Jake LaMotta

Date of Birth: July 10, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: September 19, 2017

Biography

Giacobbe “Jake” LaMotta, also known as “The Bronx Bull” and “The Raging Bull,” was an American professional boxer, world middleweight champion, and stand-up comedian. Born on July 10, 1922, in The Bronx, New York, LaMotta had a troubled childhood marked by poverty and a tumultuous family life. He turned to boxing as a way to escape his circumstances and quickly rose through the ranks due to his aggressive fighting style and iron chin. LaMotta’s career spanned from 1941 to 1954, during which he gained fame for his rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson. The duo fought six times, with LaMotta winning one match and losing five. His relentless fighting style and ability to absorb punishment earned him the moniker “The Bronx Bull.” In 1949, LaMotta won the world middleweight title by defeating Marcel Cerdan, a victory that cemented his place in boxing history. After retiring from boxing, LaMotta’s life took various turns, including ventures into acting and stand-up comedy. He was the subject of Martin Scorsese’s 1980 film “Raging Bull,” starring Robert De Niro, which was based on LaMotta’s autobiography. The film brought LaMotta’s life story to a broader audience and remains a classic in American cinema. Jake LaMotta passed away on September 19, 2017, at the age of 95. His legacy continues to be celebrated in the boxing world and popular culture.

5 Interesting Facts about Jake LaMotta

1. LaMotta fought Sugar Ray Robinson six times, winning only their second encounter.

2. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

3. LaMotta’s aggressive fighting style and ability to withstand punishment made him a fan favorite.

4. He was portrayed by Robert De Niro in the 1980 film “Raging Bull,” which won De Niro an Academy Award for Best Actor.

5. After retiring from boxing, LaMotta pursued careers in acting and stand-up comedy, even owning and managing bars.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jake LaMotta

1. “I fought Sugar Ray so often, I almost got diabetes.”

2. “If you win, you win. If you lose, you still win.”

3. “I never went down in my life from a punch… But I did go down from a broken heart.”

4. “I have no regrets, no regrets at all.”

5. “You win some, you lose some, but you live to fight another day.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Jake LaMotta’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Jake LaMotta had six children: three sons, Jake LaMotta Jr., Joe LaMotta, and Christi LaMotta, and three daughters, Stephanie LaMotta, Maria LaMotta, and Christi LaMotta.