WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Barry Becher, 71, the infomercial pioneer who was half of the duo that brought Ginsu knives to the American public, died Friday in Deerfield Beach, Fla. His stepdaughter said he was suffering from kidney cancer and died of complications from surgery.
He and business partner Ed Valenti created countless television campaigns, but they're forever linked with Ginsu. The exotic-sounding knives seemingly cut through anything and mesmerized audiences in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Becher and Valenti looked for unique products, rechristened them, and brought them to the airwaves in extended commercials that made them hard to resist. The duo also were behind Armourcote Cookware, the Miracle Slicer, Lusterware Silverware, and Royal DuraSteel mixing bowls. - Associated Press
