George Bell, who stood at 7 feet 8 inches and was once recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest man in the United States, passed away on March 19, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina. He was 67 years old. The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in Virginia announced his death in a statement on Facebook on March 19.
Born on June 12, 1957, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Bell was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s, a condition that led to his extraordinary height. Despite the challenges associated with his stature, he led a multifaceted life. Bell played college basketball at Biola University and later joined the Harlem Wizards, a show basketball team. He also served as a sheriff’s deputy in Norfolk, Virginia, from 2000 to 2014, where he was known for his ability to connect with inmates and local youth.
In addition to his athletic and law enforcement careers, Bell appeared in television shows such as American Horror Story and Freakshow. He was also involved in advocacy work, founding “Stand Tall Against Bullying,” inspired by a friend’s tragic experience.
Bell’s daughter, Dawnie Bell, described him as a “gentle giant” who embraced people of all kinds and exuded love for life.
His passing is mourned by those who knew him and by many who were inspired by his joyful personality and outlook on life.
Tallest Men in the World
Bell was recognized as the tallest man in the U.S., but who were the tallest men in the world?
The tallest man ever to have lived was Robert Wadlow, who stood at 8 feet 11.1 inches. Born in 1918 and in the United States, his exceptional height was due to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, leading to an abnormally high level of growth hormone. Wadlow’s height continued to increase throughout his life until he died in 1940 at the age of 22.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, Sultan Kösen from Turkey currently holds the title, measuring 8 feet and 2.8 inches.
“There’s a lot of challenges for us being so tall,” Bell told AMC while promoting the reality TV show Freakshow. “Like how do I fit in cars, or where do I find clothes? I have a hard time sleeping in beds.” He added, “Those challenges are not an issue to me at all. I’ve learned over the years of living just to deal with them as they are and not let it become a mental problem.”
