Father Geek has some sad news this evening... Steve Reeves, star of many European-made action-adventure epics of the 50s and '60s whose world-class physique won him the signature role as the mythical demi-god Hercules, died at 74 on Monday at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, California of complications from a lymphoma cancer, which had been diagnosed about eight weeks ago.
A bodybuilder his entire life, Reeves won the Mr. America title in 1947, which he followed with Mr. World and Mr. Universe titles in 48 and a second Mr. Universe win in 1950. His impressively packaged 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame attracted the attention of European filmmakers, who cast him in 18 films before he retired from acting in 1969 to raise championship horses in Southern California.
In 1959, Reeves became one of the world's biggest box office draws based on the huge success of "Hercules", his third motion picture and its sequel "Hercules Unchained". He had appeared on several American TV shows before turning to the big screen.
By 1967, Reeves was the highest-paid actor working in Europe. He had already turned down the role of James Bond in Dr. No several years before because it would have required a 20% pay cut. He also rejected the role of "the man with no name" offered to him by his friend Sergio Leone because the payday would have been half his usual take-home.
He retired in comfort to his ranch outside San Diego in 1969 at the youthful age of 43 after appearing in the tough Spagetti Western "A Long Ride From Hell" which he also wrote.
He continued following his rigid fitness regimen into his later years, championing drug-free bodybuilding through his Steve Reeves International Society Web site and writing a workout guide, Building the Classic Physique the Natural Way. He also wrote the best seller Power Walking.
As a kid growing up in San Antonio Father Geek caught most of Reeves Fantasy films, along with Harryhausen's they helped to whisk me away from the everyday terror of the era's Cold War. San Antonio with its 5 military bases was a major target and life was pretty tense down there from the mid-50s thru the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later on, Harry's Mother who loved Steve Reeves collected all the movie stuff we could find that featured him; lobby cards, 1-sheet posters, stills, even a standee from "Goliath and the Barbarians". I will really miss this icon from my youth.
Now for some words from Uncapie on a rare appearance outside the hallowed halls of AICN's Talkbacks...
Chief Uncapie is saddened by this news. Steve Reeves, who portrayed "Hercules" in the Italian Sword And Sandal films in the sixties, has died of lymphatic cancer.
Born in 1926, he joined the army where he began to develop his physique. After taking first place in many body building competitions, a talent scout discovered him and the rest was history.
Some of the notable films he was in were, "Morgan the Pirate", "David And Goliath", "Romulus And Remus" aka "Duel of the Titans" with longtime fellow body builder friend, Gordon Scott, "Last Days Of Pompeii", "The Trojan Horse" and of course, what he is most remembered for, "Hercules" and "Hercules Unchained."
I was lucky to have met the man a year ago at the Hollywood Collector's Show in Los Angeles. He was in incredible shape for his age. All natural, no steroids like some of today's bodybuilders. A real gentleman and had much sage advice to offer to young people. Hero, best fits his description.
Mr. Reeves was the best Hercules to be portrayed on the screen and he will be missed. He was 74.
Chief Uncapie
