Mr Universe Lovers

 

Part 2   written 10-14-22 

 

Chapter 14  Lovers &/or Friends with 9 Mr Universes – Mr Americas   

 

Dennis Tinerino, Boyer Coe, next issue Chris Dickerson, Reg Lewis

 

These Mr. Universe-Mr. Americas were friends only.

Let’s start with one I have a special spot in my heart for as he was an outstanding gentleman – Dennis Tinerino.  From Wikipedia:

 

Dennis Tinerino (December 23, 1945 – May 7, 2010) was an American bodybuilder, most prominent in the late 1960s and 1970s. He won the Mr. Universe title four times in 1968, 1975, 1980 and 1981 and Mr. World in 1971 in the tall man's category, and Mr. America in 1978. After becoming involved in a life of crime, running one of the biggest escort services in California, he became an international evangelist. The 1983 edition of The Gold's Gym book of bodybuilding cited him as "one of the most successful bodybuilders of the past decade or two". He is an inductee of the National Fitness Hall of Fame, IFBB Hall of Fame and National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

 

Bodybuilding[edit]

Tinerino won the Teen Mr. America, Mr. Atlantic Coast, Mr East Coast, and Mr. Brooklyn contests in 1964,^[3] and finished second to Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Mr. Universe contest in 1967 at the age of 21. He won the NABBA Mr. Universe title in England in 1968, and later in 1975, 1980 and 1981 in the tall man's category.^[3][4] He won the Mr. World contest in the tall man's category in 1971.^[3] He finished 6th overall in the 1977 Mr. Olympia contest, 3rd in the over 200 lb category, and 9th overall in the 1978 Mr. Olympia coast, 4th in the over 200 lb category.^[3] Tinerino also won the title of Pro Mr. Natural America in 1978. His last contest was in the 1982 Mr. Olympia, finishing in 14th place.^[3]

In 1969 he portrayed Atlas in Schwarzenegger's debut film, Hercules in New York, released in February 1970.^[5] In the 1970s he appeared on the cover of magazines such as Muscle & Fitness, Muscular Development, Iron Man, and Strength & Health.^[4] The 1983 publication, The Gold's Gym book of bodybuilding, cited him as "one of the most successful bodybuilders of the past decade or two".^[6] In 1985, Robert Kennedy said of him, "this bodybuilding superstar has won every major competition except the Mr. Olympia title. To his credit, he is the only major champion to win a steroid-free contest (the Natural Mr. America).^[7]

Criminal turned pastor[edit]

Enjoying a life of excess, he was drawn into organized crime. This involved him in one of the largest escort rings in California, as well as gambling, book making and other criminal pursuits. Eventually he was arrested and prosecuted.^[1][8] He boasted that he earned millions and loved life in the fast lane, including making $1000 a week from arm wrestling alone.^[1] His arrest in his Hollywood office was broadcast on live TV, shamed as a former Mr. Universe turned crook.^[1] His lawyer managed to reduce his sentence to just a year in prison for pandering.^[1][9] In prison he met a preacher who told him that God had big plans for him and that it was his destiny to become an international evangelist.^[1] He confesses to having been "struck by a lightning bolt from heaven and have his life flash before his eyes" after praying to God to pardon his sins and becoming a Christian.^[1] On being released from prison, he established the Dennis Tinerino Ministries based in Beverly Hills in 1979, becoming an international evangelist. In 2006 he authored the book Super Size Your Faith.

 

Tinerino married

Anita Conti in 1970.^[4] He developed cancer in the 1990s and was told he had 2 weeks to live but the cancer went into remission.^[1] He survived numerous near encounters with death, surviving a plane crash, car crashes and hitmen.^[1] He died of cancer in 2010. He is recognized in the AAU Hall of Fame, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, the Oldetime Barbell & Strongmen Hall of Fame, the National Fitness Hall of Fame, and entered the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2006.

 

My account:

         

          I knew Dennis through his wife, Anita Conti. She was/is a great beauty {haven’t talked to her since forever. Don’t know where she is, even if she’s still alive} who helped Dan Lurie with his WBBG beauty contests. We met in 1972 at the show, lol, where I also met Arnold, & won 2^nd place & BEST BODY for Miss Americana. Arnold was a judge. {I might add here that from recent research, it is said in male contests that sometimes they pick the winner for political reasons, but they actually give the real winner ‘most muscular’ as compensation.} In female beauty contests it’s ‘best body.’ I won ‘best body’ 3 times with 2^nd place – the winner being friends of the family of the promoter or affiliated in some personal way. It’s OK, I’m more pleased with BEST BODY than first place! After all, it’s body building, fitness so best body is a highhonor!

 

          Anita brought Dennis to see me dance at the Melody Theater - he was the only bb champion who ever saw my performance! He was so sexy & handsome the females went wild for him, especially an Italian beauty called ‘Bella Donna’ who hugged & kissed him until Anita said ‘enough!’

          One funny story. A male friend of theirs told me that Anita was so besotted with Dennis, she’d go to his house on the weekend, while Dennis was on a date, & she & his Mom would wait for him until he got home! 

          At the time I knew him, he worked a legitimate business, cleaning restaurant grilles.  {They take special caustic chemicals to clean.}

          After my dance, Dennis took us to an expensive restaurant to eat. He made me feel special – a real gentleman.  There was something about him that stands out in my mind forever – a good feeling, that he respected me, so I respected him.  Stay Blessed in your Heaven, Dennis!

 

 

                             Boyer Coe – Excellent Man

 

Some of his biggest wins:

·                                           1975 World Championships – WBBG, Winner

·                                 1975 Universe – Pro – PBBA, Winner

·                                 1975 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Short, 1st

·                                 1975 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Overall Winner

·                                 1974 World Championships – WBBG, Winner

·                                 1974 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Short, 2nd

·                                 1974 Mr World – WBBG, Winner

·                                 1973 World Championships – WBBG, Winner

·                                 1973 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Short, 1st

·                                 1973 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Overall Winner

·                                 1972 World Championships – WBBG, Winner

·                                 1972 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Short, 2nd

·                                 1971 World Championships – WBBG, Winner

·                                 1971 Mr International – IFBB, Medium, 1st

·                                 1971 Mr International – IFBB, Overall Winner

·                                 1971 Mr America – IFBB, Medium, 1st

·                                 1970 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Short, 1st

·                                 1970 Mr World – AAU, Pro Short, 2nd

·                                 1969 Universe – NABBA, Medium, 1st

·                                 1969 Universe – NABBA, Overall Winner

·                                 1969 Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

·                                 1969 Mr America – AAU, Winner

·                                 1969 Junior Mr America – AAU, Winner

·                                 1968 Mr USA – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

·                                 1968 Mr USA – AAU, 2nd

·                                 1968 Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

·                                 1968 Mr America – AAU, 2nd

·                                 1968 Junior Mr USA – AAU, Overall Winner

·                                 1968 Junior Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

·                                 1968 Junior Mr America – AAU, 2nd

·                                 1967 Mr Southern States – AAU, 2nd

·                                 1967 Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 5th

·                                 1967 Mr America – AAU, 5th

·                                 1967 Junior Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd

·                                 1967 Junior Mr America – AAU, 2nd

·                                 1966 Teen Mr America – AAU, Winner

·                                 1966 Mr USA – AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd

·                                 1966 Mr USA – AAU, 2nd

·                                 1966 Junior Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 5th

·                                 1966 Junior Mr America – AAU, 5th

·                                 1965 Teen Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd

·                                 1965 Teen Mr America – AAU, 2nd

·                                 1965 Mr Texas – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

·                                 1965 Mr Texas – AAU, Winner

·                                 1964 – Mr. Louisiana

·                                 1964 – AAU Mr. New Orleans

·                                 1962 – Teen-Age Mr. South Contest, top 5

Biography

Start of Competitive Career

In the summer of 1962, Boyer decided to take part in his first ever bodybuilding contest, the Teen Mr. South in Alabama. Having had no previous experience being on stage, Boyer was pleasantly surprised to hear his name called out among the top 5 contestants.

Riding high from his first show, Boyer continued to compete in local contests throughout the summer, before turning to bigger competitions.

His first major victory on stage came in 1964, at the AAU Mr. New Orleans. He won the title just three days before he graduated from high school. Six months later, he won another title, this time in a regional competition – Mr. Hercules, Southwest.

After he graduated from high school, Boyer met his trainer Lloyd Lerille, who helped him further develop his physique; bringing him closer to the elite leagues of the IFBB and NABBA. Meanwhile, he also worked on his degrees in psychology and management at the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Dominance Throughout the 70s and 80s

In a span of three years, Boyer won two major titles, including his first national title at the 1966 Teen Mr. America, and the 1968 Junior Mr. USA title, which he won on his 22nd birthday.

His recognition in the bodybuilding world “blew up” during the 70s and 80s period, during which he won 18 titles, including the 1970 NABBA Mr. Universe, 1971 Mr. America, 1975 WBBG World Championships, 1981 IFBB Grand Prix Massachusetts, and the IFBB. 1981 Grand Prix World Cup.

Boyer also placed highly in a number of Mr. Olympia competitions during this period; finishing Overall in the top 4 during 1977, 1978, and 1980.

It’s because of these impressive feats, Boyer established himself as one of the most accomplished bodybuilders of the 70s and 80s.

My Account

          Boyer Coe was a true friend of mine in that he helped.  He recommended to Dan Lurie that I be sent with him & others to the NABBA male & female contests held in London, in 1974. He was up for Mr. Universe, I would try for ‘Miss Bikini Universe’.  Dan footed the bills – thank you there in Heaven, Dan.

          I sat on the plane with Boyer & we chatted.  Wish I could remember more. I do recall he said he trained 9 hours a week, 3 days, 3 hours at a time. I took that to be the standard from then on, as he was an expert.

          The only other thing I recall on the plane is that he called over a hostess & told her he needed more food. He explained he & the others were professional body builders & the meager fare we were given was not enough.  The hostess was gracious & brought a large platter of sliced cheese for all of us.  There was a pic of Boyer & I sitting together on the plane, I hated my makeup, lol.

          Boyer then got us an interesting hotel. We were the only ones in the company who stayed there – the others complained of misery at their digs & how smart we were to stay elsewhere. It sounded as if Boyer & I were ‘getting it on’ but we weren’t, like people might assume we were in the same room.

          But I must say, one time I went into the hall toward the ladies room – the rest rooms & baths were separate from one’s private rooms – I noticed that a lot in overseas spots & Canada.  Boyer saunters by toward the men’s baths clad only in a towel around his waist, a sight to behold; what a body.

          During that entire week I spent only $16 because the men in our company – mostly Boyer paid for my meals! I think I did breakfast there a couple times on my own, that was all the money I spent.

          I might add also I was busy.  My mentor at the time, Rev Judy Swaggart I call her, convinced me to give a speech while I was there – to promote her & her teachings.  I did as I was told & because of it, got on page 3 of News of the World {went to 9 million!} & after I left, appeared on the front page & center spread in Titbits – the cover shot a glorious one by Denie.

          I did not let an opportunity slip by.  Before departure I personally went to the headquarters of the British Press & told them I was going to London, who I was, what I was about, etc. He was fascinated & faxed my info & images over there.

          When I arrived there I was in the London paper,

 “Arriving in London is a woman with a huge bustline & a mission in life – to convert the don’t knows to the ways of God,” etc. {words approximate from memory} with my image in a low cut dress.  I told them I had the intention of preaching in Hyde Park – later I didn’t really think about it but the morning {like 2AM} after the contest I’m seated at a British style breakfast, to the left of me a young man reading the paper.

          There on page 3 is a large picture of me in a bikini announcing the following morning I will be in Hyde Park to give a sermon!  Yiikes!  I couldn’t get out of that one, it was too good of a promotion.

          The man wouldn’t give me his paper, I went out to a glass box on the street & bought a few.

          Then I rushed to my room to get some sleep as I had to get up early! 

          In tow was this German youngster who’d been in our show, a friend of Albert Busek – Arnold’a photographer. He tried every way there is to stay in the room with me but I insisted I had to go to sleep then & there & get up early.  How I managed to get this big hulk out I have no idea, God must have helped me.

           I got up groggy & went to the restaurant asking the management if they had a empty WOODEN BOX, I could stand on to give a speech in Hyde Park.  Believe it or not, they had one, so off I go in a cab.  I’d never been to Hyde Park & I told the driver I had to find the place where they preach.

          He drops me off. I ask a mature mustached man where do they give speeches?  He asks what about, & when I say ‘religion’ he chuckles,

“Oh, that’s a lost cause.”

I find a spot I think is right. There is no one with me. All alone, I get up on the box & begin speaking on

“The end of earth & man unless.”

Abut 20 people gathered & listened.

I don’t know what I expected, like the newspaper did not give a time or did they?  Was it perhaps NOON?  Yes, I guess it was, so I thought someone might show up.

Indeed, one photographer did – He was an AMATEUR who’d read the article, he appeared, took images & sold them to the magazine!  He said he felt sorry for me, all alone, no help, he wanted to be of service.

He & I did indeed become friends, we stayed in touch after my departure for months.

I accomplished a second project while there.  My dressmaker Esmerelda had a son in London who was a movie producer.  I called his number – he was delighted, & took me out to dinner to a lovely place – I even had red wine – a wonderful fellow.

So you see, in 6 days I had done a lot & proud of myself for it.  Oh yes, the contest, how silly of me, forgot the contest, lol.

As I was about to enter the premises – a huge cavernous hallf – outside there were tables where we ‘signed in.’

Chris Dickerson was a GENIUS of promotion.  He had taken 8X10 images of himself at his peak condition, covered in some kind of bronze, looking like a quadruple muscular statue.  He placed these images all over the table for the signers up!  I think that helped him win later on!

Boyer Coe & I entered after him – Boyer saw his plug & didn’t like it.

Now all I know is that when I came out people gasped & screamed - it was written up even the females cried out, that I had a body no one expected…..

However, body or not, they only gave me 5^th place.  It was one of the most mortifying moments of my competitive life.  I knew it was political, but still hard to swallow.  I took it bravely.

Boyer did not. He was given 2^nd place to Chris Dickerson & he smashed his trophy into the garbage can.  Doing research now, I see that many men like Harold Poole & even Frank Zane smashed their trophies when they got less than they expected. But truly this is unsportsmanlike – “it’s not who wins the game, its how you play it.”

So if you take your loss gallantly you have won. I tried.

Now the contest is over, I see some festivities brewing & want to take part.  I’m not being invited.  Albert Busek seems to be the ring leader & he’s got this German God in tow, I push myself to them, they finally give in.

So off we go to the nightclub scene.  Again, I am one for opportunities.  We go to a striptease club of sorts.  Just out of curiosity I go to the management & audition.  The man is very polite – men in Canada & Europe are far more refined than Americans.  He politely tells me they could not afford me.

Back to the show.  A woman stands out who is wearing 8 costumes from 8 nationalities.  She sings a song in each genre, in their language, takes off one outfit.  Finally she comes to the end & takes it all off, my German God gets excited & kisses me!

Then we go to that restaurant I spoke of, where I saw the man with the newspaper to my left.

When I returned to NY I got a call from Germany from Albert Busek & the German God.  I suspect Arnold told them I wanted to marry the dear boy, who looks to be 19 – I am 29. {Arnold was close to Albert & Albert no doubt told him about our fete - Arnold likes to pull pranks.} They kept insisting he come to NY or I go to Germany.  I had to explain it was a misunderstanding.

Oh yes, one more anecdote re Albert Busek, a funny one.  I am at this daytime restaurant – Albert is there & in comes this sexy lady in a low-cut top.  She sits with us, they are good friends, she’s married & has NINE CHILDREN.

They are just friends they tell me & are on their way to the British Museum.  Wow, I’d like to come!  They say fine, let’s go.

I’m in front of a painting, admiring it, turn around, they are gone.  I search, nowhere in sight.  Albert & his lovely have given me the slip, lol.  {To be continued}