Steve Reeves became “Mr. America” in 1947 and used that fame to make a name for himself in Hollywood. Although calling him an “actor” might be stretching it, he was definitely a celebrity and carved a niche for himself in Hollywood history as Hercules and other muscle-bound characters in a series of sword and sandal flicks. Note the picture of Charlie Weaver in the background of shot #1.
These photos of Reeves freaks me out a little; I would have a hard time believing that his waist was not a product of early photo retouching!
Hollywood artist and sculptor Kenneth Kendall was very good friends with Reeves in the early years, helping him along the way as Reeves attempted to get established in Hollywood. Kendall painted and sculpted Reeves; here is a portrait he did of Reeves as Morgan the Pirate:
And a sculpture of Reeves that he created:
Last one for today features Steve posing with MGM musical darling Jane Powell (before she needed Efferdent):
See more Steve Reeves photos at my Steve Reeves web page.
Interesting post, what movie is that scene with Reeves tied to the bed from?
ReplyDeleteDudes waist is impossibly small in those photos, its like 1/3 the width of his shoulders!
the titel of the movie is" White Warrior,the" in italaiv "Hadgi Murad"
DeleteTim - I'm not sure of that one; perhaps “Hercules and The S&M Maidens”?
ReplyDeleteChildhood memories of him in those gladiator movies. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, when I saw this post I was kinda stumped.
ReplyDeleteI never knew who Steve Reeves was, I only knew Dr. Franknfurter (Tim Curry) of Rocky Horror fame was quite partial to him. Thanks for completing my, uh, education, in the matter.
The posting also helped me with the line "Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?"
His waist isn't retouched in those pics. He is simply doing what's called a "vacuum" in bodybuilding poses. It look very unnatural and exagerated, but it can most definitely be done and many bodybuilders in the old days did that onstage and for pics.
ReplyDeleteInteresting...and your comments cracked me up! Sword and sandal movies? I'd never heard that term before!
ReplyDeleteJohnnybix38: Thanks for the info! And yes - it does look unnatural!
ReplyDeleteKatella - Another interesting tidbit is that one of his first movies was for the legendary Ed Wood: "Jailbait." It's so bad it's good!
Wow, how did I miss this guy. Nice, very nice. Thanks for posting him Dave!
ReplyDeletethe above reply is ment to answer Vintage Disneyland Tickets 's Quwstion
ReplyDeleteI think that GOLIATH vs the BARBARIANS was STEVE,s greatest movie. Please share some stills Thanks
ReplyDeleteI agree , it was more serious than the other movies he did ,
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