Ever wonder how legendary boxer George Foreman navigated his personal life amidst a high-profile career in the ring? Many athletes struggle to balance fame, family, and personal relationships.
George Foreman’s marriages played a vital role in both his boxing triumphs and business ventures.
One key fact about Foreman’s life is that he had five wives who each supported him during different phases of his career. This article will uncover their unique contributions to his success—both inside and outside the ring.
Are you ready for an intriguing read?
George Foreman’s Spouse
George Foreman, a legendary boxer, married five times. His first wife was Adrienne Calhoun, from 1971 to 1974. Next came Cynthia Lewis in the late ’70s but didn’t last long.
Sharon Goodson became his third wife in the early ’80s; their marriage was brief. Andrea Skeete followed but ended within a year. Lastly, he has found lasting love with Mary Joan Martelly since 1985. They have stood by each other for decades.
| Full Name | George Edward Foreman |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Marshall, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Reach | 78.5 in. (199 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Nickname | Big George |
| Boxing Career | 1969–1977, 1987–1997 |
| Professional Record | 81 fights, 76 wins (68 by KO), 5 losses |
| Major Titles | World Heavyweight Champion (1973–1974, 1994–1995) |
| Olympic Achievement | Gold Medal in Heavyweight Boxing, 1968 Mexico City Olympics |
| Famous Bouts | – vs. Joe Frazier (1973) |
| – vs. Muhammad Ali (1974, “The Rumble in the Jungle”) | |
| – vs. Michael Moorer (1994) | |
| Retirement | First retirement in 1977, second and final retirement in 1997 |
| Post-Boxing Career | Entrepreneur, Minister, and Author |
| Famous Product | George Foreman Grill |
| Business Ventures | Promoted George Foreman Grill; various endorsements |
| Books | – “By George: The Autobiography of George Foreman” (1995) |
| – “God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir” (2007) | |
| – “Knockout Entrepreneur” (2009) | |
| Television Appearances | Numerous TV shows and commercials, including reality TV |
| Personal Life | Married five times, father of twelve children |
| Notable Quotes | “The question isn’t at what age I want to retire, it’s at what income.” |
| Philanthropy | Founded the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, Texas |
| Legacy | Renowned as one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history, successful entrepreneur |
Each wife played a unique role in his life and career.
Adrienne Calhoun
Adrienne Calhoun married George Foreman in 1971. She provided solid support during his boxing career. Adrienne endured grueling training sessions and helped George through his devastating loss to Muhammad Ali in 1974.
Her belief kept him driven, helping him claim the heavyweight title later. Their marriage gave Foreman a strong foundation as a husband and father.
Cynthia Lewis
George Foreman married Cynthia Lewis in the late 70s. This happened during his temporary retirement from boxing. Their marriage faced challenges as George’s fame grew. He decided to return to boxing after a decade away from the ring.
Cynthia supported him through this tough time. Their relationship was essential for George’s journey back to being a champion again.
Sharon Goodson
Sharon Goodson became George Foreman’s third wife in the early-80s. Their marriage coincided with George’s ambitious plans to reclaim heavyweight glory. Sharon played a vital role in this period of his life.
She offered strong support and understood George’s need to balance family life with his boxing career.
Her unwavering encouragement helped fuel his return to dominance in the ring. Sharon’s understanding nature allowed George to focus on training and matches without worry, significantly boosting his confidence during this challenging time.
Andrea Skeete
Andrea Skeete married George Foreman in 1982. She was his fourth wife. Andrea provided strong support during the end of his boxing career. Her backing helped him secure his title as a two-time world heavyweight champion.
After retiring, George shifted to entrepreneurial ventures like the George Foreman Grill. Andrea’s unwavering support played a crucial role here too, giving him stability and focus to succeed outside the ring.
Mary Joan Martelly
Mary Joan Martelly became George Foreman’s fifth wife in the 1985s. This phase coincided with Foreman winding down his boxing career and focusing on business ventures. Mary Joan offered great support during this shift.
Despite their separation, her influence was significant. She helped him make a smooth transition from boxing to entrepreneurship, contributing to his success outside the ring.
Impact of Wives on Foreman’s Career
George’s wives stood by him during tough times in boxing. Their support helped him focus and succeed in his matches.
| Name | Marriage Period | Biography | Significant Events | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrienne Calhoun | 1971 – 1974 | Adrienne Calhoun was George Foreman’s first wife. They were married for three years before divorcing. | Married George Foreman in 1971; divorced in 1974. | Divorced |
| Cynthia Lewis | Late 1970s | Cynthia Lewis married George Foreman in the late 1970s, but their marriage was short-lived. | Marriage lasted only a short time during the late 1970s. | Divorced |
| Sharon Goodson | Early 1980s | Sharon Goodson was George Foreman’s third wife. Their marriage took place in the early 1980s and was brief. | Married in the early 1980s; the marriage ended shortly after. | Divorced |
| Andrea Skeete | 1982 – 1985 | Andrea Skeete married George Foreman in 1982. Their marriage ended within a year. | Marriage to Foreman in 1982; divorced within a year. | Divorced |
| Mary Joan Martelly | 1985 – Present | Mary Joan Martelly is George Foreman’s fifth wife, and they have been married since 1985. | Married George Foreman in 1985; they have been together for decades and have several children together. | Separated |
| George Foreman | Legendary boxer known for his powerful punches and two-time world heavyweight champion. | He achieved fame in boxing; known for the “Rumble in the Jungle” fight; reinvented himself as an entrepreneur. | Still active in various ventures |
Support during boxing career
Adrienne Calhoun stood by Foreman during his early career. Her belief in him helped pave the way for his first heavyweight title win. She kept things steady at home, making sure George had no distractions.
Sharon Goodson played a huge role during Foreman’s comeback. At every step, she encouraged him to reach new heights. Sharon’s support fueled George’s return to boxing dominance after being away from the ring.
Transition into entrepreneurial ventures
Andrea Skeete played a crucial role in supporting George Foreman as he transitioned into his entrepreneurial ventures. She stood by him when he started promoting the George Foreman Grill, which became very popular.
Her support helped him make smart business choices.
Mary Joan Martelly also supported Foreman’s new life after boxing. Despite their separation, she continued to be there for him. This backing fueled his success in various businesses, including health and fitness products.
Takeaways
George Foreman married five times. Each wife helped him during tough times. They provided support in boxing and business. Their influence made a big difference in his life. Their love and concern shaped George’s journey.
