George Foreman, the legendary two-time heavyweight boxing champion and iconic TV commercial pitchman, passed away on Friday at the age of 76.
His family announced the news in a heartfelt statement on Instagram, 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." No specific cause of death has been officially disclosed at this time.
Foreman’s remarkable life spanned an extraordinary boxing career and a successful second act as a businessman and personality.
Born in Texas, he rose from a troubled youth to win an Olympic gold medal in 1968 at age 19. Turning professional, he claimed the heavyweight title in 1973 by knocking out Joe Frazier in a stunning upset, defending it twice before losing it to Muhammad Ali in the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974.
After retiring in 1977 and becoming an ordained minister, Foreman made a stunning comeback in 1987. In 1994, at the age of 45, he reclaimed the heavyweight title by knocking out Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Beyond the ring, Foreman became a household name as the pitchman for the George Foreman Grill, a lean, mean grilling machine that sold over 100 million units worldwide. His warm, jovial persona endeared him to millions, and his entrepreneurial success added to his legacy as a cultural icon.
Tributes from the sports world, including figures like Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson, poured in after his passing, celebrating his contributions to boxing and beyond. Foreman leaves behind his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, and 12 children, including five sons all named George.
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