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George Foreman, the renowned heavyweight boxing champion and
Olympic gold medalist, has passed away at the age of 76. Foreman
gained fame in the boxing world through his impressive career, which
included multiple titles and a notable comeback at age 45 when he
regained the heavyweight championship.
Beyond his boxing achievements, Foreman became a household
name due to his association with the George Foreman grill, officially
known as the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling
Machine. Launched over 30 years ago, this kitchen appliance
revolutionized indoor grilling, appealing particularly to health-
conscious consumers during the 1990s. Foreman’s charismatic
personality and physical presence made him an effective
spokesperson for the product, which quickly gained popularity.
In 1994, Foreman signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Salton
Inc. to promote the grill. Reports indicated that at the height of the
grill’s success, Foreman earned approximately $4.5 million monthly
from the venture. His financial success continued with a significant
payout in 1999, when Salton acquired the rights to his name for
$137.5 million, allowing Foreman to secure his financial future post-
boxing.
Over the years, the George Foreman grill became a cultural icon, with
sales reportedly reaching 100 million units and remaining popular in
contemporary markets. Foreman himself acknowledged that his
earnings from the grill far surpassed those from his boxing career,
estimating profits exceeding $200 million.
Interestingly, Foreman was not the original choice for the grill
endorsement; the opportunity was initially presented to wrestler Hulk
Hogan, who missed the call, allowing Foreman to take advantage of
the offer instead.
By Press Rundown
