So Jake LaMotta turned a ripe 90 years old 2 days ago..

Seeing this LaMotta thread, (with apologies to those who've read them) thought you might get kick outta these LaMotta memories:

RAGING BULL doesn't begin to hint at how volcanic Jake's rages were. Anything would set him off. Any time. Any place.

He was murder goin' someplace to happen. The worst bad guys wanted no part of him.

But when Jake hung'em-up, he went into show biz -- had to keep a tight rein on his temper. He was tested daily.

These two incidents should illustrate:

He got work in films as a character heavy -- took it seriously, wanted to be as good an actor as he was a fighter. He enrolled in John Cassevettes' Theatre Workshop in New York, and did scenes to perfect his craft.

One day, I went to watch him. He was on the stage doing some Tennessee Williams' monologue. It was curious listening to the poetry of those words comin' outta Jake's mouth-- half cement truck -- all Bronx.

While he was walkin' the stage reciting his lines, a reed-thin young actor who had no idea who Jake was, bounded on stage: "Your rehearsal time is over! It's my time now! Get off the stage!"

Jake said softly, “I’ll just be a minute"

The kid --Actor's Studio intense -- stepped closer to Jake: "No. Now! Get off!"

Jake said, "But... And the kid SLAPPED Jake LaMotta in the face. " NOW!"

Jake just looked at him, like a Great White Shark poised over chum... and said ever so gently, "Don't do that," and walked off the stage.

That actor had no idea how abruptly his career almost ended.

****

On another occasion, I was in PJ Clarke's, a pub on the Eastside of New York for the sports crowd. LaMotta could be found at the bar daily in the afternoon with his long-time friend Pete, who co-wrote RAGING BULL.

LaMotta was relaxing with his back against the bar -- his trademark stogie in his mouth. A sweaty little guy in an ill-fitting suit came through the front door, spotted Jake 'n made b-line for him.

The little guy planted himself right in front of LaMotta, regaling him -- and all in the bar -- with how he saw Jake KO some guy in New Orleans, demonstrating by wind-milling punches furiously in the air...much too close to LaMotta's face.

LaMotta didn’t move a muscle or change expression. The guy's swings an eyelash away.

Sure enough, one lands flush on the cigar -- flattens it against LaMotta's face, like a character in a cartoon.

After a long pause, he looked heavenward: "Why me?"

 

I much prefer his posting to Burts. It's just as interesting (more interesting to me) without the condescending tones.

 

Just to put some perspective on his longevity:

• The average lifespan when he was born was just over half his current age (less than two thirds).
• The biopic made almost thirty years after he retired is older than me (and the majority of active boxers today).
• As of his 12th birthday, he was looking forward to an adulthood where the sale and consumption of alcohol was illegal. :scaredas:
• He became eligible for Medicare prior to most of the modern extant Medicare reforms that are today viewed as minimal acceptable standards.
• He was too old to enlist for US military service a full decade before the conscientious objection of Muhammad Ali.
• He could have seen live thylacines at the zoo!

 

M, I'll gladly play semi-final to JG,s main event anytime.
I'll try to get U a 4 round bout.
Yours, "condescending " Burt...

 

LaMotta, and I ,share one thing in common - Both are social Security numbers are in Roman Numerals !

 

Awesome stories JG.

 

If you were Jake's opponent, how would you feel hearing him say during the ref's instructions: "I'M GONNA DRINK YOUR BLOOD!"

 

One of my favorites. Another legendary ancient is Jimmy Bivins who is going on 92. Amazing considering nearly two decades ago he was found being held a virtual prisoner in his familys attic, emaciated to under 100 lbs and covered in his own filth as they cashed his SS checks. Talk about resilience.

 

How a family could do that to a person is beyond me.

 

Jimmy attributed his survival of that abuse to his fighting heart. He deserves to have be praised and have his spirits lifted by every accolade Emailed to his website and forwarded to him. (Burt did just that, sending Jimmy a congratulatory Email last year, and I'm sure a number of others here have done likewise.) I hope he lives to be 100.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1016550/1/index.htm :-(

 

LaMotta must be the oldest living ex-champ / notable fighter alive at age 90..... What other legit / legendary fighter is older??? I cannot think of any right now...

MR.BILL