32 Brands That Were a Big Deal in the 80s But Faded Into Obscurity

Crazy Eddie was founded in 1971 and named after its co-founder, Eddie Antar. It was best known for its commercials, in which an energetic salesman played by radio DJ Jerry Carroll aggressively sells its many electronic products.

But Eddie was maybe a little too crazy, as the company engaged in fraud. Income was under-reported, sales taxes were dodged, and employees were paid under the table. This soon led to Crazy Eddie’s house of cards tumbling down, and the business closed in 1989. Then again in 2005. And again in 2012. He kept trying to bring the name back until his passing in 2016.