Bill Pearl started bodybuilding training while in the Navy stationed at San Diego Naval Air Station. Champion bodybuilder Leo Stern trained Pearl at the time. In 1953, he won the Mr. America and Mr. Universe amateur titles. He won his first professional Mr. Universe title in 1956 and won the title again in 1961, 1967 and 1971. In 1974, he won “World’s Best-Built Man of the Century.” He owned several gyms and trained many Mr. Universe champions.
Tributes to Bill Pearl
Bill Pearl will live forever in the millions of people he inspired. I know because I’m one of them – when my goals were just dreams, it was idols like Bill Pearl, one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, who motivated me to make the impossible possible. pic.twitter.com/NhE7RTrGhK
Sad to advise that the legendary Bill Pearl has passed away. 7 weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. Mr America, 4-time Mr Universe, strongman stunt practitioner, and above all a gentleman and man of integrity. RIP, my friend. #bodybuilder#physique#Strongmanpic.twitter.com/to7ijSZqGm
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