitchen successes was the Pocket Fisherman, introduced in as a compact, telescoping designed for easy portability. The device collapsed to fit in a pocket or tackle box, featuring a built-in , line, sinker, and sometimes a small compartment for or lures, allowing users to cast and reel in without bulky equipment. By , it had sold over 1.5 million units, appealing to casual anglers with its promise of "the biggest fishing invention since the ." Popeil, an avid himself, even named two of his boats after the product and claimed personal success in catching like king salmon with it. In the , Popeil introduced , a and that allowed users to turn any TV or stereo into a machine or portable PA. Marketed with the "Hi, friends! This is Mr. Microphone calling," it featured transmission up to 50 feet and became a cultural phenomenon, selling millions of units and inspiring karaoke trends in homes. In , Popeil launched the Smokeless Ashtray, a battery-powered device intended to reduce and odors in indoor spaces. The compact unit used a small integrated to draw downward through a filter at the point of origin, preventing it from dispersing into the room and minimizing lingering smells on furniture or clothing. Marketed as a solution for smokers and non-smokers alike, it addressed growing concerns about in the home environment. Popeil's Giant Dehydrator and Beef Jerky Machine, released in the , provided a household tool for long-term by removing moisture from fruits, , herbs, and meats. The featured five stackable trays with a to up to five pounds of at once, operating at low temperatures around 95–155°F to retain nutrients while preventing spoilage. For beef production, users were instructed to slice lean meat thinly, marinate it if desired, preheat the dehydrator, and dry slices for 4–10 hours until leathery and pliable, yielding shelf-stable snacks without preservatives. This gadget extended Popeil's innovation into preservation techniques, popular among outdoor enthusiasts for creating portable provisions. Popeil also ventured into personal care gadgets, such as hair enhancement tools in the late and , though these faced for their bold claims; for instance, his inventions inspired satirical sketches like the "Bass-O-Matic" on , highlighting the exaggerated enthusiasm of his demonstrations. Despite such cultural nods, products like the GLH (Great Looking Hair) spray-on formula from 1987 offered a non-invasive way to conceal bald spots by applying fiber-like particles to the scalp, timed with Popeil's own experiences with hair thinning.

Business Ventures and Later Career

Expansion and Sale of Ronco

During the 1980s, following a Chapter 11 filing in 1984 triggered by intense competition, overstock issues with the CleanAire , and a $15 million credit line recall amid a in the direct-response market, Ron Popeil restructured by repurchasing its inventory for $2 million and refocusing on new product lines. This revival emphasized diversification beyond kitchen gadgets into personal care items like the GLH Formula #9 and the Popeil Automatic Pasta Maker, alongside the Electric , which helped stabilize operations and drive sales growth from $36.9 million in 1980 to an estimated $75 million by 1994. In the 1990s, Ronco expanded internationally, building on earlier entries into , , and from the , while leveraging the rise of longer formats enabled by relaxed FCC regulations to reach broader audiences. Product diversification continued with hits like the Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ, introduced in 1998, which alone generated over $400 million in sales by mid-2001 through infomercials, contributing to record annual revenue of $250 million in 2000 and cumulative retail sales exceeding $1 billion by 1995. These strategies transformed into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, with nearly 60% of sales from direct-response television by the early . Facing mounting debt and shifting consumer preferences toward online retail in the early 2000s, Popeil placed up for sale in 2001, leading to its acquisition in August 2005 by Fi-Tek VII, a Denver-based backed by investors including Jason B. Allen, for $55 million. As part of the deal, Popeil received $40 million in cash and $15 million in notes, while retaining a role as spokesman, consultant, and inventor with first refusal rights for on his new creations. Post-sale, Popeil maintained involvement through licensing agreements, including a trademark co-existence deal allowing continued use of his name and likeness, and channeled inventions via his successor entity, Inventions, LLC. He pursued occasional product revivals, such as updates to classics like the Pocket Fisherman, and developed new items like a 5-in-1 , licensing them selectively while focusing on personal innovation rather than full-time management.

Awards and Professional Recognition

Ron Popeil received several notable awards and honors throughout his career, recognizing his pioneering role in direct response marketing and inventive consumer products. These accolades highlighted his innovative approach to television sales and product development, which revolutionized the industry. In , Popeil was awarded the in Consumer Engineering by the , a satirical honor that celebrates unusual achievements. The prize specifically commended him as the "incessant inventor and perpetual pitchman of , for redefining the with such devices as the , the Pocket Fisherman, Mr. Microphone, and the Inside-the-Shell Egg Scrambler." This recognition underscored the quirky yet impactful nature of his inventions, which had become cultural staples through his persistent marketing efforts. Popeil's contributions to electronic retailing were formally acknowledged in 2001 when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA), an organization dedicated to advancing the sales industry. The award celebrated his decades-long influence in shaping modern techniques and building a multimillion-dollar empire through Ronco's success. In 2013, Popeil was inducted into the Direct Response Hall of Fame by Direct Response Magazine, joining other pioneers in the field for his transformative impact on marketing strategies and consumer engagement. This honor, along with other industry recognitions during the 1990s and 2000s, affirmed his status as a trailblazer whose work laid the groundwork for contemporary direct sales practices.

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Popeil's first marriage was to Marilyn Greene in 1956, with whom he had two daughters, and ; the couple divorced in 1963. His second marriage was to Lisa Boehne in 1981, producing one daughter, , a professional ; they divorced in 1988. In 1995, Popeil married Robin Angers, a former model, and they had two daughters together, Contessa and ; the marriage lasted until Popeil's death in 2021. Popeil was the father of five daughters in total from his three marriages. His daughter , who died in 2016, predeceased him. In a 1995 interview, Popeil admitted to being a "lousy husband and mediocre dad" in his earlier marriages due to his demanding career, but expressed commitment to improving his role with his younger daughters. By the time of his death, obituaries portrayed him as a devoted husband to Robin and a proud father and grandfather to his blended family, with four grandchildren.

Residences and Personal Interests

By the 1970s, Popeil had relocated to . He later maintained a primary residence in Beverly Hills, including an English country-style gated estate listed for sale in 2009 for $5.995 million. Popeil also owned a 150-acre ranch in , which he listed for sale in 2020 after an earlier unsuccessful attempt in 2014. In the late 1990s, he temporarily lived in while serving on the board of and maintaining close ties to casino magnate . Popeil's personal interests reflected his inventive spirit and family-oriented , including a passion for cooking learned from his grandmother, which he pursued by shopping for fresh ingredients and viewing the as the heart of home life. He held the World Record for the largest collection of bottles, amassing 2,440 unique items as of October 1, 2011, cataloged meticulously at his Beverly Hills home. Despite his public persona, Popeil emphasized family time, balancing his professional commitments with private moments alongside his wife and daughters, whose needs influenced his choice of spacious residences.

Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death

Ron Popeil died on July 28, 2021, at the age of 86 from a brain hemorrhage while at in , . He had been admitted to the hospital the previous day, July 27, following a sudden medical emergency at his home in the Los Angeles area, where he had resided for many years. According to a family statement, Popeil passed "suddenly and peacefully." Funeral arrangements consisted of a private service, with Popeil buried at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels mausoleum in Los Angeles. No public disputes regarding the handling of his estate have been reported.

Tributes and Lasting Impact

Following Ron Popeil's death on July 28, 2021, major media outlets published obituaries that celebrated his pioneering role in infomercials and direct-response television advertising. The New York Times described him as the inventor and salesman whose folksy pitches for gadgets like the Veg-O-Matic and Showtime Rotisserie persuaded millions to purchase through TV, crediting him with inventing the business of direct-response sales that wiped away customer doubts with demonstrations. Similarly, the Los Angeles Times highlighted his transformation from a sidewalk hustler to a TV icon who sold over $1 billion in merchandise, emphasizing how his energetic, problem-solving style made infomercials an entertaining staple of late-night viewing. Popeil's family issued statements underscoring his inventive spirit and devotion to loved ones. A representative noted that he "lived his life to the fullest and passed in the of his ," portraying him as a trailblazer who revolutionized through innovation from humble beginnings. These tributes portrayed him not only as the "father of the television " but also as a dedicated man survived by his wife Robin and several daughters and grandchildren. In the industry, Popeil's passing prompted a renewed focus on the brand's enduring products, which continue to be marketed online and in stores, sustaining his legacy of kitchen gadgets like the rotisserie oven. His techniques for live product demonstrations have influenced modern , where video unboxings and influencer pitches echo his high-energy, benefit-focused approach to direct sales. Long-term, Popeil is credited with popularizing direct-response TV in the , generating an estimated $2 billion in sales across his career through inventions that symbolized American ingenuity.

Cultural Influence

Appearances in Media

Ron Popeil made numerous guest appearances on during the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing his products and pitchman persona on shows like . He was a perennial guest on the program, including a notable segment on The Tonight Show with in 1994 where he demonstrated his inventions to host Jay Leno and the audience. Popeil also appeared as a guest on , the home shopping network, during this period, where his live demonstrations of kitchen gadgets and other products set sales records and helped popularize the format for direct-response selling on television. His QVC spots, such as a 1997 appearance promoting a new invention, highlighted his energetic sales style and contributed to the network's early success with infomercial-style segments. In acting roles, Popeil portrayed himself in the 1994 The X-Files episode "Beyond the Sea," appearing in uncredited archive footage from one of his infomercials as a background element during a tense scene. He provided a voice cameo as his own preserved head in a jar in the 1999 Futurama episode "A Big Piece of Garbage," satirizing his infomercial fame in the animated sci-fi series. Popeil's media presence extended to other television cameos, including appearances as himself on , , and , where clips or live segments emphasized his role as the quintessential TV pitchman. His infomercial style directly influenced these roles, often playing on his real-life persona for comedic effect.

Parodies and References

Ron Popeil's distinctive infomercial style, characterized by enthusiastic pitches and phrases like "But wait, there's more!", became a frequent target for satire in television comedy. On , Popeil's demonstrations were parodied across multiple episodes from the 1970s through the 2000s, capturing the over-the-top energy of his product sales. Dan Aykroyd's 1976 "Bass-O-Matic" sketch humorously depicted a made from a , mimicking Popeil's inventions and rapid-fire endorsements. later spoofed the format in a 1982 sketch for the fictional "Popeil Galactic Prophylactic," exaggerating the late-night sales tactic with absurd product claims. These segments highlighted Popeil's cultural ubiquity, turning his pitchman persona into a comedic for consumer product hype. The Simpsons frequently alluded to Popeil's inventions through Ronco-inspired gadgets and infomercial spoofs, embedding his influence in the show's satirical take on American consumerism. In various episodes, characters encounter absurd appliances reminiscent of the or Pocket Fisherman, such as the "All-Steel No-Peel Shrimp" device bearing Popeil's name. Dr. Nick Riviera, the hapless physician, embodies a Popeil-like on the in-show program I Can't Believe They Invented It!, promoting dubious medical contraptions in a style that echoes Ronco's direct-to-camera enthusiasm. These references underscore the show's mockery of culture, portraying Popeil's products as quintessentially silly yet enduring symbols of 20th-century marketing. Popeil's legacy extended to music, where artists referenced his persona and products in lyrics that celebrated or lampooned his entrepreneurial flair. "Weird Al" Yankovic's 1984 song "Mr. Popeil" from the album In 3-D pays tribute to Popeil and his father Samuel through a of jingles, name-dropping inventions like the and Pocket Fisherman in a style mimicking The B-52's "." The track, featuring background vocals by Popeil's sister , humorously catalogs Ronco gadgets while capturing the relentless sales patter. The Beastie Boys alluded to Popeil in their 2004 track "Crawlspace" from , with the line "I got more product than Ron Popeil" boasting about their prolific output in a nod to his mass-marketing empire. In the internet era, Popeil's catchphrases inspired enduring s, particularly post-2000s revivals that repurposed clips from his infomercials for humorous online content. The phrase "But wait, there's more!" became a staple in meme templates on platforms like Imgflip, often overlaid on images of Popeil to satirize escalating deals or absurd promotions. These digital echoes, drawing from archived ads, amplified his phrases in viral contexts, from spoofs to everyday exaggeration.

References

  1. [1]
    Ron Popeil, Inventor and Ubiquitous Infomercial Pitchman, Dies at 86
    Aug 3, 2021 · Mr. Popeil (pronounced poh-PEEL) was born in New York on May 3, 1935. His parents divorced when he was young and he lived with grandparents ...
  2. [2]
    Remembering Ron Popeil, The Man Behind Veg-O-Matic And ... - NPR
    Jul 31, 2021 · Ron Popeil got his start at age 16, selling products his father's factory produced on Chicago's Maxwell Street. By his 20s, he was selling his ...Dick Cheney, One Of The Most... · Jack Dejohnette, Dynamic And... · June Lockhart, Beloved...
  3. [3]
    Welcome to the Official Ron Popeil Website
    Ron Popeil was a famed American inventor, pitchman, television star, and the creator of the television “infomercial”. Born Ronald Martin Popeil in New York ...
  4. [4]
    Ron Popeil - Lemelson-MIT
    Born in 1935, his parents divorced when he was three and he was moved from their home to boarding school to his grandparents' home and finally to his father's ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Ron Popeil dies: TV pitchman and infomercial pioneer was 86
    Jul 28, 2021 · Ronald Martin Popeil was born May 3, 1935, in the Bronx. When he was 3, his parents divorced and essentially abandoned him. Advertisement. “I ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
  6. [6]
    Slicing and dicing through history - Chicago Tribune
    Mar 3, 2004 · ... Lisa Popeil, Ron's half-sister. Today, she is a vocal coach who markets a singing techniques program; in a former life, she sang and ...<|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Samuel Joseph Popeil (1915-1984) - Find a Grave Memorial
    Samuel Joseph Popeil ; Birth: 22 Jan 1915. Manhattan, New York County, New York, USA ; Death: 15 Jul 1984 (aged 69). Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA.
  8. [8]
    Jennifer Tisdale - Biography - IMDb
    Second cousin, once removed, of inventor and infomercial maven Ron Popeil. Her maternal great-great-grandparents, Kidder Morris and Bryna Man, were also ...
  9. [9]
    The Pitchman | The New Yorker
    Oct 23, 2000 · Ron Popeil started pitching his father's kitchen gadgets at the Maxwell Street flea market in Chicago, in the mid-fifties. He was thirteen.
  10. [10]
    115 Highly Successful Dropouts from High School & College (2020)
    Jul 8, 2019 · Ron Popeil, multimillionaire founder of Ronco, inventor, producer, infomercial star. Did not finish college. Rush Limbaugh, multi ...
  11. [11]
    But Wait! You Mean There's More? - The New York Times
    Nov 11, 1999 · At first, the Popeils sold the Chop-O-Matic through live demonstrations at five-and-dimes and department stores. But in 1958, Samuel's son, ...Missing: demonstrates | Show results with:demonstrates
  12. [12]
    He's the Sell-O-Matic King of Infomercials--and So Much More!
    Jun 3, 1997 · Ron Popeil, TV pitchman who hawked Veg-O-Matic, Mr. Microphone and ... Though some of QVC's hawker-guests are shepherded around like high school ...
  13. [13]
    Exhibit tells the story of TV's early product pitchmen - Chicago Tribune
    Jun 16, 2016 · Brothers Samuel and Raymond Popeil got their start selling kitchen gadgets at boardwalks and county fairs in the 1930s and '40s, ...
  14. [14]
    Profile; He's Back! The Amazing Human Selling Machine! (Published 1994)
    ### Summary of Ron Popeil's Entry into Direct Sales
  15. [15]
    Ronco, Inc. - Company-Histories.com
    At 16, Ron began selling Popeil Brothers' "Spiral Slicers" and "Slice-A-Way" gadgets in street markets.
  16. [16]
    How Ron Popeil Rode Reagan's Deregulatory Revolution - Bloomberg
    Jul 31, 2021 · Entrepreneurs like Popeil, freed of their regulatory shackles, now began buying up large blocks of time, most often late at night when ...
  17. [17]
    How Ron Popeil perfected the art of the infomercial
    sometimes called, in the course of a Ron ...
  18. [18]
    'But wait ... there's more!' Top 10 infomercial sayings of all time
    Aug 20, 2013 · 'But wait ... there's more!' Top 10 infomercial sayings of all time ... This phrase was made popular by Ron "Ronco" Popeil, one of ...Missing: signature origin
  19. [19]
    Ron Popeil: Entrepreneur, Inventor, Pitchman - Infomercial.com
    Ron Popeil is widely credited with pioneering the modern infomercial format. Before the 1980s, most television advertisements were brief and to the point.<|separator|>
  20. [20]
    Interview: Ron Popeil-famed American inventor
    May 30, 2024 · ... But wait, there's more”, “Now how much would you pay?” and of course “Less Shipping and Handling”. Popeil also helped build the brand QVC ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Veg-O-Matic II | National Museum of American History
    Popeil's son, Ron, founded Ronco Inventions and began aggressively selling their products via dramatic demonstrations on late-night television. While its name ...Missing: Inc | Show results with:Inc
  22. [22]
    Untitled
    Ronald M. Popeil and Laurus Master Fund Ltd. are exercised in full, but excluding the shares underlying the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock reserved for ...
  23. [23]
    Remembering Inventor And TV Pitchman Ron Popeil - NPR
    Aug 6, 2021 · Ron Popeil, who died July 28, was an infomercial pioneer whose products included the Chop-O-Matic, the Veg-O-Matic, the smokeless ashtray and ...Missing: commercial | Show results with:commercial
  24. [24]
    Pocket Fisherman at 2 mil - BassFan
    Oct 13, 2005 · The Ronco (or Popeil) Pocket Fisherman has sold 2 million units since it was launched onto an unsuspecting American public in 1963.
  25. [25]
    His pole star - Los Angeles Times
    Jul 12, 2005 · Popeil, an avid fisherman who owns two boats that bear the quirky product's name, swears he has caught fish with the 1.5 million seller. He says ...
  26. [26]
    Alumni Interview: Ron Popeil - University of Illinois Alumni Association
    Dec 13, 2013 · I had a custom boat built, called The Pocket Fisherman, that I kept in Alaska. I went out on it, and using the Pocket Fisherman I hooked a king ...
  27. [27]
    Ronco - A Company History - TV Film Props
    ... Chop-O-Matic." Produced by Popeil Brothers, this "food chopper with rotating blades" had been peddled by Ron Popeil on the fair circuit since the late 1950s.
  28. [28]
    11 Items Sold by Ron Popeil - People | HowStuffWorks
    Sep 15, 2007 · If the Chop-O-Matic and Veg-O-Matic don't cut veggies small enough that the kids can't recognize them, the Dial-O-Matic will. This food slicer ...Missing: adjustable | Show results with:adjustable
  29. [29]
    The Ronco Food Dehydrator Was My Gateway Gadget - Gizmodo
    Feb 8, 2013 · It was the Ronco Food Dehydrator-slash-jerky-maker I wanted. The dehydrator was an ugly, brown plastic silo, but whatever. It had five trays. It made jerky.Missing: specs | Show results with:specs
  30. [30]
    Ronco Kitchen Accessories & Cooking Innovation
    Free deliveryKnown for the legendary tagline “But wait...there's more,” Ronco has been creating innovative, cutting-edge kitchen appliances and accessories for almost ...Products · Rotisseries · Replacement Parts · Showtime 6000 Platinum...Missing: mail | Show results with:mail
  31. [31]
    RONCO Food Dehydrator User Manual
    It is recommended that raw meat be boiled/blanched at 160°F before dehydrating. Raw Meat For Beef Jerky: Any kind of beef is good for making Beef Jerky. The ...Missing: Machine specs
  32. [32]
    In Pictures: Ten Best-Selling Popeil Inventions - Forbes
    Aug 8, 2006 · GLH System​​ That stands for Great Looking Hair System. It's spray-on hair, and Popeil invented it because he developed a bald spot. He says he ...
  33. [33]
    History of Ronco, Inc. - FundingUniverse
    Sales and profits increased erratically throughout the 1970s, but the early 1980s brought intense competition and eventual bankruptcy. Ron Popeil revived his ...Missing: diversification | Show results with:diversification
  34. [34]
    Now How Much Would You Pay for Ronco? $55 Million
    Aug 30, 2005 · founder Ron Popeil said Monday. “This means I have the time to ... The Times' top 25 high school football rankings · 10 clever gift ideas ...
  35. [35]
    Infomercial King Sells Company, Ronco Goes Public for Expansion
    Aug 28, 2005 · Nearly 60 percent of Ronco's product sales currently come from direct response infomercials, with only 25 percent from traditional retailers.Missing: 1980s 1990s diversification<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    A Few Easy Payments - Forbes
    Aug 31, 2007 · Popeil may have made his best sale two years ago, when investors paid $55 million for his company, Ronco. Last month the Simi Valley, Calif. company was ...
  37. [37]
    Trademark Co-Existence Agreement between Ronald M. Popeil and ...
    Trademark Co-Existence Agreement between Ronald M. Popeil and Ronco Marketing Corporation from RONCO CORP filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  38. [38]
    How I Did It: Ron Popeil, Ronco - Inc. Magazine
    Jan 1, 2009 · My parents divorced when I was a very early age. My older brother, Jerry, and I were sort of latched together. My parents didn't want us ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
  39. [39]
    https://improbable.com/ig/1993/
  40. [40]
    DR Hall of Fame Roundtable: The Pioneering Spirit! - Concepts TV
    May 1, 2014 · This group joins last year's class of inductees: Jim Caldwell, Frank Cannella, Bill Guthy, Kevin Joseph Lyons, Joe Pedott, Ron Popeil, Greg ...
  41. [41]
    Ron Popeil obituary - The Times
    Aug 9, 2021 · But wait, there's more: Ronald Martin Popeil was born in Manhattan in 1935, the younger of two sons of Samuel Popeil and his wife Julia (née ...
  42. [42]
    Infomercial Icon Ron Popeil Dead at 86 - People.com
    Jul 28, 2021 · Popeil is survived by his wife of 25 years, Robin; daughters Kathryn, Lauren, Shannon (dec.), Contessa, and Valentina; and grandchildren ...
  43. [43]
    Who is Ron Popeil's wife? All about his marriage as "Mr. Infomercial ...
    Jul 29, 2021 · Ron Popeil leaves behind his wife, Robin Angers, five daughters and four grandchildren. Popeil and Angers were married for 25 years. A glance ...
  44. [44]
    Robin Popeil - Biography - IMDb
    Robin Popeil has been married to Ron Popeil since December 6, 1995. They have one child. Family Spouse Ron Popeil(December 6, 1995 - present) (1 child)
  45. [45]
    Still Slicing & Dicing : He's the king of the Pocket Fisherman, Veg-O ...
    Dec 15, 1995 · Popeil admits that he's been a lousy husband and mediocre dad, but says he's trying to break the pattern with his youngest daughter, Lauren, 12 ...
  46. [46]
    Ron Popeil of 'set it and forget it' rotisserie infomercial dead at 86
    Jul 28, 2021 · He is survived by his wife Robyn; daughters Kathryn, Lauren, Contessa and Valentina; and grandchildren Rachel, Isabella, Nicole and Asher. A ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  47. [47]
    Architect John Lautner - THE MILLIE VINTAGE
    Aug 8, 2025 · 1963 - The Fell Residence, Beverly Hills CA. Unbuilt. 1963 - The ... About 1979 - The Ron Popeil Residence. Colewater Canyon area of Los ...
  48. [48]
    Ronco inventor and pitchman Ron Popeil lists his Beverly Hills ...
    Dec 4, 2009 · High School Sports · Kings · Lakers · Olympics · USC · UCLA · Rams · Sparks · World ... Ronco inventor and pitchman Ron Popeil lists his Beverly ...
  49. [49]
    The Godfather of Infomercials Makes His Greatest Pitch (Again)
    Nov 17, 2020 · Infomercial magnate Ron Popeil listed his 150-acre Santa Barbara ranch for the second time in six years, after failing to sell it for $5 ...
  50. [50]
    [PDF] Ron Popeil - TMZ
    Jul 28, 2021 · He lived his life to the fullest and passed in the loving arms of his family. The father of the television infomercial, Ron Popeil, was a ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  51. [51]
    'Father of TV infomercial' Ron Popeil dies at 86 after medical ... - UPI
    Jul 29, 2021 · Popeil was taken to Cedars-Sinai Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday after a severe medical emergency. "The father of the television infomercial, ...Missing: hospitalization | Show results with:hospitalization
  52. [52]
    R.I.P. Ron Popeil: 5 of the TV Pitchman's Best Inventions - Newsweek
    Jul 29, 2021 · Popeil was iconic for his infomercials for zany inventions like the Veg-O-Matic and Pocket Fisherman (both of which were actually invented ...
  53. [53]
    Ron Popeil (1935-2021) - Find a Grave Memorial
    Family Members. Parents. Samuel Joseph Popeil. 1915–1984 · Julia Schwartz Tuers. 1909–1987. Siblings. Jerome "Jerry" Popeil. 1933–1982. Half Siblings. Linda ...
  54. [54]
    Ron Popeil Obituary (2021) - Beverly Hills, CA - Los Angeles Times
    May 3, 1935 - July 28, 2021 American Inventor and marketing icon Ron Popeil suddenly and peacefully passed away at Cedars Sinai Medical ...
  55. [55]
    Ron Popeil, known for iconic infomercials, dead at 86
    Jul 29, 2021 · Ron Popeil, an inventor and TV personality best known for his infomercials pitching the Showtime Rotisserie oven, Veg-O-Matic and the Pocket ...
  56. [56]
    He slices! He dices! - SouthCoastToday.com
    Apr 27, 1997 · He's in a sweatsuit backstage at QVC, the cable home-shopping network, prepping for a 12-minute spot to unveil his newest innovation. But his ...Missing: appearance | Show results with:appearance
  57. [57]
    "The X-Files" Beyond the Sea (TV Episode 1994) - IMDb
    Rating 8.6/10 (8,094) Ron Popeil · Self; (archive footage); (uncredited). Director. David Nutter. Writers. Glen Morgan · James Wong · All cast & crew · Production, box office & more ...Missing: appearance | Show results with:appearance
  58. [58]
    Ron Popeil - IMDb
    His parents Samuel J. (Sam Popeil, a kitchen gadget inventor) and Julia (Schwartz) Popeil, divorced, and placed both Ron and his older brother, Jerry, in a ...
  59. [59]
    Ron Popeil Dies At Age 86: Fans Pay Tribute to Infomercial King
    Jul 29, 2021 · He made cameo appearances in numerous television shows such as The X-Files, Futurama, King of the Hill, Sex and the City, The Daily Show, and ...Missing: film | Show results with:film
  60. [60]
    Ron Popeil, Pioneer Of 'Wait...There's More!' Late-Night Infomercials ...
    Jul 29, 2021 · When Dan Aykroyd sent him up on "Saturday Night Live" in 1976 with the "Bass-O-Matic" commercial parody, Popeil realized it was free ...
  61. [61]
    https://simpsons.fandom.com/wiki/Nick_Riviera
  62. [62]
    Nick Riviera | Simpsons Wiki | Fandom
    He is also shown as an inventor/huckster (in the style of Ron Popeil) on the television show I Can't Believe They Invented It! His "Walk-In Clinic" is based ...
  63. [63]
    Dr. Nick Riviera - The Simpsons - WordPress.com
    He is also shown as an inventor/huckster (in the style of Ron Popeil) on the television show I Can't Believe They Invented It!, with products such as the ...
  64. [64]
    Mr. Popeil | Weird Al Wiki - Fandom
    The song is a tribute to father-and-son inventors and pitchmen Samuel and Ron Popeil. The elder Sam invented the Veg-O-Matic, and his son Ron became famous ...
  65. [65]
    "Weird Al" Yankovic – Mr. Popeil Lyrics - Genius
    Mr. Popeil Lyrics: I need a Veg-o-Matic! / I need a Pocket Fisherman! / I need a handy appliance / That'll scramble an egg while it's still inside its shell ...
  66. [66]
    Beastie Boys – Crawlspace Lyrics - Genius
    I got more product than Ron Popeil So deal with that, troop; We're troopers. The only air time you get is on bloopers · Beastie Boys in the place, up in the ...
  67. [67]
    Fun Facts About Ron Popeil, In 5 Easy Installments - Mental Floss
    May 3, 2015 · Popeil is much more than a straight-up pitchman. Here are 5 things you might not know about the Ronco founder.Missing: hobbies | Show results with:hobbies
  68. [68]
    Ron Popeil But WAIT! There's MORE! Blank Template - Imgflip
    High Quality Ron Popeil But WAIT! There's MORE! Blank Meme Template. Ron Popeil But WAIT! There's MORE! Template. Caption this Meme All Meme Templates.Missing: internet | Show results with:internet
  69. [69]
    Ron Popeil: The Master of Sales Slogans and As Seen on TV
    Some of his famous lines include: 'Set it and forget it' & 'But wait, there's more'. People remembered Ron's infomercials because he gave them something to hold ...