George Bell (basketball)
American basketball player and former tallest person in the US.
George Bell, Jr. (June 12, 1957 – March 19, 2025) was an American basketball player whose height of 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) earned him the title of tallest person in the United States from Guinness World Records in 2007. He played college basketball at Morris Brown College and Biola University, and later turned professional with the Harlem Wizards show team. Following his basketball career, Bell worked as a deputy sheriff in Norfolk, Virginia, from December 2000 to May 2014.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Bell was 5 ft 4 in at age nine, an early sign of his unusual growth. He attributed his height to gigantism, a condition that caused excessive growth hormone during childhood. He said he never felt out of place in high school, but by his early twenties he had surpassed seven feet. Though he believed he was 7 ft 7 in, Guinness measurements showed he had grown another inch. He took medication for the condition but did not suffer from some common complications, such as an enlarged heart.
Bell appeared on the AMC show *Freakshow* for both of its seasons, where he revealed he had portrayed an alien landing on the L.A. Coliseum during the 1984 Summer Olympics closing ceremonies. He also appeared on season four of *American Horror Story*. He and his ex-wife Joyce raised a daughter, Dawnié Bell. Bell died at his home in Durham, North Carolina, on March 19, 2025, at age 67.
- Born
- June 12, 1957, Portsmouth, Virginia
- Died
- March 19, 2025, Durham, North Carolina
- Field
- Basketball, law enforcement
- Nationality
- American
- Known for
- Tallest person in the United States (2007); height of 7 ft 8 in
Lore & Background
George Bell, Jr. was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. At age 9, he stood 5 ft 4 in, an early sign of his gigantism, a medical condition causing excessive growth hormone secretion. He stated that through high school he never felt out of place due to his height, but by his early 20s he had exceeded 7 ft. Although he believed he was 7 ft 7 in, Guinness measurements showed he had grown another inch. He did not suffer from some other effects of gigantism, such as an enlarged heart, but did require medications.
Bell played college basketball at Morris Brown College and Biola University. He then played professionally with the Harlem Wizards show team, retiring from basketball at age 30. From December 2000 to May 2014, he worked as a deputy sheriff in Norfolk, Virginia.
Bell appeared on the AMC show Freakshow throughout its two seasons. In an interview for the show, he revealed that he had appeared as an alien who landed on top of the L.A. Coliseum at the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also appeared on season 4 of American Horror Story. He and his ex-wife Joyce raised a daughter, Dawnié Bell. He died at his home in Durham, North Carolina on March 19, 2025, at age 67.
Reader's Guide
George Bell, Jr. is notable primarily for his extraordinary height, which earned him the Guinness World Records title of tallest person in the United States in 2007. His stature, resulting from gigantism, made him a figure of public curiosity and led to appearances on television shows such as Freakshow and American Horror Story. Beyond his height, Bell had a career in basketball, playing at the collegiate level for two schools and professionally with the Harlem Wizards, a show team. After retiring from sports, he transitioned to law enforcement, serving as a deputy sheriff in Norfolk, Virginia for over thirteen years. His life illustrates how an individual with a rare physical condition can navigate both athletic and professional careers, while also engaging with media. Bell's legacy is tied to his record-setting height and his varied life experiences, from basketball to law enforcement to television appearances.
Did You Know?
- Guinness World Records recognized George Bell as the tallest person in the United States in 2007.
- Bell played college basketball at both Morris Brown College and Biola University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is George Bell (basketball)?
George Bell Jr. was an American basketball player from Portsmouth, Virginia, born in 1957, who became widely known for his extraordinary height and his recognition by Guinness World Records as the tallest person in the United States in 2007.
What was George Bell's height and what record did he hold?
Standing at 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 m), Bell earned the Guinness World Records title of tallest person in the United States in 2007. His unusual growth was apparent early, as he already measured 5 feet 4 inches by age nine.
Where did George Bell play basketball?
He competed in college basketball at Morris Brown College and Biola University before turning professional with the Harlem Wizards show team.
What did George Bell do after his basketball career?
After leaving the court, Bell entered law enforcement and served as a deputy sheriff in Norfolk, Virginia, from December 2000 through May 2014.
When and where did George Bell pass away?
George Bell died on March 19, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina, at the age of 67.
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