George Eiferman - Brief Article

We're extremely saddened to hear that 1948 Mr. America and Bodybuilding Hall of Fame member GEORGE EIFERMAN passed away on Tuesday, February 12, in a Las Vegas nursing home. He was 76.

Eiferman had been ill for several years with heart problems and he had been in poor condition the last few months. Throughout his final years, he was tended by his ex-wife, BONITA, whom FLEX Factoids columnist JOE ROARK tells us is "a simply wonderful human being."

Eiferman was born on November 3.1925, and enriched the sport for over 50 years. At no time along his flexing journey or during his illness did he lose his sense of humor or love of humanity.

On returning from navy duty in World War II, George quickly began his rise to muscle greatness. In 1947, he won the Mr. Philadelphia (his hometown) title, and a year later annexed the prestigious Mr. America title. He later spent several years traveling the country speaking to high-school assembly groups, espousing fitness as a lifestyle, before being recruited in 1954 by MAE WEST--the PAMELA ANDERSON of the 1950s--to gather a group of musclemen for her touring nightclub stage show, which was a huge hit in its day.

By that time, George had established his gym business in Las Vegas, which for nearly three decades was as hot a spot as the desert sand surrounding it. Fourteen years alter his 1948 Mr. America win, George returned to the glare of the bodybuilding spotlight to win the 1962 IFBB Mr. Universe title. It was his last competition, but if a Mr. Congeniality title existed, George would have had a lock on it for the rest of his days.

Our condolences to all of Mr. Eiferman's loved ones. He will be missed. A full tribute will be published next month.

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