Muscleman-Turned-Movie Star Steve Reeves Dead at 74

Steve Reeves, a champion bodybuilder who found international fame as a movie star, died on May 1, 2000, from complications related to lymphoma. He was 74.

Reeves rose to prominence in the 1950s as one of Europe’s highest-paid actors, thanks largely to his striking physique and leading roles in sword-and-sandal epics. After winning the 1950 Mr. Universe title, he transitioned to acting, landing parts that showcased his build and screen presence. His films include Jail Bait (directed by a young Ed Wood), The Last Days of Pompeii, and The Trojan Horse, among many others.

Though born in the United States, Reeves became a cultural icon overseas, especially in Italy, where much of his film career flourished. His portrayal of Hercules in Hercules (1958) and Hercules Unchained (1959) cemented his status as a box-office draw and helped popularize the peplum (sword-and-sandal) genre.

From 1955 to 1956, he was married to Broadway actress Sandra Smith. His second marriage, in 1963, was to Aline Czarzawicz, a member of the Polish nobility. They remained together until her death in 1989. The couple lived a relatively private life in their later years, with Reeves stepping away from acting in the 1960s to focus on writing and promoting natural bodybuilding. He never had any children.

Reeves died at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, California.