Golden Era Bodybuilding Legend Bill Pearl Passes Away at 91
He was not on the list.
Bill Pearl, a Golden Era bodybuilder who reached incredible heights as an Pro, has died at the age of 91. The saddening news was first made public on September 14, 2022, by his wife, Judy Pearl, on her Facebook account, where she revealed that Parkinson’s disease may have played a role in his death.
Growing up in Washington and Oregon, Bill Pearl made his
first appearance at physique contests in Southern California. He was crowned
Mr. Oceanside in 1952 in Oceanside, California, after serving in the Navy.
Following that, he won a slew of titles in the state before fighting global
talent in AAU and NABBA.
Pearl competed mainly from the 1950s to the 1970s. His balanced proportions and full chest were some of his most well-known attributes. He won the Mr. Universe title on four occasions (1953, 1961,1967,1971) and was named the “World’s Best-Built Man of the Century” in 1974. In the 1980s, Bill served as a mentor, trainer, and training partner to the late 1982 Mr. Olympia Chris Dickerson.
In addition to a number of bodybuilding titles, Pearl was awarded the prestigious Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for his lasting impact on the sport of bodybuilding. In his later years, he focused most of his efforts on working out, coaching, and authoring published works.
Back in April, Pearl was hospitalized after an accident left him trapped under a Craftsman lawn mower. As a result of the harrowing accident, doctors told Bill that he had a compression fracture of his T-10 vertebrate, which prompted emergency surgery that lasted over six hours.
According to the recent statement made by his wife, he struggled to deal with a bacterial infection after ‘intense’ antibiotic therapy. However, she believes he was ultimately defeated by Parkinson’s disease.
In a post made to Facebook on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, Bill’s wife Judy, shared the saddening news of his death, which occurred at 4:00 a.m. this morning. He was 91 years old.
“TO ALL OUR FAITHFUL FACEBOOK FRIENDS:
As you all know, Bill has overcome a lot of things that would have taken down a lesser man in this past year.
just as he was getting back in the gym after his accident, he developed a bacterial infection (Pseudomonas) which he apparently picked up while in the hospital. after intense antibiotic therapy, he overcame that.
I believe the Parkinsons finally defeated him.
He passed peacefully at home at 4:00 A.M this morning.
All day yesterday he was fretting about his facebook page,and had me post a couple of things he had prepared.
He loved to share stories of other peoples triumphs and accomplishments.
he had written a lot while his page was down last year which he asked me to continue to post.
He so much appreciated your prayers and messages of encouragement after his accident. He loved reading your comments and arguments. It kept him occupied when he was unable to do much physically. Thank you all. I know we will all miss him.
Judy Pearl” wrote Judy Pearl via Facebook.
Bodybuilding Community Mourns the Death of Bill Pearl
Shortly after his reported passing, a number of bodybuilders including Flex Wheeler and coach Milos Sarcev gave their condolences.
“Pls help me pay last respect to 💔
William Arnold Pearl was an American retired professional bodybuilder and athlete. During the 1950s and 60s, he won many titles and awards, including winning the Mr. Universe contest five times, and was named “World’s Best-Built Man of the Century.” He later became an expert trainer and author on bodybuilding.Born: October 31, 1930 to
September 14, 2022Please join me in paying respect to BILL PEARL.
What a amazing life and profound effect he had on our sport REST IN POWER ✊🏾” wrote Wheeler.
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Milos Sarcev Screenshot 1
Milos Sarcev
Gunter
Gunter Schlierkamp
Lee Priest
Lee Priest
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Dorian Yates
“🙏🏼 The legend Bill Pearl #RIP 💔
🔹He was the first legend I got to train with when I was 12 years old
🔹My dad drove me down to Oregon to train with him in his barn
#legend” wrote Mike O’Hearn.
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A post shared by Mike O'Hearn (@mikeohearn)
Known for his thoughtfulness and generosity, Pearl inspired the generation that included Arnold, Oliva, and Zane. The story of his life is just one example of how bodybuilding and weight training can improve your life. The key to success according to him is to maintain a journal and log of your training and nutrition.
Bill Pearl’s Competition History
1952 – Mr. San Diego, 3rd place
1952 – Mr. Oceanside
1953 – Mr. Southern California
1953 – Mr. California
1953 – A.A.U., Mr. America
1953 – N.A.B.B.A., Mr. Universe Amateur
1956 – Mr. U.S.A., Professional
1956 – N.A.B.B.A., Mr. Universe, Professional, Tall Man’s Class
1961 – N.A.B.B.A., Mr. Universe, Professional
1967 – N.A.B.B.A., Mr. Universe, Professional
1971 – N.A.B.B.A., Mr. Universe, Professional
1974 – W.B.B.A., World’s Best-Built Man of the Century
1978 – Entered into W.B.B.A., Hall of Fame
1978 – Elected the I.F.B.B. National Chairman of the Professional Physique Judges Committee
1988 – Entered into Pioneers of Fitness Hall of Fame
1992 – Entered into Gold’s Gym Hall of Fame
1994 – Guest of Honor of the Association of Oldetime Barbell & Strongmen 12th Annual Reunion
1994 – Entered into The Joe Weider Hall of Fame
1995 – A.A.U. Lifetime Achievement Award
1995 – Oscar Heidenstam Foundation Hall of Fame
1996 – American Powerlifters Federation Hall of Fame
199 -7 International Chiropractors Association Sports & Fitness Man of the Year
1999 – I.F.B.B. Hall of Fame Inductee
2000 – Spirit of Muscle Beach Award
2001 – World Gym Lifetime Achievement Award
2001 – Society of Weight-Training Injury Specialists Lifetime Achievement Award
2002 – Canadian Fitness Award for 60+ Years of Inspiration to the Industry
2002 – National Fitness Trade Journal Lifetime Achievement Award
2003 – Iron Man magazine Peary & Mabel Radar Lifetime Achievement Award
2004 – Arnold Schwarzenegger Lifetime Achievement Award
2006 – PDI Night of Champions Lifetime Achievement Award
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