ANNOUNCEMENT

From the Grant family,

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Grant.

To the bodybuilding world, Bill was one of the iconic personalities of the Golden Era, a champion, mentor, training partner, and inspiration to generations of athletes around the world. His passion for bodybuilding, his discipline, knowledge, humor, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

To us, he was much more than his accomplishments in bodybuilding. He was our father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, family member, and friend. We will never forget you.

Over the years, Bill built lifelong friendships through the gym and the bodybuilding community, and our family would like to sincerely thank everyone who stood by him, supported him, trained with him, and shared memories with him throughout his life.

The last years were difficult as Bill battled both dementia and cancer, but we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace.

Funeral arrangements will be private.

Your family loved you very much, and your legacy and impact on the bodybuilding world will never be forgotten.

ABOUT BILL GRANT

The “Man of Steel” Bill Grant and his illustrious career within the sporting word of bodybuilding has touched generations of fitness enthusiasts the world over. His ambitions started at the ripe age of 9 years old. His training was simple but smart, he’d train anywhere he could, from the bedroom to a friend’s backyard.
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With a sporting background in high school and the desire to grow stronger than his competitors, Bill’s thirst for size and strength propelled him to greatness.
Bill’s decades of knowledge hasn’t gone unnoticed, he’s been awarded the lifetime achievement award for his efforts in helping others achieve their goals, as well as supporting many charitable events.

Weight Training At 9

When Grant was 9 years old he picked up his first set of weights, which was in fact, a barbell. But this was just experimenting in the early stages, it wasn’t until when he was 12 that he started to get involved with bodybuilding. A close friend introduced him to weight training.This friend had a set of weights in his backyard and showed Bill how to lift weights in the basic form. This was beginning of the Man of Steel and his journey into the world of bodybuilding. He didn’t have the facilities to train as many people do now. In the “60s and “70s there wasn’t local gyms or weight training clubs, so this had to do.He recalls that he’d train in his basement or even in his bedroom. He would find anywhere he could to train until he turned 14 in 1960. This is when Bill joined the local YMCA, this is when he says “I really got started seriously”.The YMCA wasn’t much to look at on his account, it was dark and dirty basement but a “great place!” It didn’t have fancy machines or state of the art equipment, but it was a step up from training in his bedroom or in the backyard; Bill was in his element.

Being bullied & Competing

With his small frame and weak muscles, he was constantly picked on by everyone; “I was always picked on, beaten by everybody even by the girls. I have two others sisters and they can beat me too. I got tired to be beaten all the time, I loved sport, but I couldn’t play football because I was too small.” Bill had enough of the bullying and being unable to play sports in school which he loved so much. He went on to gain a massive 45 pounds to his skinny frame within the space of four years. Then, he took part in a competition called “Mr. High School New Jersey” where he positioned a respectable 5th place. This was his first taste of a competitive life and being on stage. His passion only grew stronger. “I read all the magazines religiously and honestly I saw Serge Nubret in a magazine, and Sergio Oliva, Reg Park.”

Competition History

History shows that Bill went onto have a successful career as a professional bodybuilder. In 1968 he entered his first serious competition Mr. USA and placed a respectful 6th. Then, he completed the very same year in the Mr. America where he placed 17th. This shook Bill into a realization that he needed to train harder to come back stronger for following year.There was a slow and steady progression through the ranks as Bill climbed to the top of his game in 1972 where he walked home with 1st place in the Mr. World. He again took 1st place in 1974 Mr. World and Mr. International. Bill’s career has been filled with top places for over two decades with competitions not only in the United States but also across Europe. With over 44 professional competitions under his belt, it’s clear to see that Bill’s a true champion. Comprehensive list of Accomplishments are listed under Competition History

Bill's professional career

Bill created and produced his own Comcast radio show and Cable television fitness program called “Fit for Life”. It boasts a massive following of 1.5 million audience members per month. He’s also appeared in movies such as ABC’s Friday Night Movie of the Week, Hustler of Muscle Beach and Pumping Iron, which stars Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bill’s also tried his hand at theater productions the Runaway Train and Smokey Robinson Review.

He’s also appeared on numerous news shows around the globe such as the ABC, CBS, CNN, WOR, & ESPN stations, and also Fox News. Bill’s become one of the leading spokespersons who advocates health and fitness through vigorous exercise programs, healthy nutrition choices, and a positive mental attitude.

Among being a spokesperson and starring in movies and commercials, Bill’s also an active community and charity member. He’s worked with leading organizations including the Metropolitan YMCAs of the Oranges Kids Care Club, Newark YMCA Sports Legends, the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, and the Alan T. Brown Foundation.
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With Bill’s work within the industry for over 60 years, he’s been awarded a lifetime achievement award from one of the major online bodybuilding companies. His charitable work and consistency in the sport has proven that Bill’s love for bodybuilding has helped thousands around the globe.​ ​