Who is Lisa Lyon? Women's bodybuilding pioneer and Playboy model is battling pancreatic cancer

April 15, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Lisa Lyon, a pioneering figure in women's bodybuilding, who was also featured in Playboy magazine in 1980, is reportedly in critical condition battling pancreatic cancer, as reported by TMZ.

She is presently under hospice care in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.

Also Read: How did ‘General Hospital’ star Jack Axelrod die? Veteran actor's representative confirms his death at 93

Notably, Lyon is known for serving as an initial inspiration to Frank Miller in the creation of the Marvel Comics character Elektra, who was subsequently brought to life by Jennifer Garner in the eponymous 2005 action film.

How did Lisa Lyon start her fitness journey?

Lisa Lyon, born in 1953 in Los Angeles, making her 70 years old, began her fitness journey by enrolling at the University of California in 1971, where she developed a deep passion for art, taking an interest in Kendo, a form of martial art.

Also Read: Who is Bhad Bhabie's baby's daddy? Heavily pregnant reality star seen in rare public pics

However, after a few months of Kendo training, Lyon recognized the need to enhance her strength to compete effectively with her peers, venturing into the gym, which led to her journey as a weightlifter.

Her passion for sculpting her physique made her write the book 'Lisa Lyon's Body Magic' in 1980.

Also Read: Bella Poarch expresses desire to join basketball team Lakers, Internet asks 'what are you gonna do?'

Interestingly, Lyon is also friends with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who once praised her, saying, "Lisa is the best. I love her," as per TMZ.

In 2000, Lyon was inducted into the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Hall of Fame. According to GreatestPhysiques, she is "a one-woman media-relations activist on behalf of the sport, elevating bodybuilding to the level of fine art."

Lisa Lyon's accomplishments in bodybuilding

Lisa Lyon made significant strides in the world of bodybuilding, marking her as a rising star in the sport as she achieved a notable third place in the AAU Junior Ms America competition in 1979, showcasing her dedication and talent.

Her outstanding prowess in bodybuilding was solidified when she clinched first place at the prestigious IFBB Women's World Pro Bodybuilding Championship in Los Angeles.

Lyon's contributions extended beyond bodybuilding, as she also worked as a model for renowned photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, notable for his collaboration with Andy Warhol.

She gained recognition through her work in Playboy, which led to appearances in three films in the 1980s. In 1983, Lyon acted in 'Three Crowns of the Sailor', followed by 'Getting Physical' in 1984 and 'Vamp' in 1986, as per IMDb.