Bob Paris, a former Mr. Universe, is a gay activist and motivational speaker of international renown and the author of six books. He lives in Washington State and California these days.
By the time Bob Paris was 23 years old he had won both the NPC National Championships and the IFBB World Championships (Mr. Universe). Along the way Bob also won the Mr. Los Angeles and Mr. Southern California. Although his rise to the top of the bodybuilding world seemed meteoric, he overcame tremendous odds in his quest to fulfil his dreams. In a matter of four years Bob Paris went from being a homeless teenager to World Champion, becoming one of the most respected, celebrated and photographed athletes in the history of bodybuilding.
From the very early days of his bodybuilding journey, Bob decided to blend his artistic and athletic backgrounds to create a physique that exceeded the limitations of the competitive stage, emphasizing beauty over mass, intelligence over brutality. Sculpting a classic physique and utilizing intelligent training techniques became Bob Paris's trademarks. Having placed an indelible stamp on his sport, Bob then defied the reductionist stereotypes many hold about bodybuilders, evolving into an acclaimed writer, award winning lecturer, actor and model.
For the past fifteen year, Bob has travelled the world speaking at universities and corporations on a variety of topics ranging from fitness, self-improvement and motivation, to overcoming adversity and self-esteem. He has been nominated Lecturer of the Year on the national collegiate speaking circuit and has also received recognition for his work, ranging from national awards for his philanthropic efforts, to local awards such as receiving the key to the city of his hometown in Indiana. Throughout his long and varied career, he has appeared extensively on television and has been the subject of countless magazine and newspaper articles.
Bob has been photographed by the world's foremost photographers, including Bruce Weber (for Italian Vogue), Robert Mapplethorpe (Certain People) and Herb Ritts (Interview; Visual Aid; Duo).
Also a classically trained actor, Bob has appeared in a number of regional theatre productions to great acclaim. In late 1998, Bob made his New York stage debut, starring at Carnegie Hall--opposite Bea Arthur and Tyne Daly--in the Broadway musical, Jubilee.
As an author, Bob Paris began by writing fitness books. They include the titles, Beyond Built, Flawless and Natural Fitness. His workout books are considered among the best in the field because they transcend the simple mechanics of exercise and diet, and explore the deeper aspects of true fitness and self-esteem. He has received tens of thousands of letters over the years from readers who have used his advice to transform their lives, and continues to receive testimonials from people whose lives he has positively affected.
Bob's writing has evolved over the years to include the critically acclaimed personal memoir, Gorilla Suit: My Adventures in Bodybuilding (Kirkus Reviews called it "unexpectedly eloquent...at once empathetic and scathing."). He also wrote Generation Queer, a book of personal essays and his answers to frequently asked questions (it has been called, "Enlightened.thoughtful.a spiritual journey.") This book capped off a long period of intense personal activism in Bob's life.
Bob is currently at work on his latest book: Prime, which will be released in December 2001 by Putnam(Perigee). He recently completed writing his second feature screenplay and is at work on a first novel. (Courtesy Critical Bench.)
