If you’re a hardcore boxing fan or enjoy cooking steaks with a George Foreman Grill, you might be sad to learn that Big George has sadly passed away at age 76. A post on the celebrity’s official Instagram account announced that George Edward Foreman Sr. died peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A well-respected Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, Foreman became “the oldest world heavyweight champion in history” at age 46 back in the mid-90s.
Big George was much more than just a boxer. He was also an entrepreneur, devout preacher, and author. For books, Foreman wrote the well-received God in My Corner, Going the Extra Smile, and dozens more. He was also a successful businessman with the “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” simply shortened to the George Foreman Grill. In the late 70s, the former boxer claimed to have a near-death experience that compelled him to believe in God. As a result, he became the pastor of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, Texas.
Those who have followed or read about George Foreman’s career will definitely have heard about his epic showdown in the ring with Muhammad Ali in 1974. Although he lost to the world champion, Big George earned the respect of many and later even beat 26-year-old Michael Moorer in 1994 at age 45. While he certainly was formidable in the ring and deadly with his fists, he also had a friendly demeanor and gentle smile. This was apparent from his cheerful appearance on his book covers or in his George Foreman Grill commercials.
The list of George Foreman’s achievements throughout his impressive life has inspired thousands, if not millions, which is why so many people were devasted to hear of his passing. “RIP BIG GEORGE. The ultimate slugger and one of the greats, 🥊❤️” grieved a Reddit user. Foreman was truly the “last great heavyweight from the golden age of boxing,” as an Instagram comment put it. “Absolutely loved Big George. It feels unreal that Ali, Frazier, Norton, and now Foreman are all gone,” another lamented.
One commenter remarked how the Texan Olympian was initially known to be rather brash and arrogant during his younger days. However, after he became older and more experienced, he became everyone’s favorite slugger with a phenomenal comeback story. “Truly one of the best to ever lace up the gloves,” a comment reads. “Single-handedly proved [that] old men can still bang with the young bucks.” Not to mention, he gained even more respect from non-boxing fans with his cooking and motivational books. The George Foreman Grill also sold over a hundred million units, which is doubtless enough revenue for his children and their children to live comfortably for quite a while.
RIP to a boxing champion who managed not only to be successful in his boxing career but to a man devoted to making his legacy an incredible inspiration.
