Steve Reeves, Mr. America/actor, born 1926

Handsome, muscular Steve Reeves, born January 21, 1926 in Glasgow, Montana, weas a professional bodybuilder and actor, being the number one box office draw in 25 countries in 1960.

He moved with his mother to California when he was ten after his father died in a farming accident.  He discovered an interest in bodybuilding and began training in Oakland, California.  He served in the Philippines during WWII.

After the war, he began competing in bodybuilding and won the titles of Mr. America 1947, Mr. World 1948, and Mr. Universe 1950.  Then he was contacted by an agent about going into acting.  

Reeves mainly appeared in roles that showed off his physique, such as Hercules, gladiators, and a Tarzan-ish role in Kimbar of the Jungle. A shoulder injury during the filming of The Last Days of Pompeii in 1959 ultimately led to his retirement from filmmaking.

Reeves passed away in May 2000 from a blood clot while be treated for lymphoma.

He apparently had some comedic talent as well, as he appeared in the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show:

Happy birthday, Lou Ferrigno!

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.

Celebrating Pride Month - Jim Morris, first gay bodybuilder

Jim Morris, born August 31, 1935, won Mr. America in 1973, becoming the first openly gay person and the oldest person (at 37) to win the title.  He had been bodybuilding and competing for 18 years and had been winning titles since 1959, but Mr. America was the biggest. 

But when he went on stage, the crowd booed instead of cheering.  To add insult to injury, bodybuilding magazines refused to put him on the covers nor even mention his name.  He used this experience to fuel his drive and work to overturn stereotypes.

He was Elton John's personal bodyguard for 15 years. 

In 1996, he came out of retirement and placed 1st at the Mr. Olympia Masters, for contestants over 60. 

He passed away in 2016.  Some of the records he set still stand.





https://www.riseofthevegan.com/blog/jim-morris-a-tribute-to-the-vegan-legend