25 Great Old School Bodybuilders
The Bodybuilding Archive is dedicated to covering the lives of old school bodybuilders pre-2000. We’re the dedicated few still passionate about the old school training methods and the influence these legends had on the sport we love. In this post we look back at 25 of the most influential figures in world bodybuilding, in no particular order.
Eugen Sandow: The Godfather of Bodybuilding
Eugen Sandow, born on April 2, 1867, was a pioneering German bodybuilder widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Bodybuilding.” Sandow was not only a strongman but also a showman, captivating audiences with his impressive feats of strength and muscular development. His innovative approach to training and nutrition laid the foundation for modern bodybuilding practices. Among his most notable achievements were the organization of the first major bodybuilding contest, the “Great Competition,” in 1901, and the publication of numerous books, including “Strength and How to Obtain It.” Sandow also developed his own line of fitness equipment and opened the Institute of Physical Culture, where he personally trained clients, further solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the world of fitness.
Read the full story of Eugen Sandow here.
Steve Reeves: The Shape
Steve Reeves, born on January 21, 1926, was an iconic American bodybuilder and actor who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Known for his impressive physique and classic good looks, Reeves was considered the King of the Silver Era of bodybuilding. His exceptional aesthetic proportions and symmetrical muscular development set the standard for future generations of bodybuilders. Among his most notable achievements were winning the title of Mr. America in 1947, Mr. World in 1948, and Mr. Universe in 1950. Reeves’ success in bodybuilding paved the way for his acting career, where he starred in several sword-and-sandal films, most notably as Hercules in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His accomplishments in both bodybuilding and acting have solidified his place as a true legend in the world of fitness and entertainment.
Read the full story of Steve Reeves here.
George Eiferman: George of the Jungle
George Eiferman, born on November 3, 1925, was a celebrated American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the sport during the 1940s and 1950s. Eiferman was known for his remarkable muscularity, incredible strength, and engaging stage presence. His dedication to bodybuilding and determination to achieve the perfect physique made him a role model for aspiring athletes. Among Eiferman’s most notable achievements were winning the title of Mr. America in 1948 and Mr. Universe in 1962. In addition to his competitive success, Eiferman also had a brief acting career, appearing in several films and television shows. George Eiferman was also cited as the inspiration for the famous character, George of the Jungle, created by his friend with whom he served in the Navy.
Read the full story of George Eiferman here.
Frank Zane: The Chemist
Frank Zane, born on June 28, 1942, is an influential American bodybuilder known for his impeccable symmetry, proportion, and aesthetic appeal. Often referred to as the “Chemist” due to his scientific approach to training and nutrition, Zane represented the epitome of the “Golden Age” of bodybuilding during the 1970s. His extraordinary physique, marked by its lean and sculpted appearance, inspired countless individuals to pursue bodybuilding as a means to achieve a similar look.
Among his most notable achievements, Frank Zane won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title three times consecutively from 1977 to 1979. He also claimed victories in other major competitions, such as Mr. America, Mr. Universe, and Mr. World. Zane’s dedication to the sport, coupled with his unique ability to present a highly aesthetic and well-proportioned physique, set a new standard in bodybuilding that many competitors aspired to emulate.
Frank Zane’s illustrious career and lasting impact on the sport have secured his place as a true icon in the world of bodybuilding. Through his achievements and the inspiration he provided to countless athletes, Zane has left a legacy that continues to shape the sport today.
Read the full story of Frank Zane here
Jusup Wilkosz: The German Zeus
Jusup Wilkosz, born on September 4, 1948, was a prominent German bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the sport during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible size, muscularity, and impressive v-taper, Wilkosz was considered one of the top competitors of his time. His dedication to bodybuilding and commitment to pushing the boundaries of human strength and aesthetics made him an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Among Wilkosz’s most notable achievements were winning the title of Mr. Universe in 1979 and earning his IFBB Pro Card in 1980. He also consistently placed in the top ranks at the Mr. Olympia competition during his prime years. Jusup Wilkosz’s contributions to the world of bodybuilding have left a lasting legacy and continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
Read the full story of Jusup Wilkosz here.
John Grimek: The Monarch of Muscledom
John Grimek, born on June 17, 1910, was a pioneering American bodybuilder and weightlifter who left an indelible mark on the world of fitness during the 1930s and 1940s. Renowned for his remarkable muscular development, strength, and outstanding proportions, Grimek was considered one of the most impressive bodybuilders of his era.
Among Grimek’s most notable achievements were winning the title of Mr. America twice, in 1940 and 1941, and claiming victory in the 1948 Mr. Universe competition. As a weightlifter, he represented the United States at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Grimek also served as a writer and editor for several popular fitness magazines, including Muscular Development and Strength & Health, where he shared his expertise and passion for bodybuilding with a wider audience.
Read the full story of John Grimek here.
Reg Park: Arnold's Idol
Reg Park, born on June 7, 1928, was a legendary British bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and actor who had a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his exceptional muscularity, strength, and classic physique, Park was a true icon of the “Golden Age” of bodybuilding. His dedication to the sport, innovative training methods, and commitment to pushing the limits of human performance made him a role model for countless aspiring athletes.
Among Park’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious Mr. Universe title three times in 1951, 1958, and 1965. His success in bodybuilding laid the foundation for his acting career, where he starred in several sword-and-sandal films, most notably as Hercules in the early 1960s. Reg Park also made a significant impact on the sport by mentoring a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, inspiring him to pursue bodybuilding and eventually become one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
In addition to his competitive and acting accomplishments, Reg Park was a successful entrepreneur, opening gyms and fitness centers in South Africa, and developing a line of bodybuilding equipment.
Read the full story of Reg Park here.
Serge Nubret: The Black Panther
Serge Nubret, born on October 6, 1938, was a renowned French bodybuilder, actor, and author who made significant contributions to the world of fitness during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his incredible muscularity, proportion, and classic physique, Nubret was often referred to as the “Black Panther” for his graceful yet powerful presence on stage. His dedication to the sport and commitment to pushing the limits of human performance inspired countless individuals to pursue bodybuilding as a means to achieve similar success.
Among Nubret’s most notable achievements were winning the 1976 Mr. Universe title, and placing as the runner-up in the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition. Throughout his career, Serge consistently ranked among the top contenders in numerous international bodybuilding championships, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Serge Nubret was also a successful actor, appearing in over 25 films, and an author, who wrote about his unique training methods and philosophy in bodybuilding.
Read the full story of Serge Nubret here.
Sergio Oliva: The Myth
Sergio Oliva, born on July 4, 1941, was a legendary Cuban bodybuilder known for his incredible size, strength, and unmatched muscularity. Often referred to as “The Myth,” Oliva was considered one of the most genetically gifted bodybuilders in the history of the sport. His extraordinary physique and raw power inspired countless individuals to pursue bodybuilding and strive to reach similar levels of achievement.
Among Oliva’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title three times consecutively from 1967 to 1969. He also claimed victories in other major competitions, such as Mr. World and Mr. Universe. Sergio’s awe-inspiring presence on stage and unmatched dominance during his prime years set a new benchmark for what was possible in the world of bodybuilding.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Sergio Oliva was a trailblazer for athletes from Cuba and other countries with limited resources, proving that dedication, hard work, and determination could lead to success on the world stage.
Read the full story of Sergio Oliva here.
Franco Columbu: The Sardinian Strongman
Franco Columbu, born on August 7, 1941, was an influential Italian bodybuilder, powerlifter, and actor who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible strength, muscularity, and compact, well-proportioned physique, Columbu was considered one of the most impressive bodybuilders of his time.
Among Columbu’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title twice, in 1976 and 1981. He also claimed victories in other major competitions, such as Mr. Universe, Mr. World, and Mr. Europe. Franco’s success in bodybuilding, despite his shorter stature, demonstrated that athletes of all shapes and sizes could achieve greatness in the sport.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Franco Columbu was a successful actor, appearing in several films and television shows, often alongside his close friend and training partner, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also authored numerous books on bodybuilding and fitness, sharing his knowledge and passion with a wider audience.
Read the full story of Franco Colombu here.
Lou Ferrigno: The Hulk
Lou Ferrigno, born on November 9, 1951, is an iconic American bodybuilder, actor, and fitness trainer who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his immense size, muscularity, and commanding stage presence, Ferrigno was considered one of the most formidable competitors of his time.
Among Ferrigno’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious Mr. Universe title twice, in 1973 and 1974, and placing highly in the Mr. Olympia competition during his competitive years. Lou’s incredible success in bodybuilding laid the foundation for his acting career, where he became best known for his role as The Incredible Hulk in the 1977-1982 television series, as well as appearances in several other films and TV shows.
In addition to his competitive and acting accomplishments, Lou Ferrigno has had a successful career as a personal trainer, helping countless individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Read the full story of Lou Ferrigno here.
Larry Scott: The First Mr. Olympia
Larry Scott, born on October 12, 1938, was a pioneering American bodybuilder who left a lasting impact on the world of fitness during the 1960s. Known for his incredible arm development, broad shoulders, and overall aesthetic appeal, Scott was considered one of the most impressive bodybuilders of his era. His dedication to the sport and innovative training techniques inspired countless individuals to pursue bodybuilding and strive for similar levels of achievement.
Among Scott’s most notable achievements were winning the inaugural Mr. Olympia title in 1965 and successfully defending it in 1966. He also claimed victories in other major competitions, such as Mr. America and Mr. Universe.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Larry Scott was a pioneer in bodybuilding education, sharing his knowledge and training methods through books, articles, and seminars.
Read the full story of Larry Scott here.
Robby Robinson: The Black Prince
Robby Robinson, born on May 24, 1946, is a legendary American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible muscularity, proportion, and aesthetic appeal, Robinson was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Robinson’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious Mr. America title in 1975, the Mr. World title in 1974, and the Mr. Universe title in 1976. He also had a successful professional bodybuilding career, winning multiple IFBB Pro shows, including the first-ever Night of Champions in 1979 and the Masters Mr. Olympia in 1994. Robby’s impressive competitive record and undeniable stage presence earned him the nickname “The Black Prince” within the bodybuilding community.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Robby Robinson has been an influential figure in the sport through his coaching, mentoring, and educational efforts. He has shared his knowledge and passion for bodybuilding with countless athletes and enthusiasts, helping to shape the future of the sport.
Read the full story of Robby Robinson here.
Bob Paris: The Flawless Marvel
Bob Paris, born on December 14, 1959, is a celebrated American bodybuilder, actor, and author who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his incredible symmetry, proportion, and classic physique, Paris was considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing bodybuilders of his time.
Among Paris’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1983 NPC Nationals Heavyweight title and the 1983 IFBB World Amateur Championships in the heavyweight division, which earned him professional status. Throughout his professional bodybuilding career, Paris consistently ranked among the top contenders in numerous international competitions, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Bob Paris has been a successful actor, appearing in several films and television shows, and a prolific author, writing numerous books on bodybuilding, fitness, and personal development. As an openly gay man, Paris has also been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a trailblazer in the sport of bodybuilding.
Read the full story of Bob Paris here.
Jim Haislop: Successor to Steve Reeves
Jim Haislop, born on December 5, 1941, is an accomplished American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1960s. Known for his impressive muscularity, proportion, and classic physique, Haislop was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Haislop’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1968 Mr. America title and the 1967 Mr. USA title. Throughout his competitive bodybuilding career, Haislop consistently ranked among the top contenders in numerous national and international competitions, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
Read the full story of Jim Haislop here.
Dave Draper: The Blonde Bomber
Dave Draper, born on April 16, 1942, is a renowned American bodybuilder, actor, and author who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his incredible muscularity, proportion, and classic physique, Draper was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Draper’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1965 Mr. America title, the 1966 Mr. Universe title, and the 1970 Mr. World title. Throughout his competitive bodybuilding career, Draper consistently ranked among the top contenders in numerous national and international competitions.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Dave Draper has been a successful actor, appearing in several films and television shows, and a prolific author, writing numerous books on bodybuilding, fitness, and personal development.
Tom Platz: The Quadfather
Tom Platz, born on June 26, 1955, is a legendary American bodybuilder, author, and motivational speaker who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible leg development, muscularity, and powerful physique, Platz was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Platz’s most notable achievements were winning the 1980 IFBB World Pro Championships, earning numerous top-three finishes in the Mr. Olympia competition, and achieving the highest-ranked legs in bodybuilding history.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Tom Platz has been an influential figure in the sport through his educational efforts, sharing his knowledge and passion for bodybuilding with countless athletes and enthusiasts. He has written several books, produced instructional videos, and conducted seminars worldwide, focusing on strength training, nutrition, and motivation.
Read the full story of Tom Platz here.
Mike Mentzer: Mr Heavy Duty
Mike Mentzer, born on November 15, 1951, was an influential American bodybuilder, author, and personal trainer who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible muscularity, density, and classic physique, Mentzer was considered one of the top competitors of his time. His dedication to the sport and commitment to promoting a scientifically-based and efficient approach to training inspired countless individuals to pursue bodybuilding as a means to achieve similar success.
Among Mentzer’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1976 Mr. America title, the 1978 Mr. Universe title with a perfect score, and achieving a top-two finish in the 1979 Mr. Olympia competition.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Mike Mentzer was an influential figure in the sport through his development and promotion of the High-Intensity Training (HIT) methodology. He authored several books and articles on the subject, sharing his knowledge and passion for efficient and effective training methods with countless athletes and enthusiasts.
Read the full story of Mike Mentzer here.
Boyer Coe: The Thinking Bodybuilder
Boyer Coe, born on August 18, 1946, is a distinguished American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Known for his incredible muscularity, symmetry, and classic physique, Coe was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Coe’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1969 Mr. America title, the 1969 Mr. Universe title, and the 1981 Professional Mr. Universe title.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Boyer Coe has been an influential figure in the sport through his educational efforts, sharing his knowledge and passion for bodybuilding with countless athletes and enthusiasts. He has written articles, conducted seminars, and provided coaching to aspiring competitors, helping to shape the future of the sport. Boyer Coe’s passion for fitness, contributions to the sport, and enduring legacy continue to inspire generations of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts around the world.
Read the full story of Boyer Coe here.
Casey Viator: The Giant Killer
Casey Viator, born on September 4, 1951, was a renowned American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible muscularity, density, and classic physique, Viator was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Viator’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1971 Mr. America title at the young age of 19, making him the youngest Mr. America in history, and the 1980 Professional Mr. Universe title.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Casey Viator was an influential figure in the sport through his involvement in the development and promotion of the High-Intensity Training (HIT) methodology. Working closely with Mike Mentzer and Arthur Jones, the founder of Nautilus, Viator helped to demonstrate the effectiveness of HIT through his own impressive physique and training methods.
Read the full story of Casey Viator here.
Bill Pearl: "World's Best-Built Man of the Century"
Bill Pearl, born on October 31, 1930, is a legendary American bodybuilder, author, and personal trainer who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Known for his incredible muscularity, symmetry, and classic physique, Pearl was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Pearl’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1953 Mr. America title, the 1953 Mr. Universe title, and the 1971 Professional Mr. Universe title at the age of 41.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Bill Pearl has been an influential figure in the sport through his educational efforts, sharing his knowledge and passion for bodybuilding with countless athletes and enthusiasts. He has authored several books, including “Keys to the Inner Universe” and “Getting Stronger,” and has conducted seminars and provided coaching to aspiring competitors, helping to shape the future of the sport.
Chris Dickerson: Diamond Calves
Chris Dickerson, born on August 25, 1939, was a groundbreaking American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible muscularity, symmetry, and classic physique, Dickerson was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Dickerson’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1970 AAU Mr. America title, the 1973 IFBB Mr. America title, and the 1982 Mr. Olympia title at the age of 43, making him the oldest competitor to win the title at that time.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Chris Dickerson was an influential figure in the sport through his trailblazing efforts, being the first African American and openly gay man to win the Mr. Olympia title.
Read the full story of Chris Dickerson here.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Austrian Oak
Arnold Schwarzenegger, born on July 30, 1947, is a legendary Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor, and politician who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible muscularity, proportion, and classic physique, Schwarzenegger was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Schwarzenegger’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious Mr. Universe title at the age of 20, becoming the youngest winner of the title at the time, and securing the Mr. Olympia title a record seven times from 1970 to 1975 and in 1980.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been an influential figure in the sport through his acting career, starring in blockbuster films such as the “Terminator” series and “Conan the Barbarian,” which brought bodybuilding to the mainstream. He has authored several books on bodybuilding, fitness, and personal development, and has supported the sport by hosting the annual Arnold Sports Festival.
Mike Katz: Superhuman
Mike Katz, born on November 14, 1944, is a celebrated American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his incredible muscularity, impressive size, and classic physique, Katz was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Katz’s most notable achievements were winning the prestigious 1970 Mr. America title, the 1972 IFBB Mr. World title, and earning numerous top-ten finishes in the Mr. Olympia competition.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Mike Katz has been an influential figure in the sport through his appearance in the seminal documentary “Pumping Iron,” which chronicled the lives of several top bodybuilders, including Katz, as they prepared for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe competitions. The film helped bring bodybuilding to the mainstream and inspired a new generation of fitness enthusiasts.
Samir Bannout: The Lion of Lebanon
Samir Bannout, born on November 7, 1955, is a celebrated Lebanese-American bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the world of fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his incredible muscularity, proportion, and classic physique, Bannout was considered one of the top competitors of his time.
Among Bannout’s most notable achievements was winning the prestigious 1983 Mr. Olympia title, which earned him the nickname “The Lion of Lebanon.”
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Samir Bannout has been an influential figure in the sport through his educational efforts, sharing his knowledge and passion for bodybuilding with countless athletes and enthusiasts. He has written articles, conducted seminars, and provided coaching to aspiring competitors, helping to shape the future of the sport.
