Who Is Steve Reeves? Age, Biography and Wiki
Steve Reeves, born on January 21, 1926, was a celebrated American bodybuilder and actor, renowned for his iconic roles in films during the 1950s and 1960s. With a physique that exemplified the golden age of bodybuilding, he became a source of inspiration for many fitness enthusiasts and aspiring actors alike. He earned fame as the star of classic sword and sandal films, most notably "Hercules" (1958), which solidified his status as a Hollywood icon. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he passed away on May 1, 2000.
| Occupation | Bodybuilder |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1926 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Glasgow, Montana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 May, 2000 |
| Died Place | Escondido, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Steve Reeves's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his prime, Steve Reeves stood tall at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and maintained an impressive weight of around 215 pounds (98 kg). His body measurements were striking, showcasing a well-balanced physique that included a broad chest and defined muscles. Such attributes not only made him a remarkable bodybuilder but also an ideal leading man in the film industry.
Reeves moved to New York where he studied acting under Stella Adler, but after arguments he was refunded his tuition. He studied instead at the Theodora Irvin School of the Theatre. He began performing a vaudeville act with a comedian named Dick Burney. One of Cecil B.
De Mille's talent scouts saw him and had him tested for Samson and Delilah (1949). Reeves received a seven-year contract with Paramount. Reeves stated that De Mille wanted to cast him in the lead role, but told Reeves he had to lose 15 pounds in order to look convincing on-camera.
Reeves says he tried to lose the weight and worked on his acting in preparation for the role over three months. Then, De Mille told him he was going to give the role to Victor Mature.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Steve Reeves was known for being quite private regarding his personal life. While he was rarely seen in the media with romantic partners, it is reported that he had several relationships throughout his life. He was married to Loretta Reeves, but the details of his dating life remain largely undisclosed. As of 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding any current boyfriend or girlfriend.
Born in Glasgow, Montana, in 1926, Reeves moved to California at age 10 with his mother Goldie Reeves after his father Lester Dell Reeves died in a farming accident. Reeves developed an interest in bodybuilding at Castlemont High School and trained at Ed Yarick's gym in Oakland, California.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, and served in the Philippines. After his military service Reeves attended California Chiropractic College in San Francisco.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2000, Steve Reeves had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. His earnings were primarily derived from his movie roles as well as endorsements and ventures related to bodybuilding and fitness. Adjusted for inflation, this wealth reflects his status as a successful figure in both the film and fitness industries during the peak of his career.
The first was a sequel to Hercules, Hercules Unchained (1959), again directed by Francisci. Reeves was paid the same fee, although his wage would double from then on. This film was another huge success, being the third most popular film in Britain in 1960. Nonetheless Reeves would not play Hercules again, despite his identification with the role.
Reeves' third film as star was The White Warrior (1959), based on Hadji Murat, the novel by Leo Tolstoy. He played Hadji Murad, a 19th-century Avar naib who led his warriors in raids against the Russians invading his homelands in the North Caucasus (modern-day Dagestan and Chechnya).
Career, Business and Investments
Steve Reeves' career spanned decades, beginning with his groundbreaking role in "Hercules," which marked the start of a successful film career. He starred in numerous sequels and similar genre films throughout the 1960s, eventually becoming a household name. Outside of acting, Reeves was also a successful bodybuilder, winning numerous titles, including Mr. America and Mr. Universe.
In the later years of his life, he concentrated on fitness businesses, writing books, and developing workout routines that inspired countless individuals. His legacy lives on through various fitness programs and products that continue to promote health and wellness.
Stephen Lester Reeves (January 21, 1926 – May 1, 2000) was an American professional bodybuilder and actor. He was famous in the mid-1950s as a movie star in Italian-made sword-and-sandal films, playing the protagonist as muscular characters such as Hercules, Goliath, and Sandokan.
At the peak of his career, he was the highest-paid actor in Europe. Though best known for his portrayal of Hercules, he played the character only twice: in Hercules (1958), and in its 1959 sequel Hercules Unchained. By 1960, Reeves was ranked as the number-one box-office draw in 25 countries.
Social Network
While Steve Reeves himself did not utilize social media in his lifetime, since he passed away in 2000, his legacy and influence are still celebrated across various platforms and fan pages dedicated to bodybuilding and classic cinema. You can find tributes to him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where fans share his iconic photographs, quotes, and quotes from his films.
Education
Throughout his life, Steve Reeves emphasized the importance of physical fitness and education. Before his rise to fame, he cultivated his knowledge of bodybuilding and physical culture, often through self-study. While specific details regarding his formal education are limited, Reeves was well-versed in nutrition, training techniques, and the art of performance, which he imparted to his fans and followers throughout his career.
