James J. Corbett(1866-1933)
- Actor
- Writer
Considered the originator of modern boxing, Corbett became world
heavyweight champ in one of the biggest upsets ever when he embarrassed
the 30 pound heavier legend John L. Sullivan (1892). The handsome San
Francisco bank clerk immediately had a play written for him ("Gentleman
Jack"), and crossed the U.S. performing it. "Gentleman Jim" was also
outstanding at baseball, playing exhibitions as he toured, and he
attempted to join the 1894 Baltimore Orioles, partly to supply a
season-ending attendance boost. Corbett's brother Joe pitched for the
Orioles. The attempt was blocked by other teams, including the New York
Giants, who beat the Orioles in the 1894 version of the World Series.
His long-time pal John Montgomery Ward, was then Giants manager/player.
Ward (Baseball's Radical for All Seasons), a lawyer, was a pioneer of
scientific baseball, and was the other preeminent gentleman athlete of
the 19th CEntury.
Ward and Corbett both dated the gorgeous actress Maxine Elliott. Corbett dumped Elliott to a marry his long-time wife, while Ward's controversial relationship with Elliott broke up his (and her first) marriage.
Gentleman Jim was the only top white heavyweight of the era to fight a top Black fighter, when he dueled another scientific boxer, the great Australian, Peter "The Black Prince" Jackson to a 61 round draw in 1891. Corbett lost the heavyweight championship in 1897 to Bob Fitzsimmons. Though devastated by the 1898 murder/suicide of his parents, Corbett continued his successful acting career on Broadway, and in early movies. Like Ward, he was a union organizer, active in the White Rats, the first successful U.S. actors' union.
His colorful biography The Roar of the Crowd, was the basis for the fine Corbett biopic "Gentleman Jim," with Errol Flynn starring.
Ward and Corbett both dated the gorgeous actress Maxine Elliott. Corbett dumped Elliott to a marry his long-time wife, while Ward's controversial relationship with Elliott broke up his (and her first) marriage.
Gentleman Jim was the only top white heavyweight of the era to fight a top Black fighter, when he dueled another scientific boxer, the great Australian, Peter "The Black Prince" Jackson to a 61 round draw in 1891. Corbett lost the heavyweight championship in 1897 to Bob Fitzsimmons. Though devastated by the 1898 murder/suicide of his parents, Corbett continued his successful acting career on Broadway, and in early movies. Like Ward, he was a union organizer, active in the White Rats, the first successful U.S. actors' union.
His colorful biography The Roar of the Crowd, was the basis for the fine Corbett biopic "Gentleman Jim," with Errol Flynn starring.
