Who Is Lenny McLean? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lenny McLean was born on April 9, 1949, in London, England. Known not only as a boxer but also as an icon of British culture, McLean's life was one full of triumphs and challenges. He gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a heavyweight boxer, earning a reputation for his incredible strength and fighting spirit. McLean became a household name and was often referred to as "The Guv'nor," reflecting his larger-than-life persona.
He passed away on July 28, 1998, but his legacy endures. In 2025, Lenny McLean remains a figure of interest for both boxing enthusiasts and fans of British pop culture.
Occupation | Criminals |
---|---|
Date of Birth | April 9, 1949 |
Age | 49 Years |
Birth Place | Hoxton, London, England |
Horoscope | Aries |
Country | England |
Date of death | 28 July, 1998 |
Died Place | Bexley, London, England |
Popularity
Lenny McLean's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Lenny McLean was known for his impressive physical stature:
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 225 lbs (102 kg) during his fighting days
- As a boxer, his physique played a significant role in his performance, displaying a powerful build complemented by agility.
In 1992, McLean was working as the head doorman at the Hippodrome in London's Leicester Square, when he ejected a man named Gary Humphries, who suffered from serious mental health problems and was reportedly on drugs, streaking through the nightclub, urinating on the floor and harassing women.
McLean admitted to "giving him a backhander." Humphries died later that night and had a broken jaw and severe neck injuries. McLean was arrested for the murder of Humphries. McLean immediately protested his innocence, and claimed the police had a vendetta against him because of his association with the Krays.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lenny McLean's personal life was just as complicated as his professional career. He was married to his wife, who was by his side during many of his life’s toughest challenges. They had children together, and family remained central to McLean's identity despite his public persona as a hard man in the boxing world.
Although Lenny passed away years ago, reports suggest that he had a complex relationship with the demands of fame, often balancing the role of family man with his notorious boxing career.
His father, Leonard John McLean Sr., had been a Royal Marine during the Second World War, but after being debilitated by a near-fatal disease which he contracted in India, he became a petty criminal and swindler. He died when Lenny was four years old.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Lenny McLean's net worth was estimated to be in the millions, largely accrued from his boxing career, appearances in films, and various business ventures. In 2025, his estate continues to contribute to his legacy, with ongoing royalties from his published works and documentaries celebrating his life.
During his teenage years, McLean mixed with various local criminals. He was arrested for petty crimes and served 18 months in prison. After he was fired from his first legitimate job for beating up his foreman, he worked odd jobs. By the age of fifteen, McLean realised he could earn a living from fighting and pursued it as his main means of income.
Career, Business and Investments
Lenny McLean's career spanned several decades, with a noteworthy boxing record and impressive bouts against some of the era's toughest opponents. After retiring from the sport, McLean transitioned into a career in acting, featuring in films that captured the gritty realism of London life.
In addition to boxing and acting, McLean explored various business investments that leveraged his name and reputation. His life story continues to inspire many, leading to ongoing projects that explore his contributions to both sport and entertainment.
In his later life, McLean became an actor, and received praise for playing Barry the Baptist in Guy Ritchie's 1998 gangster comedy film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He died in July 1998, shortly before the film's release.
Social Network
Lenny McLean's legacy is celebrated across various social media platforms, including:
- Instagram: Fan pages and official memorials commemorate his life and achievements.
- YouTube: Documentaries and fan videos pay tribute to his career in boxing and beyond.
- Facebook: Groups dedicated to discussing his influence in boxing and British culture maintain his presence alive in the community.
McLean's widow, Valerie, co-authored Married To The Guv'nor with Gerrard in 2003, and produced a foreword to the 2007 book about McLean by Anthony Thomas titled The Guv'nor Through The Eyes Of Others. In October 2017, The Guv'nor Revealed – The Untold Story of Lenny McLean by Thomas and Lee Wortley was released.
In July 2018, McLean's daughter Kelly released the book My Dad: The Guv'nor with ghostwriter Lee Wortley.
Education
Though Lenny McLean did not have formal education in the traditional sense, his experiences growing up in East London and navigating the world of boxing served as his education. The lessons he learned through hardship and triumph shaped him into the man he became—a figure who transcended mere statistics and became a cultural icon.