You probably remember the video. It was 2011, and a disheveled man stood on the side of an Ohio highway holding a cardboard sign. When he opened his mouth, a smooth, deep, radio-ready baritone came out that didn't match his surroundings at all. That was Ted Williams. He became a global sensation overnight, but if you've been looking for a Ted Williams Fox News biography, you might have realized there’s a bit of a mix-up online.
Actually, there are two famous men with this name often appearing in the news cycle. One is the "Golden Voice" who went viral for his second chance at life. The other is a regular contributor you see on TV.
The Confusion Behind the Name
When people search for a biography on Fox News, they are often looking for Ted Justice Williams. He’s a former D.C. homicide detective and a heavy-hitting criminal defense attorney. He’s the guy you see breaking down legal cases or discussing police procedures on Hannity or Fox News Live. He’s got a background in the military and years of experience as a federal special agent.
But the "Golden Voice" Ted Williams has his own unique connection to the media world. While he wasn't a desk-sitting contributor, his journey from the streets of Columbus to the bright lights of national television—including interviews across various networks—remains one of the most documented "homeless to hero" stories in American history.
From Brooklyn to the Streets of Columbus
Born in 1957 in Brooklyn, Theodore Fred Williams didn't start out on the streets. He actually served in the U.S. Army and went to school for voice acting. He had a real career. In the 1980s, he was a late-night DJ on WVKO in Columbus, Ohio. People loved him. He had the gift.
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Then things broke.
By 1986, drug and alcohol abuse started to eat away at his life. He lost interest in the work. He lost his home. By 1994, he was evicted. For nearly twenty years, Ted lived a life of crime and addiction. He was arrested for theft, robbery, and drug possession. He served time. He lived under bridges.
The Viral Moment That Changed Everything
In January 2011, a videographer for the Columbus Dispatch named Doral Chenoweth spotted Ted. Ted was holding a sign that mentioned his "God-given gift of voice." Chenoweth gave him a dollar to demonstrate it.
The video went to YouTube and exploded. Within days, it had millions of views.
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The transition was jarringly fast. One day he’s in a tattered coat; the next, he’s on The Today Show. He was offered a home and a job by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kraft Foods hired him to be the voice of their Macaroni & Cheese commercials. He even did voice-overs for Pepsi and MSNBC. It felt like a fairy tale.
The Reality of a Second Chance
Honestly, the "happily ever after" part was messy. Fame is a lot to handle when you're just trying to stay sober. Shortly after his rise, Ted relapsed. He went on Dr. Phil and admitted he was drinking again. He went to rehab but left after only 12 days, saying the environment felt "scripted."
He’s been open about the fact that he lost millions. He’s talked about how managers took advantage of him because he didn't understand the business. It’s a classic story of talent being exploited, which is a big reason why his biography is so complicated.
By 2016, he was back at his old radio station, WVKO, hosting a show focused on gospel and faith. He wasn't a millionaire, but he was working. He even toyed with the idea of running for Governor of Ohio in 2022 as a Democrat, though he eventually pulled out of that race.
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Where is Ted Williams in 2026?
As of early 2026, the man with the Golden Voice is still active, though his life remains a bit of a roller coaster. Recently, he appeared in a small role in the film Marty Supreme. However, some reports suggest he has faced financial hurdles again, with fans occasionally spotting him around Columbus.
It's a stark contrast to Ted Justice Williams, the Fox News contributor, who continues to provide legal analysis on high-profile trials. If you're watching the news today, the Ted Williams you see in a suit is likely the attorney. The Ted Williams with the voice of a god is still out there, likely still working on his sobriety and taking voice-over gigs where he can find them.
Both men have impressive biographies, but they represent two very different paths of the American experience. One is the story of institutional success and legal expertise; the other is a raw, often painful look at the struggle for redemption.
What You Can Learn From This Story
- Verify the "Expert": If you see a legal take on Fox News, check the middle name. Ted Justice Williams is the legal analyst.
- The Fragility of Fame: Viral success doesn't fix underlying issues like addiction. It often magnifies them.
- Persistence Matters: Despite his relapses, the Golden Voice hasn't given up. He continues to find work in the industry he loves.
If you are following the legal career of the Fox News contributor, keep an eye on his commentary during major criminal trials in 2026. If you're rooting for the "Golden Voice," you can often find updates on his current projects or philanthropic efforts through his "Ted Williams Project" foundation, which focuses on helping homeless shelters.