STEVE REEVES
    How many of us truly remember the moment that someone who appeared to be bigger than life, would inspire us to better ourselves? Tomorrow, I turn 60. I'm still on a journey and I haven't forgotten who started me on it.


This story originally appeared in the Journal of the Association of Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen. Jan-Feb. 2002

STEEVE REEVES
By Peter Vuono

     One Saturday morning in 1959, this author stood in line at the Wollaston Theater in Quincy, Ma. to see "Hercules Unchained".  As I waited in line, I stared at the placard which displayed the most muscular man I had ever seen. Dangling from python-like arms were huge chains which had been torn from giant obelisks. Never before in my six years had I ever seen a depiction of such Antaean strength.It was at that very moment that I knew that my goal was to become physically stronger.
     Sadly, on May 1, 2000. Steve Reeves, the man responsible for inspiring this writer and countless others succumbed to lymphoma at age 74.. Reeves who was 215lbs. in his prime, won the Mr. America title in 1947. In 1948, he was Mr. World and twice Mr. Universe in 1948 and 1950. A native of Montana, the handsome Reeves secured movie parts and began his career playing a policeman in cult director Ed Wood's "Jail Bait" in 1955.
      However, Reeves amazing muscular confirmation garnered for him the role that would make him immortal. Reeves starred in Warner Brothers "Hercules" in 1957. This Italian-made film was brought to America by legendary film impresario, Joseph E. Levine.It led to a chain of successes for Reeves with "Hercules Unchained", "The Slave", "Sandokan the Great","The Thief of Baghdad", "Morgan the Pirate" and many others.
      It was "Hercules", however and "Hercules Unchained", which immortalized Reeves' persona and career. This, in turn, led to a string of   noteworthy strongmen such as Arnold, Lou Ferigno, Reg Park, Micky Hargitay, Peter Lupus and Kevin Sorbo who would carry on the legacy. Although no fewer than ten men have played the part of Hercules, it is Steve who best exemplified the ancient hero.
      Strength historian David P. Willoughby relates a tale of 2500 year old clay pictures found in Mesopotamia which depict Hercules beheading a seven-headed dragon. For 2500 years the legend of Hercules has withstood time. So too, will the cinematic legend of Steve Reeves.

"Suddenly, a chariot of fire and horses of fire came between them and parted them" 2 Kings2: 11-12

STEVE REEVES FILMOGRAPHY;
Jail Bait- 1955, Hercules- 1957, Hercules Unchained- 1959, The White Warrior- 1959, The Thief of Baghdad- 1959, The Giant of Marathon- 1959, The Last Days of Pompeii-1960, Goliath and the Barbarians- 1960, Goliath and the Dragon, 1960, Morgan the Pirate- 1961, The Trojan Horse- 1961, The Avenger-1962, The Slave- 1962, Sandokan the Great- 1964, A Long Ride from Hell- 1970