Bob Paris

Bob Paris (born 1959) is an American writer, actor, public speaker and civil rights activist who was formerly a professional bodybuilder. He won the NPC American National and the IFBB World Bodybuilding titles in 1983, after Mr. Los Angeles and Mr. Southern California wins within two years of moving to California. Known for an aesthetic, artistic approach to posing, he came out as gay in the July 1989 issue of Ironman while still competing, and he and his partner became prominent voices for gay marriage, a stand that cost him most of his bodybuilding bookings and endorsements. He retired in 1991, returned for the 1992 Chicago Pro Championships and placed tenth, later acted on stage and television, and holds dual American and Canadian citizenship.