Bill Russell was one of the most successful players in the history of American basketball. In college, he led the University of San Francisco's team through a 55-game winning streak, and as a member of the Boston Celtics, alongside coach Red Auerbach, he helped guide the team to eight consecutive NBA championships between 1959 and 1966. Russell was also a passionate and outspoken champion for civil rights; he became the first African-American to coach in the NBA when he took over for Auerbach in 1967, and he led many players in their protests against unfair and unequal treatment of Black athletes during the early 1960s, including returning his keys to the city of Marion, Indiana, to the mayor after he and his teammates were denied proper service in a restaurant. Bill Russell: My Life, My Way explores Russell's life and career as both an athlete and an activist, with the reclusive Russell discussing himself on-camera, alongside contributions from his family, friends, and teammates, including Auerbach, Jim Brown, Bob Cousy, John Thompson, and Tom Heinsohn. Liev Schreiber narrates. Bill Russell: My Life, My Way was produced for HBO Sports, which first aired the documentary on April 17, 2000.
by Mark Deming
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