Ron Popeil, a salesman and inventor made for TV, has died. He was an infomercial star who persuaded millions to purchase the Veg-O-Matic and Pocket Fisherman, as well as dozens of other products that they didn't know they needed. He was 86.According to a statement obtained by The Associated Press from his family, he died suddenly in Los Angeles hospital.His mastery in television marketing, which dates back to the 1950s, but has spanned several decades, made Mr. Popeils almost as well-known onscreen as any of the movie and TV stars of his time. Many of his catchphrases, including "But wait!" You can also set it and forget about it.Many American households still have or had the products he hawked. Some were snobby gizmos that were quickly discarded, while others remained long-lasting fixtures such as the Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ and the Ronco Electric Food Dehydrator. Popeils Pasta & Sausage Maker, Mr. The Microphone, the Bagel Cutter, and the Inside-the-Shell egg scrambler are just a few of the many.
