George Foreman, the boxing champ and George Foreman Grill mogul, has died. He was 76.
The 2x world heavyweight champion, who was known as Big George Foreman, “peacefully” died on Friday “surrounded by loved ones,” his family announced on Instagram.
“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,” they announced on his Instagram profile. “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.
Watch on Deadline
“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,” Foreman’s family added.
Born Jan. 10, 1949 in Marshall, Texas, taking up amateur boxing in 1967 before winning an gold medal in the heavyweight division the following year at the Summer Olympics. After going professional, he won the world heavyweight title in 1973. Foreman lost the title to Muhammad Ali during their iconic Rumble in the Jungle match in 1974.
After retiring in 1977, Foreman returned to boxing in 1994 and became the oldest world heavyweight champion in history at age 46. He retired from boxing for good in 1997, before getting inducted into the World and International Boxing Halls of Fame and becoming a ringside analyst for HBO’s boxing coverage.
In addition to becoming an ordained Christian minister, Foreman’s life outside of the ring also included his successful George Foreman Grill line, becoming the brand’s beloved spokesperson and selling more than 100 million units worldwide.
Foreman is survived by wife of 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly, as well as 12 children and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The post George Foreman Dies: 2x Heavyweight Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist & Entrepreneur Was 76 appeared first on Deadline.
