George Foreman Shares His Life Experiences in a 2023 Religious Film Portrayal
. Lowdown on Legends: George Foreman's Journey from the Ring to the Silver Screen
George Foreman, a formidable heavyweight champion boxer, successful entrepreneur, and devoted preacher, bade farewell to the world on March 21, 2025, age 76. His family announced his passing via an Instagram post, with touching tributes acknowledging Foreman as a devout preacher, a loving husband, an adoring father, and a proud grandfather.
Foreman's Hollywood adventure occurred over decades, including appearances in popular series like Sanford and Son, Home Improvement, and The Larry Sanders Show. He graced the small screen as the lead in the ABC sitcom George from 1993-94.
In 2023, the champion donned a different hat, venturing behind the camera for the first time as an executive producer of his faith-based biopic, Big George Foreman. Directed by George Tillman Jr., this inspiring film made its theatrical debut on April 28 of the same year.
. The Unforgettable Story of "Big George Foreman"
Officially known as Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once a Future Heavyweight Champion of the World, this biopic follows Foreman's extraordinary life, laced with poverty, street crimes, and triumphant comebacks. Directed by George Tillman Jr., the film celebrates Foreman's transformation from a troubled youth in Houston to an Olympic gold medalist and world heavyweight champion, surviving near-death encounters, and finally finding his spiritual calling.
In an interview about Big George Foreman with USA Today in May 2023, Foreman described his near-death experience in 1977, remarking, "The only reason I was interested in doing a movie, period, was to tell the story of what happened in a dressing room. I died for a split-second. I tasted death and had a second chance to live. You wake up and say, 'It's not that bad, I'm still alive.'"
Casting the Champs
Big George Foreman features a talented ensemble cast, led by Khris Davis as George Foreman, Jasmine Matthews as Foreman's wife, Mary Joan, Sullivan Jones as boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Forest Whitaker as Foreman's trainer Doc Broadus, and Matthew Glave as legendary ABC Sports announcer Howard Cosell.
Although the film had a lukewarm reception from Rotten Tomatoes critics with a 42% score, it earned a remarkable 96% approval from audiences. Big George Foreman is now streaming on Hulu and is available for rent across various digital platforms such as Prime Video, AppleTV, Fandango at Home, Spectrum, and the Microsoft Store.
Reliving Muhammad Ali's Glory Days
Speaking of boxing legends, 'Fight Night' actor Sullivan Jones truly embraced the role of Muhammad Ali in Big George Foreman. His captivating portrayal delved deep into the heart of the iconic figure, showcasing Ali's life, struggles, and undying spirit.
The Big George Foreman biopic, Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once a Future Heavyweight Champion of the World, continues to garner attention, streaming on Hulu and available for rent on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, AppleTV, Fandango at Home, Spectrum, and the Microsoft Store. This inspiring film, directed by George Tillman Jr., follows Foreman's life journey, including his encounter with near-death experience in 1977, as he describes in an interview with USA Today.
In Big George Foreman, Sullivan Jones slip into the boxing gloves to portray the legendary Muhammad Ali, delivering an enthralling performance that highlighted Ali's life, challenges, and indomitable spirit.
Foreman's family mourned his passing in 2025, but his legacy continues to live on through his extraordinary life story and the inspiring films like Big George Foreman, which brings his journey from the ring to the silver screen.
