The bodybuilding community is coming to terms with another painful loss. On Dec. 29, 2025, it was revealed that Dean Tornabene, a former Mr. America and powerlifting champion, died at 67. At the time of this writing, his cause of death has not been revealed.
Tornabene was a bodybuilding pioneer, responsible for helping grow the sport through the 1970s and 80s. He had a notable impact on celebrities during his coaching tenure at Gold’s Gym Venice. He helped action stars like Pierce Brosnan and Sylvester Stallone, along with Hollywood icons Dolly Parton and Mickey Rourke.
In addition to leading a successful bodybuilding and powerlifting career, he made waves in the supplement industry before the market was saturated. He generated over $500 million in supplement sales throughout his life, guiding various companies to success over the years.
Bodybuilding Veteran Dean Tornabene Passes Away at 67
Rx Muscle – Truth in Bodybuilding was one of the first sources to confirm Tornabene’s passing:
“Saddened to report the passing of Dean Tornabebe, a former Mr. America, a powerlifting champion, and an absolute staple of the hardcore Gold’s Gym Venice scene in the 80’s,” wrote RxMuscle.
Iconic coaches and bodybuilders offered their condolences in the comment section:
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“I went to the first NPC Nationals when Lee Haney won the overall. First person on stage in the lightweights was Dean. Mind blowing. Years later I use to see him everyday at Golds. Always spoke to people. Always had a smile on his face. He was so into nutrition, health, training. Blessings to his family” shared Chris Aceto.
“RIP ❤️🙏🏻 Dean” Milos Sarcev shared.
“OMG … I can’t believe it…Dean just sent me a text message with my cousin George 2 weeks ago 💔” said Samir Bannout.
“God bless Dean , his soul and his family . 🙌👏🙌👏” Kai Greene wrote.
Tornabene’s Contest History
*Stats provided by Muscle Memory
1975
- Teen Mr. USA – AAU, Short, 3rd
1979
- Mr. International – IFBB, LightWeight, 5th
1980
- Mr. America – AAU, LightWeight, 11th
1981
- Mr. America – AAU, LightWeight, 5th
- Gold’s Classic – NPC, LightWeight, 2nd
1982
- Nationals – NPC, LightWeight, 2nd
1983
- Nationals – NPC, LightWeight, 2nd
1984
- Nationals – NPC, LightWeight, 3rd
1985
- USA Championships – NPC, LightWeight, 4th
1986
- Nationals – NPC, LightWeight, 1st
1988
- Grand Prix US Pro – IFBB, 9th
1989
- Grand Prix US Pro – IFBB, 3rd
- Olympia – IFBB, Did Not Place
1990
- Pittsburgh Pro Invitational – IFBB, 9th
Fitness influencers and bodybuilders have been dying young at an alarming rate. Recently, Italian influencer Alessandro Antonicelli sadly died following a two-year battle with an aggressive form of malignant bone cancer. A GoFundMe was created to honor his life, and all proceeds will be donated to cancer research.
Shortly after the loss, fans were taken aback by the death of IFBB Pro Wang Kun, who was only 30 years old. A spokesperson for the Anhui Provincial Bodybuilding Association revealed that his death likely came as a result of heart problems.
Tornabene leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance and success. The Fitness Volt team sends our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.
RELATED: IFBB Pro Bikini Bodybuilder Lorena Blanco Passes Away at 37 Due to Heart Attack
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