Jess Willard was an American actor and heavyweight boxing champion best known for his victories over Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey, and for his towering stature of 6 feet 6.5 inches. His career in boxing began relatively late, making him a notable figure in the sports history of the early 20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Jess Willard was born on December 29, 1881, in St. Clere, Kansas. He married Hattie Evans on March 13, 1908, and they had five children together. Willard was known as “The Pottawatomie Giant” and did not start boxing until he was 28 years old, transitioning from a career as a horse wrangler. His family life remained private, focusing largely on his achievements in the ring.
Career Highlights
Willard gained fame for his legendary fight against Jack Johnson in 1915, where he shocked the world by knocking Johnson out in the 26th round to become the heavyweight champion. Willard’s career was marked by both triumph and adversity, including a brutal title fight loss to Jack Dempsey, where he suffered multiple injuries. Despite facing challenges, Willard made a remarkable comeback at age 42, knocking out contender Floyd Johnson, proving his resilience in the sport.
Death and Legacy
Jess Willard passed away on December 15, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. He is remembered not only for his boxing prowess but also for his role as “The Great White Hope” during a racially charged era in America. His legacy as a champion and a significant figure in sports history endures, spotlighting the intersection of race and sports in the early 20th century.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | The Heart Punch | Jess Willard |
| 1919 | The Challenge of Chance | Joe Bates |
| – | Self | 9 Credits |
| – | Archive Footage | 16 Credits |