Remembering a Champion

George Foreman, the legendary boxing champion and grill entrepreneur, passed away in Houston on March 21 at the age of 76. Known as an Olympic gold medalist and a two-time heavyweight champion, Foreman’s legacy extends beyond the ring to his innovative marketing of the George Foreman Grill and his role as a father to five sons sharing his name.

A Comeback in the 1990s

Foreman’s journey in the 1990s saw him making a significant return to boxing after a long hiatus. Motivated by his desire to face off against Mike Tyson— a matchup that never materialized— he also aimed to raise funding for the George Foreman Youth and Community Center. This Houston-based nonprofit was established to support at-risk youth through the sport of boxing.

Transition to Television

In 1993, amidst his boxing endeavors, Foreman ventured into television with the sitcom George, encouraged by boxer-turned-actor Tony Danza. The show premiered on ABC as part of the popular “TGIF” lineup, which included other beloved series like Family Matters and Step by Step.

Concept and Reception

George featured Foreman as a retired heavyweight champion, George Foster, who takes on the role of caretaker for his wife’s pupils while she works as a school counselor. The narrative closely mirrored Foreman’s own experiences as he had returned to the sport with hopes of contributing to a youth center he was passionate about.

Despite its promising premise, George struggled critically. The show holds a zero percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting the lack of favorable reviews that followed its airing. Critics were particularly vocal in pointing out that Foreman’s charm did not translate well to scripted television.

Critical Reception

The response from television critics was harsh. The Orlando Sentinel noted, “The trouble with George is that it fails to live up to George,” emphasizing that Foreman was more compelling as himself than in the role.

Tom Shales from The Washington Post stated that “George Foreman’s charms are wasted on this silly little show,” while Rich Kogan of the Chicago Tribune criticized the series for its formulaic plots and reliance on clichés.

Ultimately, the series lasted only one season, concluding with its final episode on January 19, 1994, just ten weeks after it first premiered, and only nine of its ten filmed episodes aired.

Reinventing Himself

Despite the disappointment of his sitcom, Foreman’s journey of reinvention didn’t stop there. In the same year that George concluded, he embarked on a new venture that would redefine him once again— the launch of the George Foreman Grill, a product that would resonate with a generation and solidify his status as a household name.