George Foreman, the legendary two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and iconic grill pitchman, has passed away at the age of 76.
His family shared the heartbreaking news in an official statement on his Instagram account on Friday, March 21, 2025, confirming that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
“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,” the family wrote.
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Foreman’s death marks the end of a remarkable life journey that spanned poverty, sports glory, reinvention, and lasting cultural impact.
Born in Texas in 1949 and raised in Houston’s rough Fifth Ward, George Foreman overcame a troubled youth, dropping out of school at 15 and facing brushes with the law.
However, his life changed course when he joined the Job Corps, earning his GED and learning trades — and it was there that he found boxing.
His rise was meteoric. At just 19, Foreman claimed the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, famously waving a small American flag around the ring in triumph.
His professional career took off shortly after, culminating in a stunning victory over Joe Frazier in 1973, where Foreman claimed the heavyweight championship. He was feared for his immense power, famously knocking Frazier down six times in two rounds.
However, one of the defining moments of his career came in 1974 during the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, where he faced Muhammad Ali.
In what is considered one of the most significant sporting events in history, Foreman was defeated by Ali in a shocking upset that haunted him for years. Despite the loss, the two eventually formed a close friendship.
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Foreman retired from boxing in 1977 after a spiritual awakening, becoming a born-again Christian and preacher. However, financial troubles brought him back to the ring a decade later.
In one of sports’ most improbable comebacks, Foreman fought well into his 40s, and in 1994, at the age of 45, he reclaimed the heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer — becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a record he still holds.
Outside of the ring, Foreman’s affable personality and entrepreneurial drive led to his second act as a pop culture icon.
In 1994, he introduced the George Foreman Grill, which became a household staple, selling over 100 million units.
Foreman once credited the grill for making him wealthier than his boxing career ever had. He continued to appear in commercials, television shows, and even a short-lived sitcom, further endearing himself to generations of fans.
In recent years, Foreman remained active, even competing on The Masked Singer in 2022 and producing a biopic of his life, Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World, released in 2023.
Foreman’s personal life was as large as his professional one. A father of 12 children, he famously named all five of his sons George Edward Foreman, explaining that he wanted them to always have something in common.
He was married five times and is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985, and 11 of his children. His daughter Freeda, who briefly pursued boxing herself, tragically passed away in 2019.
Though his later years were marred by legal battles — including a 2022 accusation of child sexual abuse, which he denied — Foreman’s legacy remains one of resilience, reinvention, and cultural significance.
From his gold medal victory and championship reigns to his role as a preacher, businessman, and beloved public figure, George Foreman’s life story is one of triumph over adversity.
He leaves behind a lasting impact on the world of sports, business, and popular culture. Foreman’s passing is mourned not only by his family but by millions of fans around the globe who admired his strength, his heart, and his enduring spirit.
