VIDEO: Homeless Man's Baritone Lands Dream Job and House
Ted Williams
Because of a viral video featuring what he calls a "God-given gift of a great voice," a homeless man has landed a job with the Cleveland Cavaliers — and a new house.
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Ted Williams, a panhandler from Ohio, quickly became an Internet sensation earlier this week. He appeared on a local radio show to demonstrate his talents — and as soon as he did, the offers poured in. One of the callers, who said she represented the Cavaliers, offered him a full-time voiceover gig for the team and a free home in Cleveland, according to the New York Post.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers just offered me a full-time job and a house! A house! A house!" Williams, 53, exclaimed at local radio station WNCI.
The Brooklyn native trained to be an announcer before falling on hard times and began to beg on a side road in Columbus. But he shot to stardom Monday after The Columbus Dispatch posted a video of Williams showing off his baritone.
"I've been out there about a year; I just didn't know anything like this would ever happen," Williams said. "There's so many words. I've already been characterized to [Scottish singing sensation] Susan Boyle ... I'm just so happy."
Williams will appear on Thursday's taping of Today for an in-studio interview.
Check out the video: