Actor, bodybuilder and all-around inspiration, Lou Ferrigno was born November 9, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York. He won his first major title IFBB Mr. America in 1969, and then IFBB Mr. Universe in 1973. He trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger and came in second in his first Mr. Olympia competition in 1974.
His other titles include Pro Mr. America-WBBG, Teen 1st, and IFBB Mr. International in 1974.
He appeared as the Incredible Hulk in the television series with Bill Bixby from 1978-1982. Most recently he has appeared in Star Trek Continues.
Frank Zane, born June 28, 1942 in Kingston, Pennsylvania, is a three-time Mr. Olympia. He was one of my inspirations during my dream days. He began bodybuilding as a teenager and received a Bachelor of Science. He taught mathematics and chemistry while continuing his bodybuilding.
He won his IFBB Mr. Olympia titles 1977-1979. Frank is one of only three men to have beaten Arnold Schwarzenegger in a bodybuilding contest.
Bob Paris, born December 14, 1959, is one of the first bodybuilders to come out as gay while he was at the peak of his competitive career. He began competing in California and won Mr. Los Angeles in 1981 and in 1982 he won Mr. Southern California and the California Muscle Classic in Pasadena. He won two more title in 1983. He posed for Mr. Olympia in 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989 and 1991 but never got higher than 7th. But in 1983 he won the IFBB World Championship Mr. Universe and professional qualifier in the Heavyweight Class and Overall!
In July 1989, he came out in an issue of Ironman. His career suffered afterwards, losing about 80% of bookings and endorsements. He and his partner at the time Rod Jackson co-authored a book, which I read, Straight from the Heart, in which Bob talks about struggling with his career and being gay.
Paris retired from bodybuilding in 1991. Since coming out, he has been a vocal advocate for gay marriage and gay rights. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with his husband Brian LeFurgey.
In 2006, Flex Magazine ranked him as the most aesthetic athlete in the history of bodybuilding.
Chris Dickerson, born in New York City, is a former bodybuilder. He is the first black, first openly gay and oldest (43) Mr. Olympia, which he won in 1982.
He was inducted into the International Federation of Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2000. Although retired since 1994, he still trains and conducts seminars.
