Bodybuilding Icon Reg Park Dies



It is with great sadness that we have to inform Reg Park's friends, fans and supporters around the world that Reg passed away this morning, November 22, 2007.

Reg's remaining time with us was spent with great dignity surrounded by a sea of love and good wishes from around the globe. He expressed his most sincere thanks and love to all who supported and loved him throughout his life. Reg and his family also wished to thank everybody who sent so many beautiful messages of support throughout his illness.

The Legend will continue to live in our hearts and our souls.

The memorial will take place on Sunday afternoon at 16:30, 25 November 2007.

With Love and gratitude from the Park Family,

Mareon, Jeunesse, Jon Jon, Frik, Michelle, Jhana, Kaya, Tamarac, Travis, Trent, Savanah, Johnny, Bonny, Taryn, Nicole, Chelsea, Kyle, Douw and Garth.





History

Roy "Reg" Park (7 June 1928 – 22 November 2007) from Yorkshire, England, was a former bodybuilder, businessman and film actor.

Reg Park was born in Yorkshire, England on 7 June 1928. An athlete from the start, he dedicated his teenage years excelling in football (a.k.a. American soccer). He had no interest in bodybuilding until, at age 16, Park met a muscleman named David Cohen. Upon learning that Cohen lifted weights at his friend's house, Reg Park joined in with curiosity. Unlike today's proliferation of modern gym equipment, Park's legendary physique would grow from barbells, dumbbells and a simple chinning bar.

Upon discharge from the military in 1948, he saw his very first physique contest. This was the inaugural NABBA Mr. Universe contest, in which John Grimek edged out over Steve Reeves in controversial fashion. It was this contest that inspired Reg Park to compete himself.

After only one year of hard training, Reg Park earned the title of Mr. Britain in 1949. He then subsequently spent six months in the United States (thanks to a gift from his parents). There, he met up with famed publisher Joe Weider, who began to feature the Englishman prominently in his muscle magazines. The next year, Park was runner-up to Steve Reeves in the 1950 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe in London (also a close contest).

After a second full year of training and experience, Reg Park broke what had been an American monopoly on bodybuilding titles by easily winning the 1951 National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA)Amateur Mr. Universe. He cemented his superstar status by winning the 1958 AND 1965 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe titles. Standing 6'2" and with a top weight of 250 pounds, Park was known for his muscular mass that was the forerunner to modern bodybuilding today. Park was also renowned for his strength, which he often demonstrated in contests and strongman exhibitions. For instance,it is on record that he was the first bodybuilder to bench press 500 lbs.

Just as famous for his mass and strength, Reg Park was an early influence and lifelong mentor to champion bodybuilder and current Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger.[1] Bonus footage from the DVD release of the classic documentary film Pumping Iron (1977) features Park mentoring Schwarzenegger. Park can also be heard performing the Master of Ceremonies duties in the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia Contests featured in the film proper.

As an actor, Park made only five films — all Italian Hercules sword and sandal — but he remains a favorite among fans of the genre.

Reg Park's legacy is continued by his son, Jon Jon Park, a personal trainer and former Olympic Swimmer. Reg Park raised and trained Jon Jon in South Africa. Today Jon Jon Park is the owner of the Legacy Gym, a popular gymnasium in West Los Angeles, CA. His daughter Jeunesse runs the Reg Park Legacy Foundation which helps disadvantaged people access sport and fitness.

Reg Park was always active in bodybuilding and fitness. Up to the time of his illness in 2007, despite being in his seventies, Park continued to train clients at the Morningside Virgin Active Gym in Sandton, South Africa. He has been featured in many fitness and bodybuilding magazines, and has also appeared on the cover of MUSCLE magazine. He was inducted into the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) Hall of Fame's first ballot in 1999.

With his wife Mareon of 55 years and their family by his side, Reg Park died on November 22, 2007 at his home in South Africa, after an eight month battle with metastatic melanoma (a form of skin cancer).


Filmography

* Ercole Alla Conquista Di Atlantide (1961) Italty. aka Hercules and the Captive Women (1963)
* Ercole Al Centro Della Terra (1961) Italy. aka Hercules in the Haunted World (1961) co-starring Christopher Lee
* Maciste Nelle Miniere Di Re Salomone (1964) Italy. aka Maciste in King Solomon's Mines (1964)
* Ursus, Il Terrore Dei Kirghisi (1964). Italy. aka Hercules, Prisoner of Evil (1964)
* Sfida Dei Giganti (1965) Italy. aka Hercules The Avenger (1965)