When people search for George Foreman wives, they are often looking for more than just a list of names. They want to understand the personal life of a man who transformed himself from a heavyweight boxing champion into a successful entrepreneur, minister, and family figure. George Foreman’s career was filled with dramatic victories, setbacks, and comebacks, but his relationships and family life also played an important role in shaping who he became.
George Foreman has been married five times, and his family story is unusually large, with 12 children, including five sons who share his name. Understanding his marriages in order helps explain different stages of his life—from his early years as a young boxer to his later years as a businessman and devoted father.
This article breaks down George Foreman wives and children, explains his marriages, highlights his family values, and answers common questions about his personal life. It also explores lesser-known details about how his relationships influenced his journey outside the boxing ring.
Who Is George Foreman?
George Foreman is one of the most recognizable figures in sports history. Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, he rose from a difficult childhood to become an Olympic gold medalist and two-time heavyweight boxing champion.
His first major breakthrough came when he won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. In 1973, he defeated Joe Frazier to become heavyweight champion of the world.
After retiring and returning to boxing later in life, Foreman became famous for his remarkable comeback. In 1994, at age 45, he defeated Michael Moorer to win the heavyweight title again, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history at that time.
Outside boxing, he built a business empire, especially through the popular George Foreman Grill, which turned him into one of the most successful athlete entrepreneurs.
Behind all these achievements was a complicated personal journey that included several marriages and a very large family.
George Foreman Wives in Order
George Foreman has had five wives throughout his life. Each marriage happened during a different chapter of his personal and professional development.
1. Adrienne Calhoun (1971–1974)
Adrienne Calhoun was George Foreman’s first wife. They married in 1971, shortly after Foreman became a rising star in professional boxing.
At this stage, Foreman was young, famous, and adjusting to life as a world-class athlete. The pressures of boxing, fame, and constant travel created challenges in their relationship.
The couple divorced in 1974 after approximately three years of marriage.
Although their marriage was brief, it happened during one of the most important periods of Foreman’s early career.
2. Cynthia Lewis (1977–1979)
George Foreman married Cynthia Lewis in 1977 after his first marriage ended.
Their relationship lasted about two years before they divorced in 1979.
This period came after Foreman had already become a major boxing personality. However, his life was changing rapidly, both professionally and spiritually.
Like many of Foreman’s early relationships, this marriage occurred during a period when he was still discovering his identity beyond boxing.
3. Sharon Goodson (1981–1982)
Foreman’s third marriage was to Sharon Goodson in 1981.
The marriage lasted only about one year, ending in divorce in 1982.
By this time, Foreman was already a famous heavyweight champion, but he was also beginning to experience personal changes that would eventually lead him toward a different lifestyle and career path.
4. Andrea Skeete (1982–1985)
George Foreman married Andrea Skeete in 1982, shortly after his divorce from Sharon Goodson.
They remained together until 1985.
Andrea Skeete was part of a transitional period in Foreman’s life. During the 1980s, Foreman stepped away from boxing, focused on his faith, and became increasingly involved in ministry.
This marriage also produced two children:
- George Foreman IV
- Leola Foreman
5. Mary Joan Martelly (1985–Present)
Mary Joan Martelly is George Foreman’s fifth and current wife.
The couple married in 1985 and have remained together for decades, making this his longest marriage.
Their relationship represents a major contrast with Foreman’s earlier marriages. Instead of occurring during the chaotic years of young fame, this partnership developed during a period when Foreman had become more focused on family, faith, and business.
Mary Joan has often been described as a strong supporter throughout Foreman’s second boxing career and business success.
Together, they have several children, including:
- George Foreman V
- George Foreman VI
- George Foreman VII
- Natalie Foreman
- Leola Foreman
George Foreman Wives and Children: How Big Is His Family?
One of the most searched topics about Foreman is his family size.
George Foreman has 12 children:
- 5 sons named George
- 7 daughters
His sons are:
- George Foreman Jr.
- George Foreman III
- George Foreman IV
- George Foreman V
- George Foreman VI
Foreman has often explained that naming his sons George was intentional. He wanted them to share his name and feel connected to their father.
His daughters include:
- Freeda Foreman
- Leola Foreman
- Natalie Foreman
- Isabella Foreman
- Courtney Foreman
- Michi Foreman
- Georgetta Foreman
A unique aspect of Foreman’s family life is that he has tried to remain closely involved with his children despite his demanding career.
Why Did George Foreman Name His Sons George?
One of the most interesting details about George Foreman’s children is that all five of his sons share his first name.
Foreman has explained that the decision was connected to family identity and legacy.
His reasoning was not simply about creating a famous name. He wanted his sons to understand their connection to him and carry a shared family identity.
This approach is unusual and has attracted attention because most celebrities avoid giving multiple children the exact same name.
A practical lesson from Foreman’s parenting style is that family traditions can create a strong sense of belonging when children understand the meaning behind them.
George Foreman’s Family Life After Boxing
Many athletes struggle after retirement because their identity is closely connected to competition. George Foreman’s transition was different.
After leaving boxing, he focused on:
- His religious work
- Raising his children
- Business opportunities
- Community involvement
His second career became almost as famous as his boxing career.
The success of the George Foreman Grill allowed him to create financial security for his family and build a lasting brand.
One lesser-known insight is that Foreman’s greatest transformation was not becoming champion again—it was learning how to balance fame with fatherhood.
The Role of Marriage in George Foreman’s Personal Transformation
George Foreman’s marriages reflect different phases of his life.
His early marriages happened when he was:
- Young
- Famous
- Under pressure
- Still developing personally
His marriage to Mary Joan Martelly came after he had experienced major changes in his beliefs, priorities, and lifestyle.
This does not mean his earlier relationships lacked importance. Instead, they show how personal growth can influence relationships over time.
Foreman’s life demonstrates that success in public does not automatically translate into success in private. Building lasting relationships often requires maturity, patience, and commitment.
Common Misunderstandings About George Foreman’s Wives
“George Foreman had many wives because of fame.”
This is an oversimplification. His early marriages happened during a period of personal and professional pressure. Fame may have played a role, but relationships are influenced by many factors.
“All of George Foreman’s children are from one marriage.”
This is incorrect. His children come from different relationships, including his current marriage with Mary Joan Martelly.
“George Foreman only focused on boxing.”
While boxing made him famous, his later life has been strongly centered around family, faith, and business.
Lessons From George Foreman’s Family Journey
George Foreman’s personal story offers several lessons:
1. People can change over time
Foreman’s life moved through very different stages. The person he was as a young champion was not the same person he became later.
2. Family requires effort
Having a large family requires commitment, communication, and involvement—not just financial support.
3. Legacy is bigger than career achievements
Foreman’s boxing records are historic, but his role as a father became an equally important part of his identity.
FAQ
How many wives has George Foreman had?
George Foreman has had five wives. His marriages were to Adrienne Calhoun, Cynthia Lewis, Sharon Goodson, Andrea Skeete, and Mary Joan Martelly.
Who is George Foreman’s current wife?
George Foreman’s current wife is Mary Joan Martelly. They married in 1985 and have remained together for many years.
How many children does George Foreman have?
George Foreman has 12 children: five sons and seven daughters.
Why are all of George Foreman’s sons named George?
George Foreman gave his five sons the same first name to create a connection between them and preserve a family legacy.
Who was George Foreman’s longest marriage?
His longest marriage is with Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985.
Did George Foreman’s wives influence his career?
Yes. Different relationships occurred during important periods of his life, including his boxing career, retirement, religious transformation, and business success.
Conclusion
George Foreman’s story is not only about boxing championships and business success. His marriages, children, and family relationships reveal a more personal side of the legendary athlete.
From his early marriages during his rise to fame to his decades-long partnership with Mary Joan Martelly, Foreman’s family journey reflects growth, change, and resilience.
The biggest takeaway from George Foreman wives and children is that a person’s legacy is shaped not only by public achievements but also by the relationships they build behind the scenes. For Foreman, family became one of the most important victories of his life.
