Famous American Bodybuilders

Former professional bodybuilder, actor, and politician, Arnold Schwarzenegger, needs no introduction! One of the most popular figures in the entertainment industry in the 20th century, he is a much-admired Hollywood star. Rising to international fame despite hailing from a humble background, he is an epitome the quintessential American dream that many youngsters hold close to their hearts.

Lou Ferrigno is an American actor and retired professional bodybuilder. Also known as the original hulk, Ferrigno is best known for playing the title role on CBS's television series The Incredible Hulk. After having won Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles, Ferrigno's attempt to beat Schwarzenegger at the Mr. Olympia competition formed the subject of a documentary titled Pumping Iron.

Three-time Mr. Olympia winner Frank Zane had begun gaining attention with the Mr. Pennsylvania title in 1961.Though inspired to take up bodybuilding after reading Muscle magazine in his teens, he initially taught math and chemistry and also earned advanced degrees in psychology, thus earning the nickname The Chemist.

Known as the Little Hercules and the Mini-Schwarzenegger, Ukraine-born Richard Sandrak became a sensation with his unusually muscular body as a child. It is believed he hailed from an abusive family. He later quit bodybuilding to become a Hollywood stuntman. He inspired the documentary The World's Strongest Boy.

Italian-American bodybuilder Charles Atlas was known for co-creating a popular mail-order bodybuilding course. Beaten up and bullied as a skinny kid, he later used the Dynamic-Tension method to build his muscles. He then participated in vaudeville and later won titles such as the World’s Most Handsome Man.