Maxie Rosenbloom

Max Everitt Rosenbloom (born November 6, 1906 in Leonard Bridge, Connecticut) was a celebrated American middle‑, light‑heavyweight and heavyweight boxer who later reinvented himself as a beloved character actor and television personality. Nicknamed “Slapsy Maxie” for his unorthodox, open‑gloved style, Rosenbloom relied on speed, movement and defensive brilliance rather than brute power, earning a reputation as “the cleverest fighter” among his contemporaries. He captured the NYSAC and Ring Magazine light‑heavyweight titles in 1930, defended them seven times, and held the undisputed crown on two occasions despite periodic stripping by the National Boxing Association—a testament to the era’s chaotic title politics. Throughout his pugilistic career he amassed 298 fights, recording 223 wins (19 by knockout), 44 losses and 29 draws, while enduring thousands of punches that later contributed to motor‑function decline. Legendary trainer Cus D'Amato credited Rosenbloom’s ring intelligence as a direct influence on the development of the peek‑a‑boo style that would later define champions like Mike Tyson.

Transitioning to Hollywood in 1937, Rosenbloom parlayed his imposing physique and affable demeanor into a prolific acting career, frequently portraying the lovable “big guy” or a punch‑drunk veteran in over fifty films and countless radio and TV appearances. Notable credits include Each Dawn I Die alongside James Cagney, the comedy short series with fellow ex‑champion Max Baer, and a poignant role in Rod Serling’s groundbreaking 90‑minute teleplay Requiem for a Heavyweight, where he embodied an aging ex‑boxer recounting his glories to a motley crew. He also owned the famed nightclub Slapsy Maxie’s, which became a cultural touchstone referenced in later works such as Gangster Squad. Rosenbloom’s legacy endures through his 1972 induction into The Ring Hall of Fame, followed by honors from the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He died of Paget’s disease on March 6, 1976, in South Pasadena, California, leaving behind a rich tapestry of athletic accomplishment and entertainment history.