Bob Paris / Biography

Growing up in Indiana, Bob Paris played high-school football and competed in track events. During this period he stood six feet tall and weighed 160 pounds. Figuring that he needed more weight, Bob began to engage in bodybuilding and by the time he enrolled in the University of Indiana, he'd increased his weight to 200 pounds. After one year at the University Bob moved to Florida and then Southern California. Before long he was competing in bodybuilding events, working his way up from "Mr. Los Angeles" to "Mr. Universe of 1983." At the same time he maintained his interest in acting, (an interest dating back to his high-school days), studying at the Stella Adler Conservatory. In the July 1989 issue of Ironman Magazine, Bob "came out" as a gay man. In 1994 he co-authored a book titled "Straight from the Heart" about his relationship with model Rod Jackson who'd once posed for a Playgirl centerfold. This relationship began in 1984 and officially ended in 1996. Bob continues to be a spokesman for gay rights as well as a motivational speaker. He maintains his interest in acting, has written a screenplay, and is said now to be working on a novel.