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Mark Forest
1933-
Updated 12/14/2007 with more films available on DVD. Be sure to check out the Mark Forest Gallery page.
biography
Born Lou Degni in Brooklyn, New York, in January 1933, Mark Forest began bodybuilding at the age of 13 after being inspired by physical culture magazines. Later, Forest and his brother worked with the physically handicapped by developing exercise programs for them. Forest competed for the 1952 Mr. America title and finished 27th, a remarkable feat for a 19-year-old. Before entering films, he appeared in some nightclub acts as the "strength premise." Forest was named "Mr. Venice Beach" in 1954, and he came in second in the "Mr. Muscle Beach" competition during the same year.
You'll find more photos like these in the Mark Forest Gallery
Forest was the second American actor, after Steve Reeves, to be recruited by Italian producers to star in sword and sandal films. He is a third-generation Italian-American, and some of his films were made in Naples, Italy, the area from which his grandparents came. With an acting style more relaxed than that of Steve Reeves or Reg Park, Forest seemed to glide through his portrayals of muscle-packed heros.
the films of mark forest
Goliath and the Dragon (1960)
From Goliath and the Dragon, Mark Forest's first film. This peplum was released in the US by American International
Son of Samson (1960)
Forest tackles a chariot in Son of Samson, Forest's second film and an excellent peplum
Mole Men Against the Son of Hercules (1961)
From Mole Men Against the Son of Hercules. LEFT and CENTER A: Forest as Maciste. CENTER B: With Paul Wynter. CENTER C, D, and RIGHT: Forest in action
Colossus of the Arena (1962)
From Colossus of the Arena aka Maciste. Spot Dan Vadis at the center rear of this photo
Goliath and the Sins of Babylon (1963)
Lobby card still from Goliath and the Sins of Babylon
Hercules Against the Mongols (1963)
Forest in action as Maciste in Hercules Against the Mongols
Hercules Against the Sons of the Sun (1964)
LEFT: With Giuliano Gemma. CENTER: Lobby card image. RIGHT: With Anna-Maria Pace
The Terror of Rome Against the Son of Hercules (1964)
Stills from The Terror of Rome Against the Son of Hercules
Hercules Against the Barbarians (1964)
Forest in Hercules Against the Barbarians, a film in which he costarred with Ken Clark
The Lion of Thebes (1965)
Forest in The Lion of Thebes. Thanks to Kris Donaldson and Dan for the screen captures
mark forest today
Forest made a number of sword and sandal films between 1960 and 1965, starring as Hercules twice in Hercules Against the Sons of the Sun and The Revenge of Hercules (aka Goliath and the Dragon). With the release of The Lion of Thebes, Forest walked away from acting to study opera and voice. Today, he resides in Arleta, California, where he sings and teaches opera.
Goliath And The Dragon (1960)/The Conqueror Of Atlantis [DVD](1965) DVD
Muscleman Goliath (who must have reformed after his fight with David) must battle not only a dragon, but also a three-headed dog, a giant bat, and other mythological roadblocks put in his path by evil ruler Broderick Crawford. Mark Forest stars. Then, Kirk Morris plays the heroic Heralces (that's Greek for Hercules), out to find a Nomad princess kidnapped by masked gold raiders. The journey leads to the lost city of Atlantis, where Morris encounters such oddities as zombies, female guards who will die if they "taste the love of a man," and more...even long pants! With Luciana Gilli. 177 min. total. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono dubbed; theatrical trailers; bonus shorts; photo gallery; more.
Goliath And The Dragon [DVD](1960) DVD
The heroic muscleman (who must have reformed after his fight with David) must battle not only a dragon, but also a three-headed dog, a giant bat, and other mythological roadblocks put in his path by evil ruler Broderick Crawford. Mark Forest stars. 88 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Plays All Regions.
Son Of Samson (1961)/Son Of Cleopatra [DVD](1962) DVD
Heeding an inner voice, the "Son of Samson," a loner from an outlying borough scourges the capital, using his high-caliber muscles to break up the Queen's tryst with those treacherous Persians. Mark Forest plays the hero who goes Old Testament to save Egypt. And, in a sword-and-sandal extravaganza, El Kabir, the "Son of Cleopatra" and Julius Caesar, leads his Egyptian rebels against Roman oppression. When El Kabir's brother is imprisoned and killed, he kidnaps the daughter of the Roman governor, with whom he falls in love. With Mark Damon, who later became a successful producer, and Scilla Gabel. Soundtrack: English (dubbed).
Son Of Samson(1961) VHS
Heeding an inner voice, a loner from an outlying borough scourges the capital, using his high-caliber muscles to break up the Queen's tryst with those treacherous Persians. Mark Forest plays the hero who goes berserkowitz to save Egypt. 89 min.
Mole Men Against The Son Of Hercules [DVD](1961) DVD
Etruscan hero Maciste (apparently Italian for ``beefcake'') battles a race of hideous albinos in their weird underground city. Mark Forest reprises his role as the sandal-wearing muscle lad. Soundtrack: English (dubbed).
Mole Men Against The Son Of Hercules(1961) VHS
Etruscan hero Maciste (apparently Italian for ``beefcake'') battles a race of hideous albinos in their weird underground city. Mark Forest reprises his role as the sandal-wearing muscle lad.
The Terror Of Rome Against The Son Of Hercules(1963) VHS
Thrilling spectacle pits Poseidon, the son of Hercules, against fearsome gladiators and ferocious beasts in a struggle to free captive Christians intended for slaughter in the Roman arena. With Mark Forest and Marilu Tolo. 100 min.
Goliath And The Sins Of Babylon (1963)/Colossus And The Amazon Queen [DVD](1960) DVD
First, when the city of Nefer is forced by conquering Babylon to pay a tribute of virgins, in strides Goliath (Mark Forest) to compete in a chariot race and free the put-upon maidens. This wild Italian action-adventure co-stars Jose Greci, Giuliano Gemma, and Erno Crisa. Next, two beefy gladiators fresh from the Trojan War are bamboozled into sailing for a secret island, captured by lusty Amazons, and kept as walking sperm banks. Rod Taylor and Ed Fury star in "Colossus and the Amazon Queen," a titillating sheets-and-shackles adventure. 180 min. total. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
Goliath And The Sins Of Babylon(1963) VHS
When the city of Nefer is forced by conquering Babylon to pay a tribute of virgins, in strides Goliath (Mark Forest) to compete in a chariot race and free the put-upon maidens. 80 min.
Hercules Against The Mongols [DVD](1963) DVD
After warlord Genghis Khan dies, his three sons go on a murderous rampage, killing innocent people and jailing Princess Bianca until they decide which one will marry her and inherit her land. Her brother escapes and tells Hercules about the troubles. Then Herc gets all medieval on them. Mark Forest, Grazia Maria Spina and Renato Rossini star. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed).
Hercules Against The Mongols(1963) VHS
After warlord Genghis Khan dies, his three sons go on a murderous rampage, killing innocent people and jailing Princess Bianca until they decide which one will marry her and inherit her land. Her brother escapes and tells Hercules about the troubles. Then Herc gets all medieval on them. Mark Forest, Azia Maria Spim and Renato Rossini star.
Hercules Against The Barbarians [DVD](1964) DVD
The same cast of "Hercules Against the Mongols" gets together for another furious loincloth foray featuring Mark Forest as Hercules. Here he helps the Poles save their beloved Kracow from Mongols led by Genghis Khan's son, Kubali. Ken Clark and Renato Rossini also star in this anachronistic thrill-a-thon. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed).
Hercules Against The Barbarians(1964) VHS
The same cast of "Hercules Against the Mongols" gets together for another furious loincloth foray featuring Mark Forest as Hercules. Here he helps the Poles save their beloved Kracow from Mongols led by Genghis Khan's son, Kubali. Ken Clark and Renato Rossini also star in this anachronistic thrill-a-thon.
The Magnificent Gladiator (Il Magnifico Gladiatore) [DVD](1964) DVD
When a corrupt Roman commander overthrows the emperor, a fearless gladiator faces his greatest challenge after he is arrested. Following a daring escape, he finds himself immersed in the most difficult fight of his life as he squares off against the crooked military man. Mark Forest, Marilu Tolo, Paolo Gozlino star. NOTE: Taken from a print dubbed in English with foreign subtitles. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
The Magnificent Gladiator (Il Magnifico Gladiatore) [VHS](1964) VHS
When a corrupt Roman commander overthrows the emperor, a fearless gladiator faces his greatest challenge after he is arrested. Following a daring escape, he finds himself immersed in the most difficult fight of his life as he squares off against the crooked military man. Mark Forest, Marilu Tolo, Paolo Gozlino star. NOTE: Taken from a print dubbed in English with foreign subtitles.
Kindar The Invulnerable(1965) VHS
There's a Kindar hush all over the world tonight, thanks to rugged Mark Forest's performance as the hero whom no weapon can injure. His enemies try to learn the secret of Kindar's invincibility in this rare swords-and-sandals fantasy. With Mime Palmara, Dea Flowers.
filmography
The Lion of Thebes (1965) with Sarah Bay
Hercules Against the Sons of the Sun (1964) with Giuliano Gemma
Hercules Against the Barbarians with Ken Clark
Hercules Against the Mongols (1964) (aka Maciste nell'inferno di Gengis Khan) with Ken Clark
Kindar the Invulnerable (1964) with Sarah Bay and Red Ross
The Magnificent Gladiator (1964) with Marilu Tolo and Paolo Gozlino
The Terror of Rome Against the Son of Hercules (1964) with Marilu Tolo and Peter White
Goliath and the Sins of Babylon (1963) with Giuliano Gemma
Colossus of the Arena (1962) (aka Maciste, il gladiatore pił forte del mondo) with Dan Vadis
Mole Men Against the Son of Hercules (1961) (aka Maciste, the Strongest Man in the World) with Paul Wynter
Goliath and the Dragon (1960) (aka The Revenge of Hercules) with Broderick Crawford
Son of Samson (1960) (aka Maciste in the Valley of Kings) F. Verzyl writes that this was the first Maciste film made in the 1960s. With Chelo Alonso.
