Bill Russell's laugh is the most beautiful thing in the world

He passed today. Here to revisit the history of this iconic human being and basketball player. RIP Mr. Russell. Forever in the stars legend

Bill Russell is so likable

Bill Russel's laugh can cure cancer

"Thank you for leaving me off your Mount Rushmore. I’m glad you did. Basketball is a team game. It’s not for individual honors. I won back-to-back state championships in high school, back-to-back NCAA championships in college, I won an NBA championship my first year in the league, an NBA championship my last year, and nine in between. And that, Mr. James, is etched in stone.”-Bill Russell 2014

RIP Russell's Parents.... You've raised a man, a hero, an idol, a champion & the greatest winner of all time!

The biggest reason I watched this was because I was curious to hear from Bill Russell himself how he dealt with racism during his career knowing that he played in the 50's and 60's. I have a greater deal of respect now towards Russell after seeing how he stood up for his fellow African American athletes such as Ali and his fellow African American teammates when they were not served food. It's hard to believe that such a great player was not fully embraced by the fans he played for despite winning so many championships for the city of Boston. Hats off to you Russell!

Bill Russell seems like the smartest/wisest person you will ever talk to. I love how his memory is still nasty good at his age.

Russel has the best laugh ever

I wish they had a documentary on his story rather than about the 'Last Dance'. Especially for those who think leadership equals bullying. Bill Russell is the GOAT. Period.

Bill Russell is criminally underrated by todays basketball “experts”

Sounds like his father was one hell of a man! This is one truly humble man, with much, much more to him than just basketball titles. He was and still is great.

More rings than fingers

Bill Russell's laugh is infectious...

reporter is so lucky getting to be in the presence of Greatness

Bill Russell is the last great mythical athlete from that era. The world should cherish him more while he’s here

Offense wins games but Defense wins championships

This video gave me serious chills, Russell is true class.

Just read that Mr. Russell finished his work on earth, wanted to hear this interview again. What a great honorable , decent man. Best wishes to his family, and those who loved him.

I'm from Boston but I'm too young to have a firsthand perspective on how the city was in the 50's and 60's. But I know for a fact that today my city has nothing but respect, love and admiration for Mr. "Big" Bill Russell. Thanks for the glamorous moments, big guy. And thanks for being one of the key factors in creating the Celtics legacy. You're truly a Boston legend, and an ideal human being. Cheers.

this man is a national treasure. absolute American hero.

I come back to this video every once in a while. Always enjoy listening to Mr. Russell’s story. RIP

My favorite sports figure ''ever''. I have been a Celtic fan since 1957. Those days however were better than these days.

11 RINGS!!!! what a nice man

The godfather of basketball!! Love you Mr. Russell

What a laugh. Remarkable guy.

I remember being around 8 years old asking an older family friend who the best basketball player ever was and his answer was Bill Russell. This was around 90-91 when the Jordan craze was going on and of course being a kid I was all about Jordan. At that time we didn't have ESPN (didn't have cable till middle school, KZfaq, or random access to film clips like we do today. Watching basketball there may have been a once in a blue moon clip of Bill Russel and other classics. It wasn't until I was older and got to see these films on demand, like on KZfaq for example, that I really appreciated what he did. Not just from a basketball standpoint but what he endured, stood for, and the man he became. He was one of the first to transcend the game. I can't help but to see athletes as humans too and because of that it's hard for me to just make an unbiased assessment of one solely based on their play. Their personalities and attitudes come out in their passions for the game. Bill was a fine example of that. His book goes beyond what any documentary or highlight reel would reveal. I don't care who's better than who here. I'm just giving credit where it's due. I'm so glad we have access to information like we do today so we can see these things. Watch full games and one will really see everything Bill did. He may have scored six points in a particular game, but they won, he once said. That's what mattered. And he said he could have had animosity, bitterness, and resentment for how he was treated, but that would make him just like those who did him wrong. Wisdom! The application of knowledge. Positive vibes everyone!

Bill Russell is the friend we've all had before. He's the dude you automatically like because his laugh is genuine.

I'm a Lakers fan but I have to give it up to Bill, what a player and person.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my teammates. And i always say that when i left the Celtics i could not go to heaven, because that would be a step down... I am pure 100% Celtic, i think if you slash my wrist, the blood would be green" ~Bill Russell

11 champions ? Well shit I think basketball players nowadays would be happy with just 1! Haha

I love watching his 60's games. So pure. People will forever bring up his scoring deficiency, ignorant of the fact that he was the lead scorer on his college and olympic teams. Why is it all about points anyway? Don't forget he was voted the MVP in 1962, the same year Wilt averaged 50.4 ppg.

The best part of this documentary for me, is the early part when he is talking about his father. Something I can really relate to. Wonderful scene.

when Bill Russell is laughing I can only smile of happiness... great human being but mostly Legendary

Man bill russel should be the logo what this man did for the game, the league and most important the players is incredible thank you mr Russel

If Bill Russell's laugh can't make you smile then you may in fact have no soul.

truly one of the most remarkable human beings to walk the face of the planet. it's an honour to see a documentary filled with actual depth of character from a man who defined greatness.

As a young man, much too young to full appreciate Russell's game, this interview made me love Bill Russell. RIP Legend! 🙌

Russell's laugh always makes me smile. :)

Back to back NCAA titles at USF...including 55 wins in a row...Olympic Gold Medal as captain...winning the NBA title in 1957...1959...1960...1961...1962...1963...1964...1965...1966...1968...AND...1969!!!

Bill russell just cheers me up listening to him lol

Mr. Russell and everyone should address him as Mr. for sure. Not only the greatest player and leader of all time but a 'real man' and prove that character overcomes all. Thank you Mr. Russell.

The greatest quote I took from this was "I played and I played, I didn't want the validation" it just goes to show that bill knew how good he was, but also humble that he didn't care about all the accolades, he is the G.O.A.T in my opinion

"Listen, son... I gave these people the best 30 years of my life, now Imma given them a few of the bad ones..." Man people that have been through everything, they always have the most fascinating stories as well as the most intriguing ways to present them. Utmost RESPECT MR. Russell!

He really has a good laughter. I would laugh when he suddenly bursts into his laughter.

What a tremendous documentary this was. Bill is one of the top 10 or top 5 most important sports athletes in history, it's a shame Boston didn't show him the respect he deserved. If you are a fan of Basketball or any type of sports for that matter, this is a must watch. Great job by Bill Simmons as well.

A very humble legend. 11 year championship winner. In his 13 year career. What a legend. May he rest in peace.

A sad day for the NBA. Bill Russell, RIP. The greatest Celtic ever.

This documentary is awesome from start to finish, such an humble guy! I wish my generation was so humble, now everything is about flash, big houses, etc., smh! Thank God for my previous generation!

This interview truly gave many of us an in depth perspective on Bill Russell as a player and a coach with an amazing laugh and a trailblazer, who treats everyone with respect! RIP 🙏

The story about the 63 all star game in LA was everything. May his folks RIP..🕊🏀

The world needs more people that can laugh like Russell

In those old interviews Wilt just looks like the coolest man on the planet.

Laughter is the best medicine. Bill Russell was healing people with it all the time.

Watching wilt and bill in an interview is a true delight. I couldn’t help but smile in a time where smiles are hard to come by

I thought that part of the interview was very moving as well. Time goes by faster than we think. Those two put a lot of heart and soul into the NBA. The rivalry ran deep, but the friendship was eventually built.

That laugh is distinct :-D

Every time I watch this... it reminds me how influential this man really was. One of the best ever.

My mom used to clean his house, his wife had just passed not that long ago at the time and I remember playing on his piano and eating is whipped cream, he gave me basketball cards as well, a really kind and genuine man

Excellent piece. Bill Simmons' best work. Bill Russell is truly one of a kind.

First thing you hear of Bill Russell is his laugh.

Man can't even fit his rings on both hands

always loved this giant...

wow i respect him so much now! honestly before this video, i knew of his rings and of his name and what he did on the court but not how he did nor what he did of the court. wow, its truely touching to know how humble someone like bill really is! thank you so much for this video! god bless.

i truly respect this man to no end for who he was what he's done and what he represented

A beautiful person with a beautiful laugh. Greatest center all time.

It was so nice to see Wilt and Bill HUG. Just beautiful! I felt it:-)

This guy should be on more of a pedestal than he is. Given what has happened in your country the last week, you could use another Bill Russell today. Lebron coming close but follow Bill's blueprint to affect change. Absolute legend.

Gotta love that laugh of Russell. And that Bird joke on Auerbach is pure gold

That laugh... bless this man's soul. I'm too late to the whole Bill Russell legacy, but from this day-on I think He Is truly the greatest NBA player to ever step on a hardwood floor. Jordan might have changed the game; by giving it the flash and elevating the competition, hence making the world turn their heads and acknowledge the game of B-ball as a powerhouse event, But he did little to nothing for the African American community, he was on a personal mission and nothing else mattered. On the other hand Bill Russell presented the world and image of a human being that wasn't going to be chastised by the color of his skin, he was a class act and was willing to prove every racist person on those stands wrong... and all thanks to his splendid father figure.

RIP Bill Russell the greatest to EVER do it

thank you for uploading this video. what an amazing man..

Awesome video, and I learnt a whole heap outside of Bill Russell the NBA player which is very appreciative. Thanks for uploading.

The only numbers Bill Russell cared about were the ones on the scoreboard at the end of the game.

Respect for Bill. One of the best on and off the court!

Love that laugh. What an interview.

His dad raised a legend..rest in peace for his dad

"We were never rivals, we were competitors... In rivalry there's a victor and a vanquished... He was never vanquished.. And so, we were competitors" - Bill Russell. Best quote.

I would loved to have sat down with Mr Russell to pick his brain and listen to his wonderful stories and wisdom. RIP Mr Russell 👏👏 the greatest champion!

His laugh is so infectious

What a beautiful story ! Brought tears to my eyes !

A true definition of what an NBA player or any other professional player should present oneself. The Greatest Player to ever play the game period.

Bill Russell's laugh is bigger than basketball IQ

What an extraordinary human being, the winning 11 titles in 13 years feels like an untouchable feat in any era, but Bill did it during the most turbulent of times with such class and grace where the players had no real benefits, were being financially mistreated and racism was ever present. Incredible, there will never be another Bill Russell.

Sweet! I'm glad the NBA has allowed the interview to stay uploaded. It's a very powerful piece. I'm a Lakers fan for life, but I have nothing but respect for Bill Russell. He doesn't even have enough fingers to put all his rings on.

I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of this interview with Mr. Bill Russel. I will find your book too. Thank you for this memory

I've seen many interviews and documentaries about Bill Russell.. but this one was probably the best. Very intimate and welcoming. I've seen it many times and this my first since his passing. I can always appreciate how great of man he truly was. Rest easy Bill🏀

Wow. Bill Russell is an amazing person. Great job, Bill.

"You can do anything you want to do, if you want to do it bad enough" - So inspiring. What a man.

This gets me emotional every time. RIP Bill Russell.

“I couldn’t summon the rage anymore..” I long for this day. Thank you for this beautiful video. Thank you Bill Russell. Respect always.

Hands down in my eyes he's the greatest ever

This video introduced me to a hero

WHEN BILL LAUGHS , I DO TO ! BEEN LOVING THIS GUY SINCE 1959 !

Excellent job. Simmons was wrong about one thing. About Russell being "done" after retiring in 69'. He was only done as a player. His spirit, what he meant and means to the sport and society is still very much alive.

The real G.O.A.T

Also, black people, I feel sorry for the injustice that was happening to you. I was not a part of it. But I still feel bad. When Bill is talking about these things it makes me want to cry, and I never cry. I hope rasism will die soon. On all sides. Peace.

Amazing tribute to Mr. Bill Russell❣️❣️🙏🏽🙏🏻🙏👍🏽👍🏼❤️💯Thank you ❣️🥰

What an amazing man, I could listen to him speak and or laugh all day long!

Thank you so much Bill Russell. One of my heroes