We have all heard the saying “looks can be deceiving.”
This phrase completely describes what happened to Ted Williams or “The Man with the Golden Voice.”
Williams was living on the street and instantly became famous when he was discovered by a videographer on a street ramp. Williams was holding a sign that simply said “I have a God-given golden voice” and the videographer started filming him. The video of Williams using his “golden” voice was posted on the Internet, and he literally became famous overnight. He was given offers and opportunities that completely changed his life.
Earlier in his life, he had been a professional radio broadcaster, but his addiction to drugs and alcohol landed him on the streets. After his video debut, he began receiving numerous job offers as well as television and radio appearances, asking him to use his vocal skills. He accepted jobs with MSNBC and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But more importantly, this “twist of fate” made it possible for Williams to reunite with his family.
As a guest on the “Dr. Phil” show, he said that he was still addicted to alcohol and was going to rehab. Williams entered rehab, following a heated argument with his daughter at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa in Los Angeles. (This week Williams reportedly quit rehab after less than two weeks of treatment.)
Having the common sense to know that you’re addicted to something and seeking treatment is a big step, which takes an enormous amount of courage. We see people on the streets all the time asking for money and often we’re skeptical to give it to them because we don’t know if that money is going toward a bottle.
The media is taking full advantage of his story but is not too focused on his positive attempts to get over his addiction. The man does have an amazing story, but his journey to try to get clean should be more inspiring. It’s a good sign when someone who has the means of getting rid of an illness is willing to do so.
However, everyone gets 15 minutes of fame. And once Williams’ 15 minutes are up, he’ll be left to deal with this addiction and the temptation on his own. For him, support from his family and a sponsor, would be much better than those million-dollar contracts.