Honoring George Foreman, a Boxing Phenomenon and Multifaceted Celebrity Figure
In the wake of George Foreman's tragic passing, we bid farewell to a legendary figure: a two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and entertainment icon. Known as the grill entrepreneur with over 100 million grills sold since its inception in 1994, Foreman made his mark outside the ring as well, starring in acting roles and talk shows.
One of Foreman's most interesting ventures was his lead role in the ABC sitcom "George," which aired during the 1993 to 1994 season. Foreman portrayed George Foster, a retired boxer operating an after-school program for troubled kids. The show ran as the Saturday evening anchor but was replaced mid-season by a weekly movie.
Prior to "George," Foreman tried his hand at acting, guest-starring in shows like "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "Sanford and Son," and sitcoms "Good Sports," "Home Improvement," and "The Larry Sanders Show." He also made appearances on talk shows like "The Mike Douglas Show" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and hosted NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in 1994. In the animated film "Dawgtown," he voiced a character named Vicious Vic.
The short-lived "George" received negative reviews from critics, often criticized for its unimaginative plotlines and lack of depth. Foreman's charisma still managed to shine through, and the show contributed to his broader appeal as a television personality. After the show's demise, Foreman returned to boxing and regained his heavyweight title in 1994.
While limited episodes of "George" are available to watch on platforms like YouTube, it remains an essential part of George Foreman's remarkable legacy. Despite its commercial failure, it showcases Foreman's versatility and his ability to adapt to different roles beyond the squared circle.
George Foreman, despite his tragic passing, will be remembered for more than just his boxing exploits. His role in the comedies "Good Sports," "Home Improvement," and "The Larry Sanders Show" showed his interest in entertainment beyond the ring. Interestingly, he also made an android appearance in an animated film titled "Dawgtown," voicing a character named Vicious Vic.
