Legendary Bodybuilding Photographer Jimmy Caruso Dies At 95 Years Old

By
Greg Patuto
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Jimmy Caruso, who is famous for his photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed away at age 95.

Jimmy Caruso, a legendary photographer in the sport of bodybuilding, passed away at the age of 95 on July 18. There was no cause of death released at the time.

Caruso worked for Joe Weider’s Muscle Builder/Power magazine during the 1960’s. This is where his relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger began.

Hailing from Montreal, Jimmy Caruso is best known for his photographs and relationship with the best bodybuilder of all-time. In 1968, Schwarzenegger would come to America to compete in the 1968 Mr. Universe, where he finished second behind Frank Zane. That same weekend, Schwarzenegger signed with Weider’s and had his first ever photo shoot in America. Caruso was the man behind the camera.

 

Caruso began showing an interest in photography at 14 years old when he was inspired by the work of Victor Nicoletti. He worked his way up to the top and earned an IFBB Recognition Award as the “greatest physique photographer.”

Schwarzenegger was photographer many times by Caruso and took to Twitter to send his  condolences to his family.

“Jimmy Caruso was an artist, a visionary, and just a good man. His photos were beautiful and helped tell the story of the golden age of bodybuilding. You have heard me say I’m not a self-made man over and over – people like Jimmy are a big reason why.”

Caruso was not just a photographer. He dabbled in the bodybuilding game himself, along with being a trainer of many champion boxers and bodybuilders and a personal trainers at his gym. Caruso opened “Caruso Gym” In Montreal in 1954 when he was 29 years old. That was the same year that he finished second at the Most Muscular Montreal competition.

As a trainer, Jimmy Caruso had a big hand in the success of Roy Callender. In 1977, Callender won the Canadian Championships after being persuaded to leave professional wrestling and get back into the world of bodybuilding by Caruso. He would enjoy success during the 1970’s and 1980’s, including winning the 1979 IFBB Pro Universe and competing in Mr. Olympia four years in a row.

Today, Caruso’s gym is now known as “Gym-Zone Decarie.” Caruso stayed active well into the later part of his life. In recent years, Caruso was still actively working as a personal trainer in his gym.

 

Jimmy Caruso will be remembered as a legendary photographer and figure in the sport of bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger was not the only one to tribute Caruso at this time.

“We would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of one of the true gentleman in our sport, Jimmy Caruso. The iconic bodybuilding photographer passed on July 18th, just prior to his 96th birthday.  Some of the most legendary photos of Arnold over the years came from Jimmy’s lenses. He will be sadly missed. RIP,”  Arnold Sports Festival posted on Facebook. 

Generation Iron send out condolences to the friends and family of Jimmy Caruso during this difficult time. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Greg Patuto
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.

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