Nicknamed "The Black Prince," he won many bodybuilding competitions during his 27-year career, including Mr. America, Mr. World, and Mr. Universe.

Before Fame

He starred in football and track in high school and lifted weights he made himself out of metal he salvaged from a nearby sawmill.

Trivia

He appeared in the 1977 film "Pumping Iron."

Family Life

He grew up with his family in Damascus, Georgia.

Associated With

He beat bodybuilder-turned-actor Lou Ferrigno in 1994 to win Mr. Olympia.