https://simplecast.com 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. © 2019, Los Angeles Times en Tue, 6 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Thu, 9 Oct 2025 18:37:39 +0000 http://latimes.com/largerthanlife Larger Than Life https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/3a6095a0-975b-44a0-a3d2-e767d7fea33f/6f8199b3-7c2b-4e65-8527-ab0b7f87aeba/3000x3000/b75ca09924a0a78b093d7fb7782176f06c9a6972e7431e90aad3bfd09fa9c3097a52920c6ed032b3894b216a823f705f931ed6d03eedaed31cb94851d9b2777b.jpeg?aid=rss_feed http://latimes.com/largerthanlife serial 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. Los Angeles Times false https://feeds.simplecast.com/_gIimh__ Neon Hum Media, L.A. Times, drag racing, Daniel Miller, Big Wilie Robinson, Big Willie, Watts riots, class, street racer, Los Angeles Times, 60s, race, 1960s, street car Los Angeles Times latimes.studios@gmail.com gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/f3rOaXS1GOBE62YNUBqNTaN4AuUHKCGSw-I4P5Di1pY The Last Race | 7 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

]]> Tue, 6 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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

]]> The Last Race | 7 Los Angeles Times 00:36:00 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 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 big willie, street racer, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, drag racing, 1960s, daniel miller, race, compton, tragedy, street car, los angeles times, neon hum media, 60s, watts riots, class false full 7 1 gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/8k0kfel88bLFT5FFgiyAexC0--fkFUOLGFxVSkwxnnE Shut Down | 6 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

]]> Tue, 30 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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

]]> Shut Down | 6 Los Angeles Times 00:38:18 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 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 big willie, street racer, 1980s, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, gang violence, drag racing, drug trade, 1960s, daniel miller, race, street car, south la, los angeles times, south los angeles, neon hum media, south central, 60s, 80s, watts riots, class true full 6 1 gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/uJGiRTDa2UXYIPe2dC6lmpk02QuDHcTqsqPWygJFUXQ The Lie | 5 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

]]> Tue, 23 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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

]]> The Lie | 5 Los Angeles Times 00:35:12 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 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 big willie, street racer, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, drag racing, brotherhood of street racers, 1960s, daniel miller, race, street car, vietnam, los angeles times, neon hum media, 60s, watts riots, class false full 5 1 gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/2lgDrILYL-r1-IyKoZW730hNdJ3Df2bLhjSltJyHg3I Fast and Famous | 4 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

]]> Tue, 16 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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

]]> Fast and Famous | 4 Los Angeles Times 00:33:42 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 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 big willie, street racer, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, drag racing, 1960s, darth vader, daniel miller, race, street car, star wars, george lucas, los angeles times, entertainment, neon hum media, the fast and the furious, 60s, watts riots, class false full 4 1 gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/tswjfqvCMvFKa6lgQ0HUOv3P2uU_w3B63bSpK5JZeEY Run Whatcha Brung | 3 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

]]> Thu, 11 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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

]]> Run Whatcha Brung | 3 Los Angeles Times 00:30:48 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 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 big willie, street racer, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, drag racing, 70s, 1960s, daniel miller, race, street car, 1970s, los angeles times, neon hum media, banned, 60s, watts riots, class true full 3 1 gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/wrUPlVFgl_CopZMK-8IZtIhR2lbCoOT5vBgoS5irT7Y Becoming Big Willie | 2 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

]]> Tue, 9 Jul 2019 07:30:00 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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

]]> Becoming Big Willie | 2 Los Angeles Times 00:31:05 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 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 big willie, street racer, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, drag racing, 1960s, daniel miller, race, street car, los angeles times, neon hum media, 60s, watts riots, class false full 2 1 gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/ToMbOfMPGfkqr2jm3H-Po7XOWPdLpIIgPmBPi8YzHmo King of the Street | 1 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

]]> Tue, 9 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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

]]> King of the Street | 1 Los Angeles Times 00:29:02 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 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 big willie, street racer, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, drag racing, 1960s, daniel miller, race, street car, los angeles times, neon hum media, 60s, watts riots, class false full 1 1 gid://art19-episode-locator/V0/kW-eajhfZCe_wu1aipSXpMxTmTlHhsjL0NAHyp2ORvg Introducing Larger Than Life 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.

]]> Mon, 1 Jul 2019 22:05:34 +0000 latimes.studios@gmail.com (Los Angeles Times) http://latimes.com/largerthanlife 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.

]]> Introducing Larger Than Life Los Angeles Times 00:03:06 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. 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. big willie, street racer, big wilie robinson, l.a. times, drag racing, 1960s, daniel miller, race, street car, los angeles times, neon hum media, 60s, watts riots, class false trailer 1