Tallest man in America and Harlem Globetrotter George Bell dies at age 67

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – George Bell, a former Harlem Globetrotter, actor and law enforcement officer who held the record for the tallest man in America, has died at age 67.

Called a “gentle giant,” Bell, who was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, stood at an astounding 7 feet, 8 inches, and was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 as the tallest man in America. He later lost that title to Igor Vovkovinskiy, who was a fraction of an inch taller, and then regained it in 2021 when Vovkovinskiy died, according to TV Insider.

For comparison, the tallest current NBA player is Zach Edey, who stands at 7 feet, 4 inches.

The New York Post reported that Bell died at his family home in North Carolina, though no date was given.

In the past, Bell played college basketball for Morris Brown College in Georgia and later with the Harlem Globetrotters.

According to TV Insider, Bell acted in FX’s “American Horror Story” as Tall Ghost Man. He also played in AMC’s “Freakshow,” the short film “Bank Robber,” and the series “Extreme Bodies,” where he portrayed Pituitary Giant.

A former Norfolk Sheriff’s Department deputy, Bell joined the department in 2000. Those who worked with him there said he will be remembered for his kind, fun-loving personality.