Western Reader
Lisa Lyon, a pioneering figure in women’s bodybuilding and a renowned Playboy model, has sadly passed away at the age of 70 after a brave battle with stomach cancer. This news was confirmed by TMZ and has left the fitness and entertainment world in mourning.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Lyon was a trailblazer in the world of bodybuilding, a sport that was traditionally dominated by men. She not only broke barriers but also elevated the sport to an art form.
Her influence was so profound that she is believed to have inspired Frank Miller to create the Marvel Comics character Elektra, which is a testament to her enduring impact on popular culture.
Bodybuilding Star Lisa Lyon Dead at 70 https://t.co/SCYLgjkc3r
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 8, 2023
Lyon’s legacy extends beyond bodybuilding. In 1980, she wrote a book titled ‘Lisa Lyon’s Body Magic,’ in which she shared her insights and experiences in the sport.
Her friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, another titan of bodybuilding, further solidified her status in the industry. Schwarzenegger himself was quoted by TMZ as saying, “Lyon is the best – I love her.”
In 2000, Lyon was inducted into the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the sport. She was described as ‘a one-woman media-relations activist on behalf of the sport and elevating bodybuilding to the level of fine art.’
Lyon’s talents were not confined to bodybuilding alone. She also had a successful modeling career, working with renowned photographers such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, and Joel-Peter Witkin.
Mapplethorpe’s 1983 book ‘Lady, Lisa Lyon’ is considered one of her most memorable works. The book features Lyon in a series of photographs that challenge traditional gender norms, showcasing her femininity alongside her muscular physique.
Lisa Lyon, bodybuilding pioneer and Playboy model who inspired Marvel’s Elektra, ‘dies in hospice care at 70 after battling stomach cancer’ pic.twitter.com/lbcVwm4mxp
— News News News (@NewsNew97351204) September 9, 2023
In the 1980s, Lyon also pursued acting and appeared in three films. Her profile rose significantly following her work with Playboy, making her a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.
Despite her passing, Lisa Lyon’s legacy lives on. She was a pioneer who challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of female bodybuilders. Her life serves as a testament to her physical and mental strength, as well as her unwavering determination to redefine the boundaries of what women can achieve.
This article appeared in StatesmanPost and has been published here with permission.
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