RIP Ron Popeil

[Bama fan]

I missed this last Wednesday but Ron Popeil, the television huckster who brought us the Chop-o- Matic, the Veg-o-Matic, and countless other gadgets. Popeil convinced people to buy his "Inventions" on a grand scale and became one of the earliest "as seen on TV" gurus. His catchphrase introduced the audience to "Another Popeil Dollar Stretcher" on late night TV for decades. Quite a unique American character. RIP.

 

[CL82]

I missed this last Wednesday but Ron Popeil, the television huckster who brought us the Chop-o- Matic, the Veg-o-Matic, and countless other gadgets. Popeil convinced people to buy his "Inventions" on a grand scale and became one of the earliest "as seen on TV" gurus. His catchphrase introduced the audience to "Another Popeil Dollar Stretcher" on late night TV for decades. Quite a unique American character. RIP.

Don’t forget the Popeil Pocket Fisherman and Mr. Microphone. “Hey good looking we’ll be back to pick you up later!”

 

[jcoton56]

Plus the SNL treatment given him in the famous ‘Bassomatic’ sketch.

 

[Urshurak]

Is he the "Set it and forget it" guy?

 

[Bama fan]

Is he the "Set it and forget it" guy?

Yes he was. And the "But wait, there's more " guy too. When he hawked something, you knew what you were getting. Unlike today when commercials often push a way of life vibe, but you you are not sure what actual product they are pushing. "Ronco" was plain and simple buy this it's good to have consumerism.

 

[Ozimoto]

Rest in peace, Ron. Another icon of my youth passing reminding me that I'm not a kid anymore. He was also immortalized by, of all people, Weird Al Yankovic.

 

[Mdoggie]

I wonder if Paige ever used a Pocket fisherman.

 

[HCCForever]

Is he the "Set it and forget it" guy?

I had one of those Showtime Rotisseries and used it to cook whole chickens. It was quite good and easy to use. My mother used the veg-o-matic for many years to dice potatoes and other vegetables for chowder and beef stew. Good products IMHO.

 

[LoboDays]

He was the scourge of a lot skits.

 

[MilfordHusky]

 

[tomcat]

A true TV legend. His productions were so bad they were great,

 

[Zinethar]

I still own and occasionally use my Ronco Showtime! You just set it and forget it.

 

[eebmg]

Cant wait for Paige's skits.