NEW YORK (AP) - Coley Wallace, who knocked out Rocky Marciano in an amateur bout and played Joe Louis in two movies has died. He was 77.
Wallace died in a Manhattan hospital Sunday of heart failure, his attorney and friend Raymond Sussman said Sunday.
Wallace had a record of 20-7-0 in six years as a professional, but his most memorable moment came as an amateur in 1948, when he defeated Marciano in the New York Golden Gloves tournament. It is believed that the defeat was the only loss ever by Marciano, who went on to win the heavyweight championship and was unbeaten in 49 fights.
"People like Muhammad Ali looked up to him because when they were learning how to box, he was one of the African-American boxers of note," Sussman said.
Wallace is best known for twice portraying Joe Louis on film, once in "The Joe Louis Story" in 1953 and again in Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull" in 1980.
Wallace also starred in "Carib Gold" in 1957 and played a part in "Rooftops" in 1989.
He is survived by his wife, Pearlie-May, and a daughter Pat.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
Coley cut my hair when I was a youngster in Brooklyn. He opened a barber shop next door to my Dad's grocery (Jack Schuman) on Jackson Street in Greenpoint. May God rest his soul.
Steve Schuman
October 03, 2023 | Friend
hi pat wallace this is sheldon im just seeing this...
sheldon collymore
April 01, 2021 | BUFFALO, NY | Friend
Thank you for the great memories and being a father figure to me.
Vernon (Butch) Wilkins
April 18, 2020 | EASTON, MD | Friend
You were a great inspiration to me! Thank you from my Mom and I.
Vernon Wilkins
April 18, 2020 | EASTON, MD | Acquaintance
Uncle Coley,truly you made me laugh your heart was bigger then life.when you came to uncle Jerry and aunt Penny house we ate all the time she would make your favorite.I'm the daughter of James Carson aka Pete.
Joanne Jones Hampton, VA
September 26, 2018
I'm watching your Joe Lewis movie and think you did a good job on it. Rest in peace
Walter Acord
March 16, 2016 | Cocoa, FL
God Bless, I know this message comes all too late, however we wish to express our deepest sympathy in the passing of Mr. Coley Wallace. My name is Lavonda Smiley Grandy, I'm the daughter of Mr. Levon Smiley, one of Mr. Wallace oldest friend in New York from his boxing years. I myself have heard so many wonderful things about Mr. Wallace and my father's friendship during those times. My father is now 91 years old and still to this day speaks about their friendship with such high regards. ...
LEVON SMILEY
May 18, 2014 | MIAMI, FL
Rest in Sweet Peace
January 20, 2014 | MS
I met Mr Wallace when I was an intern in Brooklyn in 1986. I recognized his name from movies when I was a kid...couldn't believe it was he, but there he was. Last week I found the paper he autographed for me very kindly, when he wasn't feeling very well. He was very kind and interested in what I was doing, talked about his family, seemed a very nice and generous man. I am sorry to be so late but I wish his family well and I wish them peace.
Rosalie Keith
August 18, 2013 | North Brookfield, NY, NY