From Frank to Kellie

Director: Rosemary Reed
Release Year: 2020

From Frank to Kellie (2012), a documentary directed by Rosemary Reed, offers a compelling and intimate look at the life of Frank Maloney, an iconic figure in the world of professional boxing. The film delves deep into the highs and lows of Maloney’s illustrious career, capturing the essence of his journey as a boxing manager and promoter. While this documentary offers a wealth of insight into Maloney’s experiences, it also unveils a more personal and transformative story - one of a long-hidden identity that was kept secret for decades.

 

Frank Maloney, once a prominent boxing manager, famously guided Lennox Lewis to the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world between 1989 and 2001. His remarkable achievement made him the first British person in nearly a century to manage a British heavyweight champion. However, From Frank to Kellie reveals that Maloney's story is not just about his professional success. It is also a deeply emotional tale of self-discovery, courage, and personal transformation. Maloney’s decision to embrace her true identity and transition from Frank to Kellie was a journey marked by inner conflict, years of repression, and the eventual triumph of living authentically. Born as Frank Maloney on January 23, 1953, in London to Irish Catholic immigrant parents, Maloney grew up in Peckham, South London, with two brothers. Raised in a traditional working-class family, Maloney’s father encouraged him to pursue boxing, which led him to participate in his first match at just 11 years old. However, due to his small stature, he soon realized that boxing as a competitor wasn’t the path for him. Instead, he shifted his focus to becoming a boxing manager and promoter, where he found success. By the late 1970s, Maloney had gained substantial experience as a boxing trainer and event organizer.

 

His career progressed rapidly, and by the 1980s, he was managing fighters professionally. It was in 1989 that Maloney made his most significant mark in boxing, becoming the manager of Lennox Lewis, who would go on to dominate the heavyweight division for over a decade. Under Maloney’s guidance, Lewis became the undisputed heavyweight champion, cementing Maloney’s reputation as a successful and influential figure in the sport. Maloney’s career in boxing was not without its challenges. He managed several fighters who went on to win world titles, but he also faced personal and professional setbacks. In 2009, Maloney suffered a heart attack while watching a fight between John McDermott and Tyson Fury. The incident was compounded by the tragic suicide of one of his clients, Darren Sutherland, whose death left Maloney in deep shock and grief. The aftermath of Sutherland’s death brought further turmoil for Maloney, as some members of the boxing community criticized his management style. In the wake of these personal and professional challenges, 

 

Maloney made the decision to retire from boxing in 2013. However, in a surprising turn of events, in August 2014, Maloney publicly revealed that she was undergoing gender reassignment and would now be known as Kellie. This announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that would lead to her eventual return to the boxing world in 2015, following the completion of her gender reassignment surgery. Kellie Maloney's transition became a significant public story, and she was widely recognized as one of the most prominent transgender figures in Britain. In the years following her announcement, Kellie appeared in various reality television shows, including Celebrity Big Brother (2014), where she was reportedly paid the highest fee of any housemate. She also took part in Celebrity MasterChef in 2019. Additionally, Kellie released her memoir, Becoming a Woman in a Man’s World, which detailed her experiences of living as Frank Maloney and her emotional journey to becoming Kellie. 

 

Before her gender transition, Maloney had been involved in politics, running as the UKIP candidate for the 2004 London mayoral election. During her time with the party, she was criticized for making controversial comments about LGBTQ+ individuals, which she later acknowledged were wrong. In a 2014 interview, Kellie admitted that her remarks were made in jest, but she now accepted that they were inappropriate and hurtful. Kellie’s personal life, particularly her marriages, has also been an area of public interest. She was married twice, first to her wife Jackie at the age of 21, and later to Tracey, with whom she had two daughters. In an interview, Kellie revealed that her marriage to Tracey ended after her gender transition, but that Tracey remained supportive throughout the process. In the documentary, Kellie opens up about the struggles she faced within her relationships, including a disturbing incident in which she once attempted to strangle her wife during a moment of emotional distress. This admission highlighted the intense internal conflict Kellie faced prior to her transition and her journey toward healing.

 

The release of From Frank to Kellie was an important moment in the public’s understanding of transgender issues. It not only chronicled the remarkable story of Kellie Maloney’s transition but also provided a deeper reflection on the complexities of identity and the courage required to live as one's true self. In the years following her transition, Kellie has continued to advocate for transgender rights and to promote a message of acceptance and understanding. Kellie Maloney’s story is one of immense personal strength and transformation. From her days as a boxing manager to her public transition, she has shown incredible resilience and a commitment to being true to herself. The documentary From Frank to Kellie offers a powerful exploration of a life that was lived in secrecy for so long and reveals the remarkable journey of a woman who overcame tremendous obstacles to finally embrace who she truly is. Through honesty, courage, and authenticity, Kellie’s story serves as an inspiration to many, both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community.

 

via: youtube

wikipedia and letterboxd.com

Image credits: YouTube