Boxing Icon George Foreman Passes Away at 76

March 23, 2025

Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty

It’s a sad day for sports fans around the world.

George Foreman, who first captured international attention in 1968 when he won an Olympic gold medal in Mexico City, has passed away. He was 76 years old.

Born in Marshall, Texas. Foreman grew up in a family where he was one of seven children in Houston’s Fifth Ward community. Leaving school for the streets as a teenager, Foreman described those years as troubled in his memoir but those rough times would change after he entered Job Corps at his mother’s request. There, he would earn his GED and become skilled in bricklaying and carpentry. Life would eventually take him to California where he first began training in the world of boxing.

Following his gold medal win in the 1968 Olympics, his stock as a professional athlete grew even more in 1973, when he claimed the heavyweight world championship by defeating the undefeated Joe Frazier in a stunning display of power.

After a long hiatus, Foreman made history in 1994 by becoming the oldest heavyweight champion at 45, reclaiming the title with a tenth-round knockout against Michael Moorer. This remarkable comeback cemented his place as one of boxing’s greatest legends.

Beloved for his charming personality and easygoing nature, Foreman dabbled in the world of entertainment as well. He once starred in a self-titled, semi-autobiographical sitcom as a retired boxer who runs an after-school program for troubled kids. The program ran from November , 1993 to January 19, 1994 on the ABC.

Less than a decade later, his name would again become part of pop culture when The George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, also commonly referred to as simply the George Foreman grill, became a hit with consumers. With Foreman’s endorsement, the portable, double-sided heated grill would go on to sell more than 100 million George Foreman units worldwide.

The Family released a statement on Foreman’s official Instagram account, saying “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. 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.

A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.

We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”

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In 2023, Foreman’s remarkable story came to the big screen via Big George Foreman. The film, starring Khris Davis as the legendary boxer, explored his humble beginnings, Olympic win and the near-death experience that brought him closer to religion.