# Max Baer

> American boxer (1909–1959)

**Wikidata**: [Q448481](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q448481)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Baer_(boxer))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/max-baer

## Summary
Max Baer was an American boxer and actor active from 1929 to 1941. Born on February 11, 1909, he is best known for winning the world heavyweight championship in 1934. Baer also pursued an acting career, appearing in films during the 1930s and 1940s.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 11, 1909
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Known for**: Winning the world heavyweight boxing championship in 1934
- **Field(s)**: Boxing, Film Acting

## Contributions
- **Boxing Career**: Baer became the world heavyweight champion in 1934, defeating Primo Carnera. He held the title until 1935, losing to James J. Braddock.
- **Film Acting**: Baer transitioned to acting, appearing in films such as *The Prizefighter and the Lady* (1933) and *The Harder They Fall* (1956).

## FAQs
**What were Max Baer's major achievements in boxing?**  
Max Baer won the world heavyweight championship in 1934 by defeating Primo Carnera. He previously knocked out Paulino Uzcudun in 1933, which led to his title shot.

**Did Max Baer pursue other careers besides boxing?**  
Yes, Baer also worked as a film actor. He appeared in movies like *The Prizefighter and the Lady* (1933) and *The Harder They Fall* (1956), often typecast in boxing-related roles.

**When did Max Baer retire from boxing?**  
Baer retired from boxing in 1941, though his active career had declined significantly after losing the heavyweight title in 1935.

## Why They Matter
Max Baer's significance lies in his brief but impactful boxing career, particularly his 1934 heavyweight championship win. His victory symbolized triumph over adversity, as he overcame early career setbacks. Baer's transition to acting also highlighted the crossover appeal of athletes in entertainment during the mid-20th century. His legacy endures through his championship title and film roles, influencing both sports and cinema history.

## Notable For
- **World Heavyweight Champion (1934)**: Defeated Primo Carnera on September 14, 1934.
- **Film Actor**: Appeared in over 15 films, including *The Harder They Fall* (1956).
- **International Boxing Hall of Fame**: Inducted posthumously in 1995.
- **Cultural Icon**: Embodied the intersection of sports and entertainment in early 20th-century America.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Max Baer was born on February 11, 1909, in Livermore, California. He began boxing professionally in 1929, quickly gaining attention for his aggressive fighting style.

### Boxing Achievements
- **Rise to Prominence**: Baer gained national recognition after knocking out journeyman Frankie Campbell in 1930, though the victory was overshadowed by Campbell's death from injuries sustained in the fight.
- **Heavyweight Championship**: On September 14, 1934, Baer defeated Primo Carnera to become the world heavyweight champion. His reign lasted until June 13, 1935, when he lost the title to James J. Braddock.
- **Later Career**: After losing the championship, Baer continued boxing until his retirement in 1941, though he never regained the title.

### Acting Career
Baer leveraged his boxing fame to transition into acting, debuting in the 1933 film *The Prizefighter and the Lady*. He appeared in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often playing boxers or tough-guy characters. Notable roles include *The Harder They Fall* (1956), a film noir directed by Mark Robson.

### Legacy and Honors
- **Hall of Fame**: Baer was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
- **Cultural Impact**: Baer's life and career have been referenced in popular culture, including in literature and film, symbolizing the golden age of boxing and the challenges faced by athletes transitioning to entertainment.

### Personal Life and Death
Baer died on November 21, 1959, at the age of 50, due to complications from a heart attack. His legacy as a champion boxer and actor remains a notable part of early 20th-century American sports and entertainment history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BoxRec
3. list of WBA world champions
4. list of The Ring world champions
5. SNAC
6. Find a Grave
7. Baer, Max (11 February 1909–21 November 1959), world heavyweight boxing champion
8. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
9. GeneaStar
10. Munzinger Personen
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. [Source](http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Max_Baer)