Reg Park

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Reg Park (born Roy Park June 7, 1928) from Yorkshire, England, was a bodybuilder, businessman, and film actor.

[edit] Brief history

Park won the 1949 Mr. Britain, and then subsequently spent six months in the United States. There, he met up with Joe Weider who began to feature the Englishman prominently in his magazines. Park was runner-up to Steve Reeves in the 1950 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe and then broke what had been an American monopoly on bodybuilding titles by winning the 1951 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. He went on to win the 1958 and 1965 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe titles. Massively built, standing 6'2" and with a top weight of 225 lbs., Park was also renowned for his strength, which he often demonstrated in public performances. He was an early influence and mentor for champion bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger.image In the DVD Pumping Iron, in the bonus footage, Raw Iron, Reg Park is featured mentoring Arnold Schwarzeneggar.

As an actor, Park made only five films — all Italian sword and sandal — but he remains a favourite among fans of the genre. His films are as follows:

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)

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 Velocity Personal Training, a popular gymnasium in West Los Angeles, CA.

Reg at age 78 is still in good shape. He trains clients at the Morningside Virgin Active Gym in Sandton, South Africa. He has been featured in many fitness and bodybuilding magazines, as well as appearing on the cover of MUSCLE magazine.