w8pedia:Men:Reg Park

Reg Park, born 7th June, 1928, in Yorkshire, England, was a bodybuilder, businessman, and film actor.

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.

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 World Private Exercise, a popular gymnasium in West Los Angeles, CA.

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