Ed Fury, widely regarded as one of the most successful male physique models of the 1950s and 60s, has died at the age of 94. His wife, Shelly, confirmed his passing on February 24, 2023, with The Hollywood Reporter. A cause of death has not been revealed.
It didn’t take long for Ed Fury to discover what Southern California had to offer. Whether he was modeling at studios or appearing on bodybuilding magazines/publications, Fury was known for his ability to captivate an audience. His physique rivaled the iconic Steve Reeves during the height of his career.
Ed Fury was a prolific bodybuilder and actor for more than a decade. During his time in entertainment, he took part in ‘Sword and Sandal’ films, and adopted the role of Ursus, a mythological character he played on the television series Ursus, Son of Hercules. Fans were quite receptive of Fury’s time on camera. He later assumed the character again in 1961 and 1963 for Ursus in the Valley of the Lions as well as Ursus in the Land of Fire.
While making a living in the U.S., Fury routinely took part in minor television appearances. Oftentimes, his services were enlisted when Hollywood needed a muscle-bound actor or model. He continued to grow his brand with roles in The Doris Day Show, Gilligan’s Island, Columbo, The Brian Keith Show, Medical Center, Shazam! and Fantasy Island.
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Before his retirement from acting in the 1970s, Fury took part in a single appearance on the Dinosaur Valley Girls (1996), where he played a person named ‘Ur-So,’ paying homage to his signature role of Ursus.
Ed Fury Passes Away at 94 In California Home, Family and Wife Confirm
Fury died inside of his Woodland Hills home of Los Angeles, California, on February 24, 2023 at 94 years old. At the time of this writing, details are limited regarding his passing. Currently, a cause of death hasn’t been made available to the public.
Maintaining a ripped physique was always on the forefront of Fury’s mind despite his busy acting schedule. While competing as a bodybuilder Ed Fury won the 1951 Mr. Muscle Beach competition.
“I believe in a healthy mind and a healthy body,” he said in a 1988 interview. “You see, this is what you have, you better take care of it, or it won’t take care of you. … You’re dead a long time, you better have fun now and enjoy yourself, because that’s what we’re here for.”
Given Fury’s contributions to the world of bodybuilding, many were inspired by his dedication to fitness.
Obit for Ed Fury, who — with Steve Reeves — had to be one of the all-time physique-model greats. In movies from 1946, on TV from 1953, Urso in those sword-and-sandal movies and clothing's biggest arch-enemy. He died 2/24 at 94. https://t.co/FT9272VZqM pic.twitter.com/VCyUzStpcG
— Matthew Rettenmund (@mattrett) March 6, 2023
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Fury also wrote several scripts and songs according to his wife. They married shortly after meeting each other in 1955. Ed Fury was born in Edmund Holovchik, New York on June 6, 1928. He is survived by his wife Shelly.
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