George Eiferman

George Eiferman (November 3, 1925 - February 12, 2002) was a notable figure in the sport of bodybuilding. Born in Philadelphia in 1925, He served in the Navy during World War II and entered into the sport of bodybuilding afterwards. He won the AAU Mr. America competition in 1948 and the Mr. Universe in 1962.

In 1942, on his 17th birthday, Eiferman decided to join the US Navy. During this time, he began lifting weights seriously and ended up putting on 40 pounds of muscle until his departure on his 21st birthday in 1946. He then joined Fritshe's gym in Philadelphia.

In 1947, just a year later, he won the Mr. Philadelphia competition which helped him advance into the Mr. America competition where he placed 5th. In April 1948, Eiferman won the Mr. California. Once month later, he won the Mr. America title. He later moved to California where he worked out regularly at Muscle Beach. During this time, Eiferman made a movie called Devil's Sleep and the 1960s George of the Jungle cartoon character was created by the cook on his mine sweeper during the war by combining his likeness and the Tarzan character.

Having a number of prestigious titles, he began traveling the country and giving speeches at high schools on living a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of weight training for the Nationwide School Assemblies of America organization.

Eiferman continued to lift, train, and compete and went on to win the Mr. Universe in 1962. He also opened up his own gyms in Hawaii, Vista, California, and Las Vegas.

In the 80's George had a TV show in Vegas called Take 5 for fitness on Fox 5 in Las Vegas. As a trainer, nutritionist, and fitness ambassador, he worked with and enjoyed relationships with everyone from Steve Reeves, Lou Ferrigno, and Arnold Schwarzenegger to Mae west, Debbie Reynolds, Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. He also helped train celebrities like Rock Hudson, Sylvester Stallone, and even Elvis in the early 70's when he was having weight/health issues.

George was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000.

George had a son, Shawn Eiferman and a daughter named Leah Eiferman with his first wife Tobi.

On February 12, 2002, Eiferman died with his first wife Bonita right next to him.

EIferman was a member of Mae West's revue in the 1950s.