Paul Wynter

Paul Wynter was a competitive bodybuilder and sometimes film actor. He is best known for his two wins in the Mr. Universe competition. A native of the West Indies, he was reported to be 68 years old in 2003.^[1]

Bodybuilding and Mr. Universe

Wynter was first awarded the title of Mr. Universe in 1960. He won the title again in 1966, and placed highly in the same competition over several years from his first placing in 1958.^[2] During his career as a bodybuilder he was admired for having one of the most perfectly symmetrical bodies in the world,^[3] standing at a relatively average 5'8" tall and weighing 180 lbs.^[4] He was featured in at least fourteen issues of Health and Strength Magazine, even as recently as 1997.^[5]

Film career

Wynter's best known roles are arguably in the Italian-made sword and sandal films Maciste nella terra dei ciclopi (1961) co-starring Gordon Mitchell and Maciste, l'uomo più forte del mondo (1961) co-starring Mark Forest. Additionally, he appeared in several French-made comedies.^[6]

Wynter performed his strongman act on Granada TV's much-loved variety show, The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club in 1974.

Later life

According to a 2003 article, Wynter was living in New Moston, Manchester with his wife Mary, who two years his junior and manages a care home.^[7] In that year, a mentally unstable neighbor broke into the couple's home and attacked them with a knife. While the couple survived the incident, Wynter sustained a stab to the chest that punctured his lung.

The couple survived the assault and the local police force honored Wynter with a special award. When it was revealed that the attacker, who had been caught, was awarded freedom by the Manchester court, Wynter boycotted the ceremony out of protest. His wife Mary accepted the award on his behalf.^[8]

Paul Wynter

Bodybuilding and Mr. Universe

Film career

Later life

References