Shout Out to Larry Powers

Was chatting with promoter Steve Karel about the 2013 NPC Nationals, set for November 22-23 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, when Steve asked a favor. “This is on the humanitarium side of things,” Karel said. “People who followed the sport in the 1950s, 60s and 70s would remember Larry Powers, a former Mr. America–his real name was Larry Cianchetta. Larry was one of Joe Weider’s favorite bodybuilders, and was featured on a lot of magazine covers (including the February, 1965 issue of Iron Man).

“I used to train with him in New York in the 80s. Larry now lives in Florida, and a very close, mutual friend that saw him many times recently passed along the information that Larry is having some major health issues and would love to hear from former contemporaries–or anybody in the industry who wishes to say hello.” A 1999 feature on Powers that ran in Life Extension Magazine said Larry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1990, at the age of 50.

So, surprise Larry with a phone call, card, or any type of correspondence that will surely brighten his day. I did not know Powers, but in looking at his competition resume, he surely was among the best in the game during his era. You can phone Powers at 954 785-7793, or write to him at 3305 SE 5th Street, Pompano, Florida, 33062.