biography
Bodybuilder and actor Reg Lewis was born in Niles, California, on January 23, 1936. He began bodybuilding at a young age, winning his first title at age 17. Reg Lewis jump-started his film career with the assistance of Mae West. In 1954, Miss West enlisted a gym-full of bodybuilders (including Lewis, Mickey Hargitay, Gordon Mitchell, and Dan Vadis) and took them and her act on a tour of nightclubs to various cities across the nation. West's male revue created a sensation; according to Gordon Mitchell, the show and the men were a big hit with the all-female audiences. Lewis often acted as an escort for Miss West, taking her to film premieres, nightclub openings, and other high-profile events throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. And Lewis appears in West's last film, Sextette (1978; with Timothy Dalton).
LEFT: Lewis graces the cover of this October 1966 issue of Muscle Builder. CENTER A: August 1959 Mr. America. CENTER B: October 1968 Mr. America. RIGHT: December 1961 Muscle Builder
Junior Mr. Olympics Winner (1953) Lewis won this title at age 17.
Mr. Olympics Winner (1956)
Mr. Pacific Coast Winner (1956)
Mr. Physical Fitness Winner (1956)
Mr. Universe Professional Class Winner (1957)
Mr. USA-AAU Second Overall (1957)
Mr. Hercules chosen by Mae West (1960)
Mr. America Winner (1963)
Olympia-IFBB Third (1970)
Natural America Masters Overall Winner (1982)
Mr. America Over Forty Winner (1983)
LEFT: Lewis with Mae West and Ed Fury in the late 1950s. CENTER A: Photo of Lewis upon winning the title Mr. America. CENTER B and RIGHT: Late 1950s physique photos
LEFT: At Muscle Beach. CENTER: Posing in Rome. RIGHT: With Dick Dubois (center) and Irvin "Zabo" Koszewski (right) at Muscle Beach in 1960. Dubois was Mr. America 1954 and Mr. USA 1957. Koszewski was Mr. California (1953 and 1954) and Mr. Los Angeles 1953
the films of reg lewis
Fire Monsters Against the Son of Hercules (1962)
Lewis in three scenes from Fire Monsters Against the Son of Hercules
Don't Make Waves (1967)
Behind-the-scenes shots from Don't Make Waves. LEFT: Lewis with Dave Draper. CENTER: Lewis gives Dave Draper an adjustment while Chet Yorton reads. RIGHT: Lewis with Dave Draper and Chet Yorton
Sextette (1978)
LEFT, CENTER, and RIGHT: Lewis with Mae West in scenes from West's last film, Sextette. The right-hand photo includes Kalman Szkalak
Lewis with Natalie Wood in the early 1970s
reg lewis today
Currently living in Hollywood, Lewis is retired from acting.reg lewis films available from movies unlimited
Fire Monsters Against The Son Of Hercules [DVD](1962) DVD
There'll be a hot time in old Macedonia tonight, as Maxus, "the muscular son of the muscular one," squares off against a gaggle of gargantuan, fire-breathing creatures to save the residents of a remote valley. Reg Lewis, Margaret Lee star. AKA: "Colossus of the Stone Age." 79 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Plays All Regions.
reg lewis dvds and vhs available from amazon.com
filmography
Sextette (1978) with Mae West, Timothy Dalton, and Dom Deluise
Don't Make Waves (1967) with Tony Curtis, Sharon Tate, and Dave Draper
The Brass Bottle (1964) with Barbara Eden and Burl Ives
Fire Monsters Against the Son of Hercules (1962) with Margaret Lee and Myra Kent
links
Go to the Other Hercules Heroes page, featuring Peter and David Paul, Paul Wynter, Jacques Sernas, and Richard Lloyd.
reg lewis film now showing
Watch Reg Lewis' 1962 film Fire Monsters Against the Son of Hercules
Click on the logo to go back to Brian's Drive-In Theater
This page premiered April 9, 1998.