Homeless man gets jobs, sees mother

Homeless man with golden radio voice

NEW YORK, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- A homeless man whose YouTube video was seen by more than 5 million people, now has work and is visiting his 92-year-old mother in New York.

Kraft Foods Inc. announced Thursday that Ted Williams will voice four macaroni and cheese commercials, Crain's Chicago Business reported.

"His amazing voice is perfectly suited for our campaign," a Kraft spokeswoman said.

He also has accepted a position with the Cleveland Cavaliers, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

Williams was hustling for change at the side of the road in Columbus, Ohio, when an enterprising reporter discovered his baritone speaking voice. The Columbus Dispatch posted a video of Williams talking about being off drugs and alcohol for two years and of his hopes for a comeback.

Julia Williams saw her son for the first time in about two decades Thursday afternoon at a New York hotel, MSNBC reported. She still lives in the East Flatbush apartment in New York where she raised her children, but her son said he avoided contact with her while he was on drugs.

Williams' ex-wife, Patricia Kirtley, called his mother to tell her about her son.

"She didn't believe it until I called her. She is so overwhelmed," said Kirtley, 58, who had five children with Williams, 53. "I think she does not want him to mess it up. She said this is an opportunity and a second chance."

Since his story became public, Williams has had several job offers, the Dispatch said.

Williams' trip to New York was delayed briefly because he didn't have proper identification, but he eventually made the trip.