Profile Text
Birth Name: Wilton Norman Chamberlain
Date of Birth: August 21, 1936
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Date of Death: October 12, 1999
Place of Death: Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Ethnicity: African-American
Wilt Chamberlain was an American professional basketball player, and actor. A center, he played for the Pittsburgh Raiders, the Quakertown Fays, the Harlem Globetrotters, the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He coached the San Diego Conquistadors of the American Basketball Association (ABA). He was nicknamed “Wilt the Stilt,” “Goliath,” and “The Big Dipper.” He was 7′1″.
Wilt was the son of Olivia Ruth, a domestic worker, and William N. Chamberlain, a welder, custodian, and handyman.
Wilt’s paternal grandfather was Walter S. Chamberlain (the son of John Chamberlain and Ellen Pollard). Walter was born in Virginia.
Wilt’s paternal grandmother was Polly Owens (the daughter of Lewis Owens and Mivea/Mira Owens). Polly was born in Virginia. Lewis was the son of Isabelle.
Wilt’s maternal grandfather was named Jacob Johnson. Jacob was born in North Carolina.
Wilt’s maternal grandmother was named Ellen Archer. Ellen was born in North Carolina.
Sources: Wilt’s father on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Death record of Wilt’s father – https://familysearch.org
Marriage record of Wilt’s paternal grandparents, Walter S. Chamberlain and Polly Owens – https://familysearch.org
Wilt’s paternal grandmother, Polly Owens, on the 1880 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Wilt’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Marriage record of Wilt’s maternal grandparents, Jacob Johnson and Ellen Archer – https://familysearch.org