STEVE REEVES was born on this date in 1926 in Glasgow, Montana, and was still a young boy when his father was killed in a farming accident. Soon, the family moved to Oakland, California, where he developed an interest in “body-building” while he was in high school. He had already “begun the game” when, at age 6 months, he won the fitness title of “Healthiest Baby of Valley County”—the 1st of many to follow!
Reeves loaded trucks, boxcars, and wagons and worked out loyally in gymnasiums during his stint in the Army, which helped his naturally “built” body to develop even more rapidly and led him to pursue professional bodybuilding.
He quickly started winning “titles,” and at age 20 years he was “Mr. Pacific Coast” (Oregon)—”Mr. Western America” and “MR. AMERICA” at 21 years— “Mr. World” at age 22—ultimately “MR. UNIVERSE” at 24 years!
What was left for this young man to accomplish after he had won THE TITLE so young and seemingly so easily? As you can imagine, he most likely was idolized by young and old men and “desired” by young and old women!
What was left was that he wanted to become an actor and to be hired not just for his physique but also for his abilities. Reeves endured California, Hollywood, small parts, background parts, walk-ons, muscle-flexing poses, and also at times being asked to “not be so muscular if he wanted to be taken seriously” as an actor!
As time passed, he became somewhat discouraged and “down,” but then he took a part in a movie— Athena—as Jane Powell’s boyfriend and “caught the eyes” of some “higher-ups,” who persuaded him to try his luck overseas. He had the chance to act in a movie, titled HERCULES, and the viewing public “went crazily enthusiastic” even though the professional critics were less than “awed.”
Steve was immensely popular and “starred” as the “muscular” hero in numerous biblical and mythological movies and sequels— and, he paved the path for more “stars” of his type in future movies!
Mr. Reeves was forced into early retirement from his movie career due to a serious shoulder injury, but in some ways this was good for him as he retired to promoting STEROID-FREE BODY-BUILDING (natural and drug-free) and horse ranching until his death in 2000.
Though he is probably best-known as a muscular body-builder, a Hercules or Superman, Reeves was known by many, many folks as an “authentic gentleman, genuine hero, true man,” while also being the “true Hercules” and greatest body-builder of all time!
Steve Reeves, a very handsome man, had a symmetrical physique with measurements at his “peak” of 6’ 1” height, 216 body pounds, 18 ½ inches arms (biceps), 52 inches chest, and 29 inches waist! (At least I am about his same height!)
In later years, he was praised and thanked by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Lou Ferrigno, who also played HERCULES and other “muscle-men” in numerous movies and shows.
Some of the statistics/ exact details in this report were from Gary Brumburgh and C. L. Candela.
By the way, if you do not know, HERCULES is/was one of the greatest heroes of Greek Mythology, the son of Zeus (King of gods) and the human Princess Alcmene—so, he was half god and half man! As Joe Bob Briggs would say: “Check him out!”
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