Pitchman and innovator Ron Popeil dead at 86

But wait — there’s no more.

Salesman, marketing visionary and inventor Ron Popeil wrapped up a colorful life Wednesday morning, according to TMZ, which reports the 86-year-old Ronco founder died in a Los Angeles hospital following an unspecified medical emergency.

Ron Popeil, the man behind those late-night, rapid-fire television commercials that sell everything from the Mr. Microphone to the Pocket Fisherman to the classic Veg-a-Matic, sits surrounded by his wares in his Beverly Hills office on Dec. 8, 1982. His Ronco Company accounts for $35 million in annual retail sales with its current line of 17 products. (Reed Saxon/)

Known as well for his creative spirit as his ability to sell the items he sometimes made, Popeil is credited for introducing the world to the Pocket Fisherman, Mr. Microphone, Hair in a Can and Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ.

He made famous phrases like “But wait, there’s more” and “Set it, and forget it.”

In a 2006 interview with Forbes magazine, he discussed the secret to his success.

“The fact that I’m an inventor first and salesperson second is the reason why so many people buy my products,” he said. “If you create a product that’s needed in the marketplace, or a drug that will solve a medical problem, people are going to buy it. It’s so easy for me to sell my products because the market exists.”

The New York City native reportedly made $200,000,000 through his ideas and referred to his inner-circle as “The Rontourage.”

He leaves behind a wife and four children.