Roy “Reg” Park was a pioneer in the bodybuilding world. He was born in Leeds in 1928, and at 16 became interested in bodybuilding after meeting David Cohen. Park learned that Cohen lifted weights at his house, leading Park to want to start lifting weights out of curiosity. He began bodybuilding and within a short time developed a beautiful, 6’1 muscular frame.
He worked as a Physical Training Instructor in Singapore while on National Service with the British Army, until he was discharged in 1948, leading him to get into bodybuilding full time.
After only one year of training full time he won the title of Mr. Britain in 1949, and then moved to the states for 6 months at the expense of his parents, who paid for him to be able to live here for that time. While in the states he was discovered by publisher Joe Weider, who began to feature him heavy in muscle magazines. After this he won numerous other titles, such as the 1951 National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA) Amateur Mr. Universe, being the first non-American to win that title. He cemented his status by winning the 1958 and 1965 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe titles. He later went on to make 5 Italian sword and sandal movies, playing Hercules.
He was the person who inspired Arnold Schwarzenegger to get into bodybuilding, and became Arnold’s lifelong mentor and friend.
Park went on to move to South Africa and remained there until his death in 2007, from skin cancer.