Bob Paris

Bob Paris is an American-Canadian former professional bodybuilder, model, author, actor, and civil rights advocate. Renowned for his classic aesthetics and artistic approach to physical symmetry, Paris won the IFBB World Amateur Bodybuilding Championship (Mr. Universe) in 1983. Beyond his athletic achievements, he gained widespread recognition as a fashion model and pioneering public figure after publicly coming out as gay in 1989 while actively competing in professional sports.

Early Life and Career

Born Robert Clark Paris on December 14, 1959, in Columbus, Indiana, Paris developed early interests in fine arts, writing, theater, and athletics. During high school, he engaged in track and field, golf, and football, discovering weightlifting as part of his training routine. Moving to Southern California in the early 1980s to pursue modeling, acting, and competitive physique sports, Paris quickly made an impact. He won regional titles including Mr. Los Angeles and Mr. Southern California before claiming the National Physique Committee (NPC) American National Championship and the IFBB World Championship in 1983 at age 23. Recognized for prioritizing proportion and symmetry over sheer muscular mass, he became one of the most widely photographed modeling subjects in fitness and lifestyle publications throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

Activism, Modeling, and Writing

In July 1989, Paris made history by coming out as gay in Ironman magazine, becoming one of the first active elite professional male athletes to do so. His announcement led to television appearances, including a notable interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where he advocated for civil rights and equal treatment for gay couples. Throughout his career, Paris modeled for world-renowned photographers, including Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts, appearing in major international publications and artistic photo books. Transitioning from competitive sports, Paris authored several best-selling fitness books, such as Beyond Built and Flawless, as well as personal memoirs including Gorilla Suit and Generation Queer. He also worked as a public speaker and theatrical actor, performing at venues like Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Personal Life

Paris married his long-time partner, Brian LeFurgey, in Canada in 2003 after same-sex marriage was legalized there. He later became a Canadian citizen and settled in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. Remaining active as an author and advocate, Paris lives a quiet lifestyle focused on writing, nature, and personal wellness.