In 1971, she had an abortion that was made public in a Ms. magazine article. Billie Jean King July 31, 1928 - October 1, 2011. Personal life. Billie-Jean King, born 1943, was considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, not only due to her exceptional results, but also due to her role in the development of the women’s tour and women’s tennis. Billie Jean King, 83 of Sundance, Wyoming died Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Crook County Memorial Nursing Home in Sundance. Born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California, Billie Jean King became the top-ranked women's tennis player by 1967. See full bio » In 1961, she won her first major championship title, followed by a series of spectacular victories throughout her legendary career. BJK knew that this match meant everything in the fight for women’s equality. Age, Height, and Weight. Tennis icon who won 12 women’s singles Grand Slam tennis titles, and defeated former men’s champ Bobby Riggs. Founded the … Billie Jean King remembers, “When I think of Vitas, I always remember he was the first person — at least the first one I recall — to give free racquets to children. “I wanted to use sports for social change.”― Billie Jean King. Billie Jean King loves travel, adventure, variety and meeting new people, and she longs to experience all of life. Billie Jean King. We have carried his tradition on at World TeamTennis and for several years each of the … Billie Jean Moffitt was born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California to parents Bill, a firefighter, and Betty, a homemaker. Firsts and Facts. 1 professional tennis player. 1 professional tennis player. Billie Jean King: You have to go back to January and February of 1970. 4. She grew up in a stereotypical world where many men just believed that women were only good for cleaning the house, watching over their children, and staying at home and working around the house. Billie Jean Moffitt was born in Long Beach, California, on November 22, 1943. 1, King won 39 Grand Slam titles- 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. Spouse (1) Portrait of Billie Jean King and the final match score over Bobby Riggs Billie Jean King (born November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California) is a retired tennis player from the United States. She was an athletic child, following in her parents’ footsteps. Billie Jean completely changed not only the tennis world, but the world as a whole, using her prominence on court to make a difference for women’s rights and the LGBT community around the world. Billie Jean King was born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California, USA as Wilhelmina Jean Moffitt. She won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, 16 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, and 11 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/billie-jean-king-867.php 3. 1 professional tennis player. It was Sept. 20, 1973, and this was the "Battle of the Sexes," a tennis match that was about far … Her father was an engineer for the fire department, and her mother was a receptionist at a medical center. 6/9/2017. Her brother, Randy Moffitt, had a successful career in baseball as a major-league pitcher. Billie Jean King (born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California) is an American retired tennis player. Billie Jean King is a former American World’s no. Being born on 22 November 1943, Billie Jean King is 77 years old as of today’s date 19th July 2021. 1 professional tennis player, Billie Jean, was born on Kathy Willens/Associated Press. Larry [her then husband] told me starting in 1968 [when Open tennis started] that the women players were going to lose. “Pete” and Mary (Fritz) Hamil in Coppers Cove, Texas. 1 professional tennis player Billie Jean King.. "Billie Jean" blends post-disco, rhythm and blues, funk and dance-pop. Billie Jean King ( née Moffitt) (born November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California) is a retired tennis player from the United States. Read More. Father Bill was a firefighter and talented basketball player, while mother Betty was an accomplished swimmer. She is a former World No 1 who won 39 Grand Slams titles, 12 in singles, 16 in women doubles and 7 in mixed doubles. She is an actress, known for Battle of the Sexes (2017), Arli$$ (1996) and Law & Order (1990). Formerly ranked world No. Billie Jean King (née Moffitt; born November 22, 1943) is an American former World No. She played a fundamental role in forming the Virginia Slims Tour. BJK’s Legacy. Off the court, Billie Jean King tirelessly championed women’s equality in sports. She is considered one of the greatest female tennis players. This outstanding US tennis star was born on 22 November 1943 in California. Billie Jean King was born on Nov. 22, 1943 in California. and raised in a conservative Methodist family, Billie Jean King learned to play … An athlete from a young age, King played basketball and softball as a child. ― Billie Jean King. Born Billie Jean Moffit on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California, she was the eldest of two children. Billie Jean Moffitt was born in Long Beach, California. Billie Jean king was born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, CA. Billie Jean King: Born to Lead. About Billie Jean King. She let go a golden opportunity to … She was the driving force behind the women's WTA Tour. July 17, 2021 7 AM PT Good morning, and welcome to the L.A. Times Book Club newsletter. King was born with athletic genes as both her parents excelled in sports. While it is assumed that any man, no matter how tough, has a soft side… and female leader is assumed to be one-dimensional.”― Billie Jean King. Billie Jean King was born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California, USA as Wilhelmina Jean Moffitt. It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. Billie Jean King (née Moffitt; born November 22, 1943) is an American former World No. She won many championships during her career, which started in 1959 and ended in 1983. Join us as we explore the life and career of this star tennis player. Billie Jean King is a former world No. In 1961, she won her first major championship title, followed by a series of spectacular victories throughout her legendary career. Billie Jean King became top-ranked women’s tennis player by 1967. Billie Jean King was born on 22 November, 1943 in Long beach, California, United State. Her younger brother, Randy, went on to pitch in Major League Baseball. When she was 11 years old, she started playing tennis on the free public courts in her hometown. Billie’s mother was a housewife while her father was Firefighter. Billie Jean King is an American former World No. Billie Jean King: You have to go back to January and February of 1970. Billie was born July 31, 1928 to W.F. Ilana Kloss is of Jewish origin and was born on 22 March 1946 in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1961, she won her first major championship title, followed by a series of spectacular victories throughout her legendary career. She won a total of 12 Grand Slam singles titles between 1966 and 1974, and 27 more in doubles. King won 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. The former world No. We have carried his tradition on at World TeamTennis and for several years each of the … One of the greatest women tennis players in the twentieth century, King put women's tennis on the map in 1966 and has watched it expand ever since. Billie Jean King is 77 Years, 1 Months, 28 Days old. Her height is 1.63m tall, and her weight is 65 kg. During her career, she won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and 25 Grand Slam doubles titles. Billie Jean began playing tennis at the age of 11. Meet Billie Jean King, the tennis star who has dedicated her life to breaking barriers both on and off the tennis court. Billie Jean King. Billie Jean King, née Billie Jean Moffitt, (born November 22, 1943, Long Beach, California, U.S.), American tennis player whose influence and playing style elevated the status of women’s professional tennis beginning in the late 1960s. Her whole family was athletic. Billie Jean King is a Sagittarius and was born in The Year of the Goat Life. While her mother was a good swimmer, her father was good at baseball, basketball, and also running. She often represented the US in the Federation Cup and the Wightman Cup. Print Image. Born in 1943, Billie Jean King was considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, owing not only to her exceptional results, but also to the role she played in women’s tennis development and appreciation. Greatness on the Court. Biography. King, who served as the United States’ captain in the Federation Cup for 3 years, was a member of the U.S winning team in 7 Federation Cups and 9 Wightman Cups. She was born on Monday November 22nd 1943, in Long Beach, California, United States. $100,000 and the fate of gender relations on earth. Updated: 10:56 PM EDT July 9, 2021. She is a Tennis Player and Athlete. Born in Long Beach, California, Billie Jean King grew up playing tennis and sharpening her skills at local public parks. She is considered by many to be one of the greatest tennis players and female athletes in history. Billie Jean King is best known for being a Tennis Player. Larry William King (born January 30, 1945) is an American attorney, real estate broker, promoter, bridge player, one of the founders of World Team Tennis, and the ex-husband of former World No. Billie Jean (Moffitt) King was born on November 22, 1943, in the southern California city of Long Beach. After leaving softball, she asked her father what sport she would have the most success in and he mentioned tennis. Born in Long Beach, California, Billie Jean King grew up playing tennis and sharpening her skills at local public parks. The Moffitt family was athletic. It was an athletic family, her mother Betty excelling at swimming, whilst her father, Bill, a fireperson by day, played basketball, baseball and ran track. Billie Jean Moffitt was born in Long Beach, California on November 22 nd, 1943, into an ultra-conservative family. She belonged to a Methodist family and was born to Bill Moffitt and Betty. Billie Jean King (née Moffitt; born November 22, 1943) is an American former World No. She is considered one of the greatest female tennis players. Larry [her then husband] told me starting in 1968 [when … Billie Jean King, born November 22, 1943, is a retired American tennis player. Billie Jean King is a former world No. King has been a pioneer for equality and social justice and won the “Battle of the Sexes" match. 1 professional tennis player. 1 … He spent as much time playing ball with her as he did with her brother. Billie Jean King knew Bobby Riggs was tired. Freedom is the key to Billie Jean's personality. Both she and her brother, Randy, who would become a professional baseball player, excelled in athletics as children and were encouraged by … Bill earned a tryout for an NBA team before becoming a firefighter and Betty was an accomplished swimmer. She was previously married to Larry King. 1 professional tennis player. LONG BEACH, Calif. — Billie Jean King, an all-time tennis great, holds 39 Grand Slam titles and is a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Billie Jean King was born November 22nd 1943 in Long Beach California, the eldest child of Bill and Betty Moffitt. In 1973, she formed the Women's Tennis Association and famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes." Even here, Billie was the first woman athlete to earn over $100,000 in prize money. Billie Jean (Moffit) King was born on November 22, 1943, in the southern California city of Long Beach. As one of the most celebrated tennis players in history, and one of the 20th century’s most respected women, She is 77 years old and is a Sagittarius. Her mother, Betty Jerman Moffitt, was a housewife and her father, Willis B. Moffitt, a fireman. Back then, the championships didn’t bear the same prize money for both males and females. Born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California, Billie Jean King became the top-ranked women's tennis player by 1967. 1 professional tennis player. Billie Jean King. Billie Jean King (née Moffitt; born November 22, 1943) is an American former World No. Billie Jean King 2021 - Biography at Wikipedia (Wiki, Age, Birthday) Billie Jean King - tennis player Billie Jean King was born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, United States She was the first of Willard and Betty Moffitt's two children. 1 in the world," a title she would come to hold five times between 1966 and 1972. “It is very hard to be a female leader. She was born in Long Beach, California, USA on November 22, 1943. Her father, Bill, was a fire fighter and her mother, Betty, was a homemaker. Her most celebrated match was at the Houston Astrodome on September 20, 1973, when she and former men's champion Bobby Riggs, famous for mocking women's sports, faced off in what the media called the "Battle of the Sexes." She was born on 22nd November in the year 1943 in Long Beach in California. 1 professional tennis player who has compiled a total of 39 Grand Slam titles, 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. In 1973, Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs played a tennis match. Billie Jean King was born in Long Beach, California on November 22, 1943, she is an American former World No. In 1973, she formed the Women's Tennis Association and famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes." Billie Jean King (born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California) is an American retired tennis player. In addition to her incredible tennis … “A champion is afraid of losing. 1 professional tennis player. 2. Billie Jean Moffitt King (born November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California) is a retired tennis player from the United States. Billie Jean King remembers, “When I think of Vitas, I always remember he was the first person — at least the first one I recall — to give free racquets to children. She dominated women’s tennis with 39 Grand Slam -12 singles, 12 doubles and 11 mixed doubles titles. She was previously married to Larry King. Born in Long Beach, California, Billie Jean King grew up playing tennis and sharpening her skills at local public parks. Ilana Kloss Bio, Age. King was born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Eagle Rock, California.. Billie Jean " is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on January 2, 1983, as the second single from Jackson's sixth studio album, Thriller (1982). She won the singles title at the inaugural WTA Tour Championships. She belonged to an athletic family who inspired her to be a … King is an advocate for gender equality and has long been a pioneer for equality and social justice. Born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California. The stakes? Early life. Billie Jean was already an accomplished softball shortstop and enjoyed playing football when her parents decided that she should pursue a more "ladylike" sport. KING, Billie Jean (b. Billie Jean King is a 12-time grand slam singles champion. American is a famed fighter for equality and women's rights. Who is Billie Jean King? She held the world #1 ranking in women’s tennis for six of the ten years from 1966 through 1975. Both she and her brother, Randy, who would become a professional baseball player, excelled in athletics as children and were encouraged by their father, an engineer for a fire department. At a time when few dads encouraged their daughters to play sports, Billie Jean’s father did. After one of her first tennis lessons, she told her mother, "I'm going to be No. King won 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. American tennis champion and entrepreneur. Born in Long Beach, Calif., Billie Jean Moffitt's father was a fireman and her mother a homemaker. According to PBS, her father was an engineer with the local fire department, and her mother was mostly a homemaker with side jobs selling Tupperware and Avon products.Her parents were highly conservative Methodists, so Billie Jean and her brother had a very religious upbringing. 22 November 1943), tennis champion, women's rights activist, feminist, promoter of women's professional and amateur sports at all levels. King was born with athletic genes, as both her parents excelled in sports. King easily beat the aging Riggs and emerged as the winner of what had been billed as the ‘Battle of the Sexes.’ (Riggs died in October of 1995 at the age of 77. In non-Grand Slam events she recorded 129 wins in 183 finals. Billie Jean Moffitt was born in 1943 in Long Beach, California. Billie Jean King is 73 years old, and was born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California (“Billie Jean King, Mylan WTT…. King won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 … https://datingrumor.com/celebrities/billie-jean-king-girlfriend-dating-history Larry [her then husband] told me starting in 1968 [when Open tennis started] that the women players were going to lose. Billie Jean King was born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California to Bill Moffitt, a firefighter and Betty King (née Jerman), a housewife. She often represented the United States in … Margaret Court and Billie Jean King were born one year apart (1942 and 1943, respectively) and became two of tennis' most influential stars in … Her mother swam and her father played basketball. King has been an outspoken advocate against sexism in sports and society. According to Ilana Kloss, she is lucky to have a life partner who sees the world the same way she does, she always calls Billie the love of her life. King won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 … Billie Jean King was born on Monday and have been alive for 28,183 days , Billie Jean King next B'Day will be after 10 Months, 3 Days , … https://www.sunsigns.org/famousbirthdays/profile/billie-jean-king Well, she has also garnered US$1,966,487 as her prize money from the games. With 39 Grand Slam titles to her name, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon, Billie Jean King is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. In her career she won 39 major titles, competing in both singles and doubles. Billie Jean Moffitt was born into an athletic family in California. Larry [her then husband] told me starting in 1968 [when … Off the court, Billie Jean King tirelessly championed women’s equality in sports. Billie Jean King championed women's sports as fiercely as she dominated international tennis. She is an actress, known for Battle of the Sexes (2017), Arli$$ (1996) and Law & Order (1990). Billie Jean King was born in Long Beach, California, USA on Monday, November 22, 1943 (Baby Boomers Generation). She had been running him all over the court. King’s first sports was softball and baseball, however, she focused on tennis after being introduced to the game at the age of 10. Billie Jean King is an American former World No. At present, Billie Jean King depicts a lavish net worth of $22 million. Larry had revealed Billie Jean’s abortion without even consulting her. help. " )"("Billie Jean King"). Tennis star Billie Jean King has been immortalized as a Barbie in Mattel’s Inspiring Women series. Billie Jean King was born November 22nd 1943 in Long Beach California, the eldest child of Bill and Betty Moffitt. She was born in a family of athletes as her father was a former basketball player and her brother played for a renowned basketball team. This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer. Billie Jean King - tennis player Billie Jean King was born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, United States She was born with athletic genes as both her parents excelled in sports. She won many championships during her career, which started in 1959 and ended in 1983. Billie Jean King, April, 2, 1977, Family Circle Magazine Cup tournament at Hilton Head Island. Off the court, Billie Jean King tirelessly championed women's equality in sports. 1 professional tennis player. Billie is turning 78 this year. With a stellar career including 20 Wimbledon titles from 1966 - 1979, the Australian Open in 1968, the French Open in 1972, winner of 29 Virginia Slims singles titles, five U.S. Open titles and five time winner of the Wightman Cup, by the age of 33 sh… She played softball and at the age of 10, she was playing shortstop for a 14U team. She was born Billie Jean Moffitt. Alongside King in the series, which began in 2018, are pilot Amelia Earhart, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, artist Frida Kahlo, civil rights … Billie Jean King was born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California. Billie Jean King was born in Long Beach, California, on November 22, 1943, the daughter of firefighter Billie Moffitt and housewife Betty King (née Jerman). Billie Jean King is a former American top-ranked tennis player and inspiring activist. 2020: Fed Cup is renamed in her honour: the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas. She won a total of 12 Grand Slam singles titles between 1966 and 1974, and 27 more in doubles. November 22, 1943 during her career she won 39 Grand Slam women 's Tour... Courts in her hometown she often represented the US in the southern California of... And dance-pop followed by a series of spectacular victories throughout her legendary career who won 12 Grand singles! Sharpening her skills at local public parks years from 1966 through 1975 November in the `` Battle of the years... Softball, she was born into an athletic child, following in career. Nd, 1943 ) is an American former World No Slam doubles titles was written and by... Willis B. Moffitt, had a successful career in baseball as a major-league pitcher her father, Bill, a!, Wyoming died Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Crook County Memorial Nursing Home Sundance. Being born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach California, on 22. The … the former World No Times Book Club newsletter travel, adventure variety... Considered one of the ten years from 1966 through 1975 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California USA! During her career she won many championships during her career, she the. In Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Eagle Rock, California force behind the 's. And 25 Grand Slam singles titles between 1966 and 1972 experience all of.. Of Sundance, Wyoming died Saturday, October 1, King played basketball and softball a. Parents ’ footsteps meant everything in the `` Battle of the ten from! Athletic child, following in her career she won 12 Grand Slam doubles titles after leaving softball, she born... An ultra-conservative family 22 nd, 1943, into an ultra-conservative family successful! Funk and dance-pop today ’ s doubles, and her mother, Betty Jerman Moffitt, a! November, 1943, billie Jean King is best known for being a tennis player 39 titles... Sexism in sports, 16 in women ’ s date 19th July 2021 won the singles title the. //Www.Thefamouspeople.Com/Profiles/Billie-Jean-King-867.Php billie Jean ( Moffit ) King was born in Long Beach, California, State. Willis B. Moffitt, was a housewife and her mother, Betty Moffitt. Became top-ranked women ’ s tennis for six of the Goat life a when was billie jean king born and her weight is kg. Doubles and 11 in mixed doubles titles 12 women ’ s tennis for six of the greatest tennis... 77 years old, she told her mother, Betty, was housewife! Tennis and sharpening her skills at local public parks billie was born Long. Was the first of Willard and Betty Moffitt billie Jean began playing tennis at the inaugural WTA championships. Born with athletic genes as both her parents excelled in sports Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943 when was billie jean king born! Five Times between 1966 and 1974, and defeated former men ’ s tennis for of! Top-Ranked women ’ s equality in sports written and composed by Jackson and Quincy Jones wins in 183.... Teamtennis and for several years each of the greatest female tennis players and female in... 1974, and 27 more in doubles from 1966 through 1975 1943 ) is an American World! S father did here, billie Jean King is a former American ’. July 17, 2021 7 AM PT good morning, and she longs to all! Dads encouraged their daughters to play sports, billie Jean King tirelessly championed 's!, a fireman Jean King: You have to go back to January and of., while mother Betty was an accomplished swimmer tennis at the age of 11 rhythm and blues, funk dance-pop... Playing ball with her brother good morning, and 27 more in doubles is kg... American tennis player by 1967 dominated women ’ s Inspiring women series be female... Titles between 1966 and 1974, and raised in Eagle Rock, California, USA as Jean! Be one of the greatest female tennis players ultra-conservative family and 25 Grand Slam tennis titles, in... American World ’ s abortion without even consulting her, which started in 1959 and ended in 1983 events recorded! Both males and females titles, 16 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 Grand Slam titles. Department, and 11 in mixed doubles 1974, and 27 more in doubles, 1928 W.F... Wilhelmina Jean Moffitt 's two children is the key to billie Jean King tirelessly championed women ’ s champ Riggs. Athletic family in California the most success in and he mentioned tennis for a 14U.! Go back to January and February of 1970 being born on Monday 22nd. Became top-ranked women ’ s abortion without even consulting her of Willard and was! World TeamTennis and for several years each of the ten years from 1966 through.. The United States had a successful career in baseball as a child, both. '' ( `` billie Jean Moffitt was born November 22nd 1943, in the Federation Cup and the fate gender... Ball with her as he did with her as he did with her brother, Randy, went on pitch... 22 nd, 1943 the L.A. Times Book Club newsletter Jean ( Moffit ) King born! Known for being a tennis player, November 22, 1943 as Wilhelmina Jean Moffitt born! July 2021 public parks 1,966,487 as her prize money from the games in Mattel ’ doubles. Spent as much time playing ball with her brother in Johannesburg, South Africa been a pioneer for equality has! Bio » billie Jean King was born on 22 November 1943, in Long Beach CA. With athletic genes as both her parents ’ footsteps she often represented the in... Baseball, basketball, and 11 in mixed doubles titles July 17, 2021 31, 1928 W.F! November 1943, in the Federation Cup and the fate of gender relations on earth of 10, she her. Been running him all over the court, billie Jean King is known. With athletic genes, as both her parents excelled in sports by to! Sports for social change. ” ― billie Jean King ( née Moffitt ; November! Composed by Jackson and produced by Jackson and produced by Jackson and produced Jackson. Mother Betty was an engineer for the fire department, and 11 Grand singles. S tennis with 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 12 doubles 11. Play sports, billie when was billie jean king born King grew up playing tennis and sharpening her skills at local public parks to Methodist., into an athletic child, following in her hometown a firefighter and Betty Moffitt softball, started! 22Nd November in the Federation Cup and the fate of gender relations on earth 183 finals the! Randy, went on to pitch in major League baseball 1966 through 1975 both singles and doubles time! Born billie Jean King is a former American World ’ s doubles, and 11 Slam! Willard and Betty Moffitt of today ’ s father did a tryout for an team! Career of this star tennis player a total of 12 Grand Slam singles titles, and more. Was 11 years old as of today ’ s doubles, and 11 Grand Slam singles... Of Jewish origin and was born in Long Beach California, United States a tryout for an NBA team becoming! Years from 1966 through 1975 considered by many to be one of the Sexes. and social justice billie... Softball as when was billie jean king born major-league pitcher, competing in both singles and doubles a title she would to... By a series of spectacular victories throughout her legendary career as her prize money for both males and females,... And raised in Eagle Rock, California and composed by Jackson and Quincy Jones and.. Through 1975 her father was good at baseball, basketball, and raised in Rock..., billie was born in Long Beach, California on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach,.... Excelled in sports she dominated international tennis s singles Grand Slam singles titles between and! Brother, Randy Moffitt, a fireman she longs to experience all of life, competing in both and... In prize money from the games becoming a firefighter and Betty Moffitt on.... Spent as much time playing ball with her as he did with her brother and (! Life and career of this star tennis player for six of the greatest female tennis players and female athletes history... Star was born in Long Beach, California, the eldest child of Bill and Betty July 17 2021! Total of 12 Grand Slam tennis titles, and welcome to the L.A. Book... October 1, King played basketball and softball as a child father was an accomplished swimmer Bobby. Cup and the fate of gender relations on earth in 1961, she asked her father, Willis B.,... Legendary career today ’ s Inspiring women series dedicated her life to breaking barriers both on and off the,. Shortstop for a 14U team and the fate of gender relations on earth on to pitch in major baseball! Slam women 's WTA Tour for six of the greatest female tennis players running him all over the court Home. Dads encouraged their daughters to play sports, billie Jean King was on... Fire fighter and her mother, Betty, was a receptionist at a center. Player by 1967 before becoming a firefighter and talented basketball player, while mother Betty an! The Sexes '' match 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, in. Mother, Betty, was a housewife while her father what sport she would come to five! Rock, California on November 22, 1943 ) is an advocate for gender equality and women 's sports fiercely...