Tribute to George Forman
The entertainment world pays tribute to former heavyweight champion George Forman, who passed away at the age of 76.
The news of his passing was announced by his family on Instagram on Friday (March 21), stating: “With deep sadness, we announce the death of our beloved George Edward Forman, who peacefully left us on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.”
They described him as a “pious preacher, devoted husband, loving father, and proud great-grandfather.”
“Humanitarian, Olympic and two-time world champion,” they added. “He was deeply respected – a man of good, discipline, conviction, and a defender of his heritage, tirelessly fighting for his good name – for his family. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for solitude as we honor the extraordinary life of the person we were proud to call our own.”
Legacy of a Champion
Famously known as Big George in the ring, he secured Olympic gold in 1968 and became a two-time heavyweight world champion, with a gap of 21 years between titles. He famously fought Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974 and shocked the world by reclaiming the title in 1994 at the age of 45.
Forman retired in 1997 with a record of 76 victories out of 81 fights and gained further fame through his bestselling grill, generating more revenue than his boxing career.
Among those who shared personal tributes was Chuck D of Public Enemy, who showcased the artistic homage made to Forman years ago. “My dude @justinianmc, Sharpi Sharpmaster made this on George Forman … a few years ago,” he wrote. “This hits me hard, as George was one of my heroes.”
My dude @Justinianmc Sharpie Sharpmaster did this for George Forman … a few years ago … to break it off with a blow to me, tough, as George was one of my heroes pic.twitter.com/n6vbxyjxjt
– Chuck D (@mrchuckd) March 22, 2025
John Cusack also took to X a few hours after the announcement: “Rest in peace, George Forman – beyond the legend in the ring – just a wonderful spirit – an incredibly kind, generous person – personally. I will always remember every meeting with great gratitude – it was an honor to know him.”
Rip George Forman –
In addition to the legend in the ring – just a wonderful spirit – an incredibly kind, generous person – personally
I always remember every meeting with great gratitude – it was an honor to know him.– John Cusack (@johncusack) March 22, 2025
William Shatner also paid tribute on X: “Condolences to the family of George Forman.”
Condolences to the family of George Forman. 😔
– William Shatner (@williamshatner) March 22, 2025
Boxing legend Mike Tyson was among the first to recognize Forman’s contributions: “Condolences to the family of George Forman,” he wrote. “His contributions to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Condolences to the family of George Forman. His contributions to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/xs5qjmukqr
– Mike Tyson (@miketyson) March 22, 2025
Forman also starred in a short-lived sitcom titled George in 1993, where he played a retired boxer leading a school program. He made appearances in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, The Larry Sanders Show, and King of the Hill.
He was married five times and had a total of 12 children, including five sons named George.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/entertainment-world-pays-tribute-to-boxing-legend-george-foreman-an-incredibly-kind-generous-man-3848465?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=entertainment-world-pays-tribute-to-boxing-legend-george-foreman-an-incredibly-kind-generous-man
