'This is what you have, you better take care of it, or it won’t take care of you. … You’re dead a long time, you better have fun now and enjoy yourself, because that’s what we’re here for.'
Ed Fury
Last month, in one of my posts, (
A Multitude of Men) I posted images and a video clip from the 1954 musical comedy
Athena. The scene featured a lot of hot body builders, a couple I knew from previous pieces on the site. One I wasn't so familiar with was actor, model and bodybuilder Ed Fury.
Several viewers, one on the site, the others on social media, pointed out that one of the buffed bodybuilders was Fury. This of course had me searching to find out more. I actually knew of Fury,, well his naked body anyway, as I'd featured a few of his nudes previously in my 'vintage vantage' series. I didn't however, know his name or his iconic reputation in the world of the ale form.
Born in New York in the late 1920's, Fury moved to California when he was in his early 20's and competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions, including Mr. Muscle Beach. He also worked as a physique model for photographers Bob Mizer and Bruce Bellas, and also made a few films for Mizer's male erotica studio Athletic Model Guild .(AMG)
Unlike many 'hot bodies' who get early acting roles in films, Fury began his acting career on the stage. He followed this with several small, uncredited film roles, before getting his big break as an Olympic team member in Gentleman Prefer Blondes, His scene was notable because instead of diving into the pool over star Jane Russell, his foot hit her and she fell into the pool as he dived over her. Fury's mistake, ended up making into the film's final edit. Many movies followed throughout the 60's and 70's.
Fury's healthy lifestyle clearly paid off. He died only recently in 2023, at the age of 94. Although I found plenty of images of Fury, I think this beach shoot is a favorite. Not only does Fury look incredible, the beach location just speaks to my fantasy of the iconic California Muscle Beach babe.