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, President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was 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. The trophy for the most valuable player of the NBA championship series is 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. Sign up for our newsletter at famousandgravy.com and also enjoy our 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
Famous & Gravy official website
Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Dead or Alive Quiz Game
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