Steve Reeves
“The champion bodybuilder turned screen Hercules who launched the era of the muscleman epic.”
In 1958 Steve Reeves starred as the title strongman in the Italian film 'Hercules,' which producer Joseph E. Levine bought for U.S. release and promoted into a box-office sensation in 1959. The film launched the international 'sword-and-sandal' craze and made the former Mr. Universe one of the world's biggest stars.
From Montana to the Gym
After his father died in a farming accident, young Reeves moved with his mother to California. At Oakland's Ed Yarick gym he built the physique that would win bodybuilding's top titles in the late 1940s.
Becoming Hercules
Cast in Italy's 'Hercules' in 1958, Reeves became the face of the sword-and-sandal epic. Distributor Joseph E. Levine's saturation marketing turned the film into a smash and made Reeves an international sensation.
Later Years
Reeves headlined a string of European adventure films before injuries and changing tastes led him to retire by the late 1960s. He spent his later life raising horses and championing natural bodybuilding.
Career Timeline
- 1926Born in Glasgow, Montana
- 1936Moves to Oakland, California, after father's death
- 1947Wins the Mr. America title
- 1948Wins Mr. World in Cannes, France
- 1950Wins the NABBA Mr. Universe title
- 1954Film debut in Ed Wood's 'Jail Bait'
- 1958Stars in 'Hercules' in Italy
- 1959Sequel 'Hercules Unchained' released
- 1968Largely retires from filmmaking
- 2000Dies in Escondido, California
Biggest Hits
- Reeves won Mr. America, Mr. World and Mr. Universe before ever becoming a movie star.
- He reportedly turned down the role of James Bond in 'Dr. No,' preferring his European film career.
The Moment You Remember
The sight of Reeves as Hercules performing feats of strength in the 1958 film is the moment that defined him and an entire genre. His heroic figure on the screen inspired a generation of fitness enthusiasts and set the template for the cinematic strongman.
Portrait: Edward D. Wood Jr (director); film Jail Bait (1954) · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons