Bob Paris

Robert Clark Paris (born December 14, 1959) is an American writer, actor, public speaker, civil rights activist, and former professional bodybuilder. Paris was the 1983 NPC American National and IFBB World Bodybuilding Champion.

Biography

Early life Paris was born and grew up in Brown County and Columbus, Indiana. From an early age, he was both artistic and athletic. He won National Scholastic awards for his drawings and paintings and wrote short stories. Paris was also involved in his school's debate team and a member of the International Thespian Society. Paris played several sports in high school: track and field, golf, and particularly football. That year, Paris appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss marriage and being gay. Oprah asked Paris, "Bob, why not just stay in the closet?" Paris said "you fall in love" and it doesn't feel right to hide it.

Paris and his then-boyfriend, Rod Jackson, became symbols for gay marriage and advocated gay rights. Paris's career suffered for it; he lost about 80% of his bookings and endorsements for bodybuilding. He has said he received death threats through mail and by phone.

He became a dedicated advocate for the rights of athletes and an outspoken voice in the push for drug testing at the professional level.

In 2006, Flex Magazine ranked Bob Paris the most aesthetic athlete in the history of bodybuilding.

In 2009, he performed in a recurring role on the first season of the ABC Television series, Defying Gravity.

Paris remains a civil rights advocate and public speaker. He is also a model and a classically trained theater actor.

Personal life

Paris and Jackson were seen as a model relationship in the gay community, yet they split up after seven years due to undisclosed difficulties. Paris and Jackson's relationship was constantly in the limelight, hence making the breakup very public. Paris said that he kept trying to keep his relationship going even when he knew better; Paris felt that he would be giving gays a bad image if he and Jackson broke up.

As of 2015, Paris was still active in fitness, but not as intensely as he once was, and saw himself more as a writer over anything else.

Paris lives with his husband, Brian LeFurgey, on an island near Vancouver, British Columbia. He holds dual American and Canadian citizenship. Together since 1996, Paris and LeFurgey were married in British Columbia after the province equalized the marriage laws in 2003. Flawless: The 10-Week Total Image Method for Transforming Your Physique (1993) Natural Fitness Straight From The Heart (as co-author) Gorilla Suit (1997) Generation Queer: A Gay Man's Quest For Hope, Love & Justice Prime: The Complete Guide to Being Fit, Looking Good, Feeling Great (2002)

Photography books of Bob Paris Duo by Herb Ritts Bob & Rod by Tom Bianchi

Bodybuilding career As an amateur 1981 NPC Mr. Los Angeles, (Los Angeles, California), Light-heavyweight class and Overall: 1st 1982 NPC Mr. Southern California (Pasadena, California), Light-heavyweight class and Overall: 1st 1982 NPC California Muscle Classic (Pasadena, California), Light-heavyweight class and Overall: 1st 1982 NPC Mr. California (San Jose, California), Light-heavyweight class: 2nd 1982 NPC American National Championships [Mr. America] (New York City), Heavyweight class: 3rd 1983 NPC National Championships [Mr. America] (San Jose, California), Heavyweight class and Overall: 1st 1983 IFBB World Championships [Mr. Universe and professional qualifier] (Singapore), Heavyweight class and Overall: 1st

As a professional IFBB Mr. Olympia: 1984 (New York City): 7th 1985 (Brussels, Belgium): 9th 1988 (Los Angeles, California): 10th 1989 (Rimini, Italy): 14th 1991 (Orlando, Florida): 12th

Additional professional competition highlights: 1988 IFBB Niagara Falls Grand Prix (Niagara Falls, New York): 3rd 1988 IFBB Night of Champions (New York City): 3rd 1988 IFBB Spanish Grand Prix (Madrid, Spain): 4th 1988 IFBB Italian Grand Prix (Bergamo, Italy): 3rd 1989 IFBB Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (Columbus, Ohio): 5th 1989 IFBB World Professional Championship (Surfers Paradise, Australia): 3rd 1991 IFBB Montreal Grand Prix (Montreal, Quebec): 3rd

(NPC = National Physique Committee / IFBB = International Federation of BodyBuilders)