This person died in 2022 at age 88. He was once described by his coach as “the single most devastating force in the history of the game.” He took part in the 1963 March on Washington and was seated in the front row for Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. In 2011, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is remembered for his ability to enhance the talents of his Boston Celtics teammates even as he dominated the action, and to do it without bravado. He holds the record for most NBA championships won with 11 titles. The trophy for the MVP of the Finals is in fact named after him. Today’s dead celebrity is Bill Russell.

Famous & Gravy is created and co-hosted by Amit Kapoor and Michael Osborne. This episode was produced by Jacob Weiss. Visit our website at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our free mobile quiz game at deadoraliveapp.com

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Episode 49 “Hammer Time” (Hank Aaron), Episode 33 “October Error” (Bill Buckner), and Episode 31 “The Greatest ” (Muhammad Ali)

LINKS:

Transcript of this episode

New York Times Obituary for Bill Russell

Wall Street Journal Obituary for Bill Russell

Politico Obituary for Bill Russell

“The Unparalleled Legacy of Bill Russell” from the Ringer

“Boston’s Checkered History with its Greatest Sports Icon” from CNN Opinion

ESPN’s list of Top Athletes in 20th Century

5 celebrities the late Bill Russell gave the middle finger to

Dead or Alive quiz game

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Higher Power (Bill Russell)

Famous and Gravy: Dead celebrity biographies

Higher Power (Bill Russell)