Harlem Globetrotter Fred ‘Curly’ Neal dies at age 77 after dazzling crowds with his dribbling wizardry in 97 countries over 22 years
- Fred ‘Curly’ Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died at age 77 at his Houston home
- The Globetrotters confirmed the news Thursday, but did not specify a cause of death. There is no indication it is related to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak
- Neal played from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism
- Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders
- He was a key player during the Globetrotters’ most popular era in the ’70s and ’80s, appearing on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ ‘Love Boat’ and ‘Gilligan’s Island’
- He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008
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Fred ‘Curly’ Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died at age 77 at his home in Houston.
The Globetrotters confirmed the news Thursday morning, but did not specify a cause of death. There is no indication Neal’s death is related to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
‘We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,’ Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said in a statement on Twitter. ‘Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.’
Fred ‘Curly’ Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died at age 77 at his home in Houston
In this 1977, file photo, the Harlem Globetrotters’ Fred ‘Curly’ Neal of shows New York Mayor Abe Beame the art of balancing a basketball on a finger during ceremony at City Hall
In this December 10, 2010, file photo, Harlem Globetrotters Fred ‘Curly’ Neal spins a ball on his head prior to the bidding for the Naismith Rules, the original rules for basketball, framed at right, at Sotheby’s in New York
Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism.
In this February 15, 2008, file photo, Harlem Globetrotters’ Fred ‘Curly’ Neal looks on with his grandson Jaden Neal-Roberts as his No. 22 is retired by the world renowned Harlem Globetrotters at Madison Square Garden in New York
He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.
Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters’ most popular era in the ’70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ ‘Love Boat’ and ‘Gilligan’s Island.’
Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of ‘Scooby-Doo’ and had their own cartoon series.
Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.
Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters’ Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an ‘Ambassador of Goodwill.’
The Harlem Globetrotters are honored with a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1982