Joe Louis was an American boxer who is best known for being a world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, holding the title for nearly 12 years, and for his remarkable record of 25 successful title defenses. He is often regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history.
Personal and Family Life
Born Joseph Louis Barrow on May 13, 1914, in Lafayette, Alabama, Joe Louis faced poverty in his early life. His mother wanted him to pursue music and bought him a violin, but Joe discovered boxing along the way. He was married three times, with his last marriage to Martha Jefferson lasting until his death in 1981. He had two children with his first wife, Marva Trotter Louis.
Boxing Career
Joe Louis began his professional boxing career after an impressive amateur stint where he lost only five out of sixty fights. He earned the nickname “The Brown Bomber,” defeating six heavyweight champions during his career. Louis served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was known to donate his earnings to military relief efforts. Despite his success, he faced financial troubles after the war, which affected his life significantly.
Death and Legacy
Joe Louis passed away on April 12, 1981, from a heart attack in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was buried with full military honors, reflecting his proud service in the Army. His contribution to boxing and his status as a champion continue to be remembered, and he is celebrated as a pioneering figure in the sport.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Youth | 1938-04-01 | Joe Thomas |
| This Is the Army | 1943-08-14 | Joe Louis |
| Johnny at the Fair | 1947-01-01 | N/A |
| Joe Louis: America’s Hero Betrayed | 2008-02-23 | Himself (archive footage) |
| Kings of The Ring – History of Heavyweight Boxing 1919-1990 | 1995-01-01 | Himself (Archival Footage) |
| Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? | 1975-08-06 | Self (archive footage) |
| Joe Palooka, Champ | 1946-05-26 | Himself |
| Med krut i nävarna | 1969-06-23 | N/A |
| Boxing’s Greatest Champions | 1995-03-27 | N/A |
| Rickles | 1975-11-19 | N/A |
| Easy to Get | 1947-07-10 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Phynx | 1970-03-06 | Joe Louis |
| a.k.a. Cassius Clay | 1970-11-03 | Himself (Archival Footage) |
| The Square Jungle | 1955-12-30 | Himself |
| The Making of ‘Rocky vs. Drago’ | 2021-10-30 | Self (archive footage) |
| Larry Holmes vs. David Bey | 1985-03-15 | (Archive Footage) |
| The Brown Bomber | 1939-10-20 | Self |
| Hitler’s Forgotten Victims | 1997-10-02 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Return of Gentleman Jim | 1955-02-05 | Self |
| The Fight Never Ends | 1948-03-06 | N/A |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Colgate Comedy Hour | 1950-09-10 | Self |
| Quincy, M.E. | 1976-10-03 | Joe Louis |
| General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | Joe Louis |
| It Takes a Thief | 1968-01-09 | Prizefighter |
| The Dick Cavett Show | 1968-06-06 | Self – Guest |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |
| Der Sport-Spiegel | 1963-04-02 | Self |
| Terra X History | 2000-10-29 | Self (archive footage) |