Ed Fury, an accomplished bodybuilder and model from the 1950s and 60s, has passed away at the age of 94, as confirmed by his wife, Shelly, to The Hollywood Reporter on February 24, 2023. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Fury quickly established himself in Southern California and became a popular figure in the industry, both as a model for studios and on the pages of bodybuilding publications. He was known for his ability to captivate audiences with his impressive physique, which was comparable to that of the legendary Steve Reeves during the peak of his career.
Ed Fury was a successful bodybuilder and actor in the entertainment industry for over a decade, during which he appeared in ‘Sword and Sandal’ films and took on the role of Ursus in the television series Ursus, Son of Hercules. Fans of Fury’s work were impressed with his performances, and he reprised the character in Ursus in the Valley of the Lions (1961) and Ursus in the Land of Fire (1963).
Throughout his time in the United States, Fury frequently appeared on minor television programs, often as a muscle-bound actor or model. He continued to expand his brand with roles in The Doris Day Show, Gilligan’s Island, Columbo, The Brian Keith Show, Medical Center, Shazam!, and Fantasy Island.
Fury retired from acting in the 1970s, but made one final appearance in Dinosaur Valley Girls (1996), where he played a character named ‘Ur-So’ in a nod to his famous role as Ursus.
Iconic Actor and Bodybuilder Ed Fury Dies at 94 in His California Home, Confirms Family and Wife:
As of February 24, 2023, Ed Fury passed away at the age of 94 inside his Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California home. At the moment, information regarding his passing is limited and the cause of death has not been disclosed to the public.
Ed Fury’s dedication to maintaining a chiseled physique was unwavering, even with his busy acting schedule. In 1951, he won the Mr. Muscle Beach competition while still actively competing as a bodybuilder.
In a 1988 interview, Fury expressed his belief in the importance of a healthy mind and body, saying “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.”
Aside from his acting and bodybuilding careers, Fury was also a songwriter and scriptwriter according to his wife, whom he married in 1955. Born as Edmund Holovchik on June 6, 1928, Fury is survived by his wife, Shelly.
Courtesy Image @ ricottacostalotta (Instagram)
