Steve Reeves (1926-2000), Mr. America 1947

Mr. America Day

What better way to mark America’s 250th birthday than with a set of posts on some of the bodybuilders who have held the title Mr. America. Most of the men in this group come from the Amateur Athletic Union contest; the last two were holders of the International Fitness & Bodybuilding Federation title.

 

John Grimek (1910-1998) was Mr. America in 1940 and again in 1941; he was Mr. Universe in 1948. Steve Reeves (1926-2000) was Mr. America in 1947, and André Drapp (1920-2008) was Mr. France in 1947. (This list is not exhaustive!) 

John Grimek with Steve Reeves and André Drapp

Steve Reeves by Chester O. Teegarden

More from Muscle Beach

Dick Sanchez by Athletic Model Guild

Duke Freeman by AMG

Dick Tasse by AMG

The top finishers at the Mr. Muscle Beach contest, 1956: Millard Williamson (winner), flanked by (joint second) Doug Strohl (left) and Robert Walker (right), who became Mr. Southern California in 1958. The same trio placed in the top positions at the 1956 Mr. Venice Beach contest, with Doug Strohl first, Robert Walker second, and Millard Williamson third. Photo by Bruce Bellas/Bruce of Los Angeles

Steve Reeves by Bruce of Los Angeles

An unidentified bodybuilder by AMG