Lisa Lyon: Bodybuilding pioneer who inspired Marvel's Elektra dies at 70 after battling stomach cancer
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA: Women's bodybuilding pioneer Lisa Lyon died on September 8, Friday, at 70 following a battle with stomach cancer as reported by TMZ.
Lyon's close friend and her family told the outlet that she died at her San Fernando Valley home. Lyon was under hospice care at the time of death.
Lyon's grave condition was revealed on September 3. However, bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger who is a fan of Lyon once gushed to the outlet, "She is the best. I love her."
Who was Lisa Lyon?
Lisa Lyon was an American bodybuilder born in Los Angeles, California, on May 13, 1953. Lisa gradually associated herself with sports and weight training while growing up.
Lyon studied fencing and kendo, eventually falling into bodybuilding. On June 16, 1979, Lisa was crowned as the first International Federation of Bodybuilders Woman's World Pro Bodybuilding Championship.
In 1980, Lyon posed for Playboy as a bodybuilder for the October issue. The bodybuilding legend's cover shot was historic as she was one of the first bodybuilders photographed for the famous publication.
Lyon used her success to transition her career into television and she appeared on multiple talk shows. Lyon also pursued a short acting career and starred in three films in the 1980s, 'Three Crowns of the Sailor', 'Getting Physical', and 'Vamp'.
Lyon later shared her fitness expertise with the world, writing a book titled 'Lisa Lyon's Body Magic', which was published in 1981. Lyon also got recognition in sports and was inducted into the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2000.
Besides bodybuilding and acting, Lyon worked as a model. Photographer Robert Mapplethorpe published a book called 'Lady: Lisa Lyon' with 150 photos of her.
Marvel comic has a Lisa Lyon-inspired character
Comic book artist Frank Miller used Lisa Lyon as the inspiration behind Marvel Comic's character, Elektra. Lyon's Marvel character, Elektra, made her first appearance in the 'Daredevil' comics in January 1981.
Her character's appearance was only meant to be a one-time story in the 'Daredevil' franchise, but the popularity resulted in multiple sequels. This eventually led to the 2005 film called 'Elektra'.
Lyon's Marvel character Elektra was played by actress Jennifer Garner.
Who was Lisa Lyon's ex-husband Bernard Lavilliers?
Bernard Lavilliers was born on 7 October 1946 in Saint-Etienne, Loire, France. He completed his schooling at a Local High School and graduated from a reputable university in France.
He was a French anti-conformist rock singer and songwriter since the early 80s. He has been influenced by Latino-Cuban sounds like salsa.
Bernard is known for his albums 'Premiers Pas', 'Pouvoirs', and 'Duos Taratata'. Bernard and Lisa Lyon married in 1982 and parted ways in 1983.