Michael Katz (born November 14, 1944) is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder, most famous for his appearance with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 bodybuilding documentary film Pumping Iron. Mike Katz worked as a Jr. High School gym teacher while training as an amateur bodybuilder. Katz cited bullying in his youth for being Jewish and wearing glasses as inspiration for weight training. He was known for his role as the underdog in the 1975 Mr. Universe competition, where, he refused to give up on himself despite placing 4th place in the Tall man division. Katz later went professional and qualified for the 1976 Mr. Olympia, placing 2nd in the heavyweight division in what was considered his peak form (Katz had greatly improved his proportions, considered his main flaw as a competitor). Mike Katz was also a pro football player with the New York Jets before ending his NFL career with a leg injury. In 2011. (Actually it was 1968, not 2011). Katz appeared in the documentary Challenging Impossibility (film) commenting on the weightlifting odyssey of spiritual teacher and peace advocate Sri Chinmoy. The film was an Official Selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.
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