“Big” Craig Monson, a bodybuilding icon of the 1980s who regularly turned heads with his massive arms and incredible strength, has died aged 75.
The news comes as a shock to bodybuilding fans, as Monson was popular on Muscle Beach in the 80s and contributed to the popular autobiography/training series titled “Craig Monson: The OG Bodybuilding Legend.”
“Craig Monson has passed away, he was one of my best friends.” wrote Hollywood actor Danny Trejo in an Instagram tribute on March 8, 2026. “He was an OG Street, Legend, Mr. World. Gonna miss you Big Craig Monson.” The cause of death was not immediately announced.
From Arkansas to Muscle Beach: Monson’s Bodybuilding Tour
James Craig Monson was born in Arkansas on December 6, 1950, before his family moved to Los Angeles and he became fascinated with the larger-than-life physique he read about in bodybuilding magazines. Monson began lifting at age 12 using the school gym and later set up a makeshift press in his mother’s backyard to build muscle. At the age of 16, he began training in Muscle Beach, but tragedy struck when a fight with a thief resulted in Monson being arrested for involuntary manslaughter.
After his release in 1975, Monson became more serious about bodybuilding and trained at Bill Pearl’s gym before joining Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach. In 1984, he entered the amateur section of the Mr World competition, where he finished fifth and received the People’s Choice Award in Switzerland. In the mid-80s, Monson’s biceps were said to measure 23 inches and he weighed 310 pounds, making him one of the greatest competitive bodybuilders of the era.
Kicking addiction and getting back into the iron game
Fans flocked to Muscle Beach to watch Monson’s unparalleled feat of strength including 225-pound barbell curls and supposedly bionic presses where his one rep max was thought to be well over 600 pounds. Monson’s guest photographed around the world and won numerous state and national competitions, but with fame came negative temptations, including cocaine abuse and depression. Many observers believe that had it not been for addiction, Monson would have been an IFBB Pro and a serious contender for Mr. Olympia. Fortunately, the big man checked himself into rehab and overcame his addiction and returned to regular training in the mid-90s. And although he was exposed to the negative physical effects he attributed to the use of human growth hormone, he also gave up the habit to focus on his book and a short film called Black Hercules.
News of the bodybuilding legend’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media. “A South Central legend,” one fan wrote. “Rest in Iron,” added another. Most of all Muscles and fitnessrest in peace “Big” Craig Monson.
