World champion boxer and successful businessman George Foreman has passed away at age 76.
His story is amazing, and it includes one of the greatest “character transformations” a public figure has ever undergone.
Foreman came to fame in his early 20s, winning a gold medal for boxing in the 1968 Olympic Games. He then went on to a highly successful professional boxing career, winning the heavyweight championship not once, but twice.
As a boxer, especially in his early years, his persona was serious, unfriendly and stoic. Maybe some people downright mean. His stare alone was intimidating, and many were even afraid to approach him.
He was all business when was a boxer, with a sense of humor rating near zero.
But then came the complete transformation!
After his career ended, he struck financial gold as a pitchman and businessman for many different products, including the famed George Foreman Grill. The portable grill with the self-draining grease bottom, which became a huge hit, scored Foreman many more millions of dollars than he ever made as a boxer.
What was most amazing, though, was his persona transformation during this time. Suddenly he was the jovial, friendly, always smiling “Big George.”
He did talk shows, special appearances, even a little bit of acting, and he was like a big teddy bear, always smiling and always upbeat and friendly.
Those who saw him during his boxing years couldn’t believe the change.
But those who knew him best, those from his childhood and early boxing years, would go on to say that this was always George's real demeanor. He only adopted the serious, menacing attitude to help his boxing career, basing it on his childhood in some tough neighborhoods.
Foreman leaves behind numerous children, including a full cadre of boys. In true George Foreman tradition, he named them all George!
(“Hey…that way when I call them for dinner, I only have to say one name and they all come!” their father said.)
He will be missed by many who followed his amazing life story.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.