The entertainment world has been sharing tributes to the former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, who has died aged 76.
News of his passing was announced by his family on Instagram on Friday night (March 21), who said: “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 described him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather.”
“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world,” they added. “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. 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.”
Known as ‘Big George’ in the ring, he won Olympic gold in 1968 and claimed the world heavyweight title twice, 21 years apart. He fought Muhammad Ali in the legendary Rumble in the Jungle in 1974 and shocked the world by winning the title back in 1994 at the age of 45.
He retired in 1997 with a record of 76 wins in his 81 fights and found further fame when he put his name to a best-selling grill that earned him more money than his boxing career ever did.
Among those to share personal tributes to Foreman was Public Enemy’s Chuck D, who shared an artwork montage of Foreman throughout his life on his X account. “My dude @JustinianMc The Sharpie SharpMaster did this on George Foreman…a few years back,” he wrote. “RIP this hitting me tuff as George was one of my HEROES”.
My dude @JustinianMc The Sharpie SharpMaster did this on George Foreman… a few years back… RIP this hitting me tuff as George was one of my HEROES pic.twitter.com/N6VbxYJxJt
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 22, 2025
John Cusack also took to X in the hours following the announcement, writing: “Rip George Foreman – Beyond a legend in the ring – just a wonderful spirit – an incredibly kind generous man – in person. I always remember every encounter with great gratitude – it was an honor to know him.”
Rip George Foreman –
Beyond a legend in the ring – just a wonderful spirit – an incredibly kind generous man – in person
I always remember every encounter with great gratitude – it was an honor to know him.— John Cusack (@johncusack) March 22, 2025
William Shatner was another to pay tribute, writing on X: “Condolences to the family of George Foreman”.
Condolences to the family of George Foreman. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 22, 2025
Boxing legend Mike Tyson was one of the first to acknowledge Foreman’s contributions. “Condolences to George Foreman’s family,” he wrote. “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Xs5QjMukqr
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 22, 2025
Foreman went on to be the star of the short-lived 1993 sitcom George, playing a retired boxer who ran an after-school program. He also had cameos in Night And 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 all named George.
