Mae West Choosing the Winner in a “Mr. Hercules” Contest in 1958

Actress Mae West, who always had a good eye for men, chose Reg Lewis as “Mr. Hercules,” in a contest held at the Bert Goodrich Gym in Hollywood on May 25, 1958.

Lewis, “Mr. Universe” of 1958, was selected as contestant most closely resembling the legendary Greek strong man, (portrayed in a new movie, Hercules, by another former Mr. Universe, Steve Reeves), and received a trophy, $100 in cash, a transistor portable radio, gym membership and interviews with the movie and TV casting heads of Warner Brothers.

Second place was won by actor, Ed Fury, who received $50 in cash plus merchandise awards, and a three-way tie for third place – Sam Calhoun, Kenichi Yokogama, and Dick Tasse – was decided by audience acclaim, at Miss West’s request, in favor of Calhoun. Twelve finalists went into the competition, all award-winners in previous physical culture events.

Mae West said: “Here are the things I never can resist: tall, dark handsome men, diamonds, writing stories in bed, reading, calling policemen by their christian names, and food, more food!”