Albert “Chalky” Wright (1912–1957) was an American featherweight boxer who fought from 1928 to 1948 and held the world featherweight championship in 1941–1942. His career record was 171 wins (with 87 knockouts), 46 losses and 19 draws.
In the 1930s, Wright became friendly with actress Mae West (1893–1980). West was a boxing fan and helped to finance Wright’s boxing career. He eventually became her live-in bodyguard and chauffeur for a time. The two reportedly began a romantic relationship though both publicly denied this.
In an era when Hollywood was obsessed with appearances and racial lines were strictly drawn, their relationship stood out as an act of quiet defiance. Their story wasn’t just controversial—it was courageous.
When the management at West’s Los Angeles residence, the Ravenswood Apartments, refused to allow Wright, a Black man, into her apartment, West responded by buying the entire building to ensure he had unrestricted access.
Wright also played a key role in protecting her from threats; in 1935, he assisted law enforcement during a sting operation against a would-be extortionist targeting West, planting a decoy purse near the Warner Brothers studio to catch the suspect.
Mae West may have broken all the rules, but what truly mattered to her was loyalty, justice, and standing by those who stood by her. And in Chalky Wright, she found a partner who did just that—with strength, dignity, and unwavering presence.
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