George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight champion whose life journey spanned Olympic glory, iconic bouts, personal redemption, and stardom outside the ring, has died. He was 76.
The man the world knew as “Big George” passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, surrounded by loved ones, according to his family.
“Our hearts are broken,” his family shared in a statement on Instagram. “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr… A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman’s rise began in the late 1960s when he took up boxing and, just one year later, won gold at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. That was only the beginning. In 1973, he knocked out Joe Frazier in a dominant performance that earned him the world heavyweight title—and gave the world Howard Cosell’s unforgettable call: “Down goes Frazier!”
Foreman’s next chapter came in 1974 during the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali. Though favored to win, Foreman fell to Ali in the eighth round in a historic upset that’s still talked about to this day.
He retired in 1977 after a spiritual awakening, becoming an ordained minister and stepping away from the sport. But in a move that shocked nearly everyone, he returned to boxing a decade later at age 38—this time as a gentler, more humorous version of the fierce young man who had once terrified opponents.
In 1994, Foreman stunned the world again when, at age 45, he defeated 26-year-old Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight championship. That victory made him the oldest man to ever win a world heavyweight title. He retired for good in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and only 5 losses.
The story was so incredible, it was brought to life in the 2023 biopic Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World. The film spotlighted not just the boxer, but the man behind the gloves—his struggles, faith, reinvention, and the resilience that made him a household name.
Speaking of household names, there’s one more chapter that made Big George a global presence far beyond the ring: the George Foreman Grill. Launched in 1994, the grill became a surprise hit—and a cultural phenomenon. With Foreman’s warm, trustworthy persona front and center, it sold over 100 million units worldwide. Suddenly, the former champ was in millions of kitchens, proving his knockout power wasn’t just for boxing.
Foreman is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly, and their 12 children—five sons and seven daughters. True to form, all five of his boys share the name George Edward Foreman, something he once said would help keep them united.
From Olympic gold to heavyweight glory, from preacher to pitchman, George Foreman didn’t just live life—he fought for it. Through the wins, the losses, the comebacks, and the reinventions, he remained a symbol of strength, faith, and reinvention.
Rest in power, Big George. Your legacy lives on.