Roosevelt Grier

Roosevelt Rosey Grier (born July 14, 1932) is an American actor, singer, Protestant minister, and former professional American football player. He was a notable college football player for The Pennsylvania State University who earned a retrospective place in the National Collegiate Athletic Association 100th anniversary list of 100 most influential student athletes. As a professional player, Grier was a member of the New York Giants and the original Fearsome Foursome of the Los Angeles Rams. He played in the Pro Bowl twice.After Griers professional sports career, he worked as a bodyguard for Robert Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign and was guarding the senators wife, Ethel Kennedy, during the Robert F. Kennedy assassination. Although unable to prevent that killing, Grier took control of the gun and subdued the shooter, Sirhan Sirhan.Griers other activities have been colorful and varied. He hosted his own Los Angeles television show and made approximately 70 guest appearances on various shows during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1979 Grier appeared on season three/episode 14 of The Love Boat.As a singer, Grier first released singles on the A label in 1960, and over the following twenty-five years he continued to record on various labels including Liberty, Ric, MGM, and A&M. His recording of a tribute to Robert Kennedy, People Make the World (written by Bobby Womack), was his only chart single, peaking at No. 128 in 1968.Grier is known for his serious pursuit of hobbies not traditionally associated with men. He has authored several books, including Rosey Griers Needlepoint for Men in 1973. Grier became an ordained Protestant minister in 1983 and travels as an inspirational speaker. He founded American Neighborhood Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that serves inner city youth. He was also a featured speaker at the 1984 Republican National Convention; during its evening session on August 20, 1984, he endorsed President Ronald Reagan for re-election.

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