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Larger Than Life — Documentary
Larger Than Life

In 1960s Los Angeles, after the catastrophic Watts riots, an outsized character emerged — one who found an unexpected way to unite people across race and class. Odds are you’ve never heard of him. From L.A. Times Studios, the team behind “Dirty John” and “Man in the Window,” comes “Larger Than Life,” a docu-series about Big Willie Robinson, a 6-foot-6, muscle-bound street racer who preached peace a quarter-mile at a time. Cops and criminals, movie stars and miscreants, even Crips and Bloods — out at the drag strip, Big Willie could get them all to see eye to eye, easing tensions and making L.A. a safer and more unified place. For a time, he was a celebrated figure in L.A. — but today his legend has faded. What caused him to fall into obscurity? Reported, written and hosted by Daniel Miller from the L.A. Times. Produced by L.A. Times Studios and Neon Hum Media.

Latest Episodes:

Introducing: Crimes of the Times Jan 28, 2025

L.A. Times reporter Christopher Goffard of “Dirty John” is back with another riveting podcast from L.A. Times Studios. In “Crimes of the Times,” Goffard goes deep behind the scenes of a new story each week, cutting through common myths and misconceptions to uncover what really happened in the most compelling cases from L.A. and beyond.

The Last Race | 7 Aug 06, 2019

Episode 7: Big Willie Robinson’s decision to make himself into a myth ends in tragedy. An effort to understand his legacy leads to a harrowing street race in Compton, and, ultimately, a question: What does it really mean to be larger than life?

Learn more about the story, sign up for new episode alerts and go behind the scenes at latimes.com/LTL

Shut Down | 6 Jul 30, 2019

Episode 6: As the drug trade and gang violence of the 1980s engulf South Los Angeles, Big Willie Robinson finds himself without a racetrack and sees his influence waning. But after the city burns again, he seizes a chance to start anew.

Learn more about the story, sign up for new episode alerts and go behind the scenes at latimes.com/LTL

The Lie | 5 Jul 23, 2019

Episode 5: A startling revelation about Big Willie Robinson leads to a reappraisal of the street racer and his mission. As members of the Brotherhood of Street Racers try to make sense of his secret, a new truth emerges.

Learn more about the story, sign up for new episode alerts and go behind the scenes at latimes.com/LTL

Fast and Famous | 4 Jul 16, 2019

Episode 4: Big Willie Robinson has a surprising career turn in the entertainment industry, working as an actor, rubbing shoulders with A-listers and appearing in some iconic 1970s films. He even has connections to the “The Fast and the Furious” and “Star Wars” film franchises.

Learn more about the story, sign up for new episode alerts and go behind the scenes at latimes.com/LTL

Run Whatcha Brung | 3 Jul 11, 2019

Episode 3: Banned from street racing in L.A. in the early 1970s, Big Willie Robinson becomes fixated with building a racetrack for the Brotherhood of Street Racers. He wants a place where all are welcome — even cops and criminals — but can he pull it off?

Learn more about the story, sign up for new episode alerts and go behind the scenes at latimes.com/LTL

Becoming Big Willie | 2 Jul 09, 2019

Episode 2: In the five years after the 1965 Watts riots, Big Willie Robinson meets the love of his life, gets the car of his dreams, forges ties with the LAPD and starts the Brotherhood of Street Racers.

Learn more about the story, sign up for new episode alerts and go behind the scenes at latimes.com/LTL

King of the Street | 1 Jul 09, 2019

Episode 1: L.A. street racing legend Big Willie Robinson uses cars to heal a city torn apart by racial violence. His larger-than-life exploits touch Hollywood, the Southland’s most notorious gangs and even the Los Angeles Times.

Learn more about the story, sign up for new episode alerts and go behind the scenes at latimes.com/LTL

Introducing Larger Than Life Jul 01, 2019

This is the true story of a street racer who united Los Angeles — but left behind a tangle of questions. Reported, written and hosted by Daniel Miller from the Los Angeles Times. Premieres July 9.

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