Homeless man whose voice ended up completely changing his life and turned him into a superstar

Ted Williams' journey from homelessness to becoming known as 'The Man with the Golden Voice' is an inspiration to many.

Ted Williams - full name Theodore Fred Williams - is a well-recognized, successful American announcer, radio personality and voice-over artist.

However, the 66-year-old's life hasn't always been as lustrous as it is now.

Williams grew up in Brooklyn, New York, having been adopted at three weeks old, as per Dallas' AMPS Magazine.

After being honourably discharged after three years serving in the US Army, Williams sought out a career in radio, becoming a late-night disc jockey for WVKO in Columbus, Ohio.

He told AMPS he was 'doing very well with [his] broadcasting career' in the early 1980s, had children, a family and 'life was good'.

However, in 1988 after smoking what he thought was marijuana - it turned out to contain 'crack-cocaine' - he became 'hooked'.

He bgean battling alcoholic and drug abuse, he was evicted from his house and his life spiralled further.

CBS News

Williams explained his drug use 'separated' him from his family, job and home. He added: "I was embarrassed and I embarrassed my family. My voice was a gift from God and I was abusing it."

With his mental and physical health rapidly declining, Williams later found himself arrested on charges including drug possession, theft and robbery.

In 1990, he even served three months in prison for theft and in 2004, he was sent down for nearly two months for obstructing official business, theft and forgery.

However, when you've hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up - which Williams soon found after being interviewed by a Columbus Dispatch reporter while standing at an intersection in Columbus, Ohio in January 2011.

YouTube/The Columbus Dispatch

The recording of the interview went viral on social media - titled 'Ted Williams: homeless man with a golden voice' - showing Williams stood with a cardboard sign, exemplifying how he uses his 'golden' voice and asking for donations.

Williams then found himself in receipt of an influx of job offers and appeared on multiple news programmes, such as CBS' The Early Show and Today.

NBA basketball team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, even offered him a home as well as a job and he was later hired for voice-over work by Kraft Foods, MSNBC and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

"The Columbus Dispatch reporter was instrumental in changing my life. Because of his actions, I was given an avenue to make the change that saved my life," Williams said.

And Williams' story continues to inspire many to this day, people flooding to social media in celebration of his tale of success.

One X - formerly known as Twitter - user said: "Proof that you never know what’s waiting around the next corner. It’s one of the few things that keeps me breathing. Chin up, everybody."

Another added: "His 'golden voice' story is a remarkable journey of redemption."

A third commented: "His story is a testament to the power of second chances and the impact of viral videos in changing lives."

Williams resolved: "I feel truly blessed that I still have 'The Golden Voice'.

"I give all praises to God for standing with me through my struggles and carrying me when I could not go any further."

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 830-7624 24 hours, seven days a week, or contact them through their website.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.