Since its inception back in 1965, the Mr. Olympia competition has showcased some of the strongest men to ever live. The tournament has brought some of the biggest names to entertainment, including a beloved celebrity trainer and a bankable box office actor who set his sights on the political world. We’re taking a look at what some of these gods among men look like today!
Arnold’s Fame Skyrockets
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting career soared after retiring from competition with iconic roles in films like The Terminator, Total Recall, Conan the Barbarian, and True Lies.
The Governator
Schwarzenegger served eight years as governor of California, and there have been rumors of him running for Senate in 2018. He also returned to acting with the role of Trench in The Expendables film franchise.
Still In The Bodybuilding Game
There’s no way that Schwarzenegger could ever truly leave the bodybuilding game behind. The Arnold Strongman Classic, which he founded in 2002, has been delivering $50,000 to the strongest competitor.
While Lou Ferrigno never won Mr. Olympia, he became one of the most popular competitors after making the jump to TV as The Incredible Hulk.
For decades, Ferrigno has trained some of the biggest stars in the world, including the late pop star Michael Jackson before his 2009 comeback tour.
A Deputy For Us All
Aside from being a trainer, Ferrigno was also sworn in as a deputy in the counties of Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo in California and Delaware County in Ohio.
The Chemist
Three-time Mr. Olympia winner Frank Zane opened up his own fitness center in Palm Springs, California called Zane Heaven, which was recently renamed Zane Experience.
Screen Time
Zane made his acting debut in a 1981 episode of Hart to Hart. 24 years later, he made his way back to the small screen as an IFBB Announcer in the A&E film See Arnold Run.
The First In His Field
With his Mr. Olympia win in 1982, Chris Dickerson became the first openly gay competitor to win the coveted title. He also became the oldest to receive the title at the age of 43.
Pipes For Days
Aside from his sharp physique, Dickerson is an acclaimed opera singer. He found his way into weight training because of a suggestion from his singing coach.
The Black Prince
For 27 years, Robby Robinson took part in various competitions, including the Niagara Falls Pro Invitational and Mr. America. In 2001, he retired at the age of 51.
Muscle Vs Hustle
In 2013, Robinson released his memoir The Black Prince: My Life in Bodybuilding; Muscle vs Hustle. Even in his 70s, the bodybuilder still finds time to motivate younger guys in the gym.
Forever Immortalized
In 2014, Lee Haney was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame along with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Jason Statham and five-time World Karate Champion Cynthia Rothrock.
Program Host
In 1994, Haney started hosting his exercise program on Trinity Broadcasting Network titled TotaLee Fit with Lee Haney. The show was recently moved to Blog Talk Radio.
The Blade
After eight attempts, Dexter Jackson was able to walk away as Mr. Olympia in 2008. He also holds the record for the most Mr. Olympia appearances with 17.
Court Case
In 2001, Jay Cutler had his second-place win at Mr. Olympia taken away after he tested positive for diuretics, which increases the chance of drugs being cleansed from the body via urine. After suing them, his standing was reinstated.
The Lion Of Lebanon
While a majority of competitors won Mr. Olympia numerous times, Samir Bannout won it once in 1983. Currently, he lives with his wife and three kids in Los Angeles.
The Sardinian Samson
After retiring in 1981, Franco Columbu decided to take up acting with small roles in Last Man Standing and Big Top Pee-Wee. He gained the lead actor role for a moment with his portrayal of Franco Armando Beretta in Beretta’s Island and Agent Enrico Costa in the films Taken Alive and Doublecross on Costa’s Island.
First Blood
Columbu’s biggest offscreen achievement was getting actor Sylvester Stallone in the best shape of his life for his memorable performances in the Rocky and Rambo film franchises.
Chiropractor Days
From 2006 to 2014, Franco Columbu was the head of the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners. His longtime friend Arnold Schwarzenegger gave him the position while he was governor.
The Myth
Sergio Oliva owned the title of the only person to defeat Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Mr. Olympia competition. He also has the distinction of being the first Mr. Olympia to die back in 2012.
The Golden Boy
Winner of the very first Mr. Olympia title, Larry Scott retired at the young age of 28 in order to focus on his marriage to his second wife. In 2014, he passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
