Billy used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie, left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to his son, Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
The Champ
“The more you love... the harder you fight.”
Overview
Billy used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie, left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to his son, Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
Director
Franco Zeffirelli
Revenue
30.4M
Status
Released
Production
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Hialeah Park Studios
Cast
Jon Voight
Billy
Faye Dunaway
Annie
Rick Schroder
T.J.
Jack Warden
Jackie
Arthur Hill
Mike
Strother Martin
Riley
Joan Blondell
Dolly Kenyon
Mary Jo Catlett
Josie
Elisha Cook Jr.
Georgie
Stefan Gierasch
Charlie Goodman
Allan Miller
Whitey
Joe Tornatore
Hesh
Shirlee Kong
Donna Mae
Jeff Blum
Jeffie
Dana Elcar
Hoffmaster
Randall 'Tex' Cobb
Bowers
Kristoff St. John
Sonny
Gina Gallego
Cuban Girl
Jody Wilson
Mrs. Riley
Reginal M. Toussaint
Groom
Bob Gordon
TV Reporter
Gene Picchi
Dolly's Trainer
Anne Logan
Horse Owner
Bill Baldwin
Race Track Announcer
Rita Turner
Lady at the Rail
Dorothy Streisin
Dolly's Guest
Lionel Dozier
Hot Walker
Charles W. Camac
Head Starter
David Peden
Ship's Captain
William Fuller
Steward
Vanna Salviati
Pitch Lady
Maurice Pete Mitchell
Gambler
Ernesto Molinari
Bar Patron
Robert Sutton
Second Gambler
Philip Tuersky
Bartender
Micki Varro
Nikki
Geoff Marlowe
Security Guard
George Stidham
Exercise Rider
Willie White
Willie
Curtis Jackson
Sparring Partner
Wally Rose
Bowers' Manager
Dick Young
Referee
Sonny Shields
Bowers' Handler #1
Larry Duran
Bowers' Handler #2
Lars Hensen
Ring Doctor
Jeff Temkin
Ring Announcer
Eddie 'El Annimal' Lopez
Boxer Corner Man
Ralph Gambina
Timekeeper
Video Gallery
The Champ 1979 (Trailor)
