Bill Grant, the bodybuilding icon known to millions as ‘The Man of Steel’, has died aged 79 as tributes have poured in to remember the legend.
Finding Success in the Golden Age of Bodybuilding Grant’s fame for building rockets began at the age of 9caused him to train in his bedroom and the yard of a friend. But the bright lights were showing, and Grant entered his first serious competition in his mid-twenties, finishing sixth in the Mr. USA event. Through trial and error, Grant made steady progress thanks to his passion for building his body and won the Mr. World took first place in 1972. This first place would be the start of a legendary story that saw Grant repeat his success at Mr World, Mr International and win countless other prizes in the US and Europe for over two decades.
Grant’s friend and fellow bodybuilder, Sean Ray, took to Instagram after the news on June 3, 2026 to share his loss. “Sad news today, the legend Bill Grant has passed away,” said the multiple Olympian. “Bill was born on September 27, 1946. Bill was 79. Condolences to his family and friends.”
The exact cause of death has not been released as of this writing.
Bill Grant will be remembered as the muscular “Man of Steel”.
Bill Grant appeared several times in the finals of Mr. Olympia between 1976 and 1984 and took fourth place. “Bill was admired for his aesthetic physique, symmetry and classic lines.” recalled the Arnold Sports Instagram channel. “…he shared the stage with many of the sport’s legendary competitors during one of bodybuilding’s most iconic eras.”
Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Grant became a regular at his local YMCA. “I was always picked on, even beaten by girls,” he once quipped made available by its official website. “I was always tired of being beaten, I loved sports, but I couldn’t play football because I was too small.”
Working hard in the gym, Grant added 45 pounds to his lean frame in four years. “I read all the magazines religiously and conscientiously,” he said. “I saw Serge Nubret in the magazine and Sergio Oliva, Reg Park.” Grant will now be remembered alongside his heroes as an inspirational figure who captured the public’s imagination thanks to his big heart and massive muscles.
“For the world of bodybuilding, Bill was one of the iconic figures of the Golden Age, a hero, coach, training partner and inspiration to generations of athletes around the world.” Grant’s official Instagram account. “His passion for bodybuilding, discipline, knowledge, humor and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on all who knew him.”
The whole team Muscles and fitness offers his deepest condolences to a lost but never forgotten legend.
