Gold's Gym Inducts George Butler, Legendary 'Pumping Iron' Filmmaker, Into Hall of Fame

Famed documentarian honored at Gold's Gym 60^th anniversary event for his impact on bodybuilding and fitness culture

VENICE BEACH, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold's Gym, the iconic fitness brand known for its legacy in strength and performance training, has inducted George Butler, the acclaimed author and filmmaker behind the groundbreaking 1977 documentary "Pumping Iron," into the Gold's Gym Hall of Fame.

"Pumping Iron," filmed largely at Gold's Gym Venice Beach, chronicles the rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno as they vie for a Mr. Olympia title. The film is widely credited with launching Schwarzenegger's acting career and elevating the seven-time Mr. Olympia and five-time Mr. Universe into a household name.

Butler, who passed away in 2021, was recognized posthumously on Aug. 25, 2025, during the brand's 60th anniversary celebration at the legendary original Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, California, known as The Mecca. His son, Desmond Butler, accepted the award on his father's behalf before nearly 2,000 event attendees.

"My father took some of his best photographs in Gold's Gym. It's where the golden age of bodybuilding happened and where 'Pumping Iron' came to life. He would be very honored to see his name on the gym wall in the Mecca," said Desmond Butler.

Butler was selected in recognition of his pivotal role in bringing the sport and culture of bodybuilding, specifically at Gold's Gym, into the mainstream. "Pumping Iron" catapulted the brand, which Butler considered a main character in the film, to global recognition. After the film's debut, Gold's Gym became the world's premier destination for serious strength and performance training, earning its reputation as "the Mecca of Bodybuilding."

"George's vision and storytelling changed the way the world sees bodybuilding," said Danny Waggoner, co-CEO of Gold's Gym. "His work showcased the dedication and skill of bodybuilders while establishing Gold's Gym as a symbol of strength and aspiration. George's enduring influence on the fitness industry will be celebrated for generations to come, and we are proud to welcome him into the Gold's Gym Hall of Fame."

Butler joins an elite group of 16 Hall of Famers selected for their lasting mark on the brand and the fitness community. Members include Gold's Gym founder Joe Gold, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Gabby Reece, Laird Hamilton and esteemed franchisees who have helped build the brand's global reputation.

His induction follows the 2024 inductees — Ed Connors, Pete Grymkowski and Tim Kimber — who guided Gold's Gym's growth and global expansion during the 1980s and 1990s.

About Gold's Gym
What began in 1965 as a small gym in Venice Beach, California, has since become one of the most iconic fitness brands in the world — Gold's Gym. Over the last 60 years, Gold's Gym has developed into a global brand with nearly 600 locations spanning six continents. In 2020, the RSG Group acquired Gold's Gym and integrated the brand into its portfolio, making it the global leader in the fitness sector. For more information, go to goldsgym.com or follow Gold's Gym on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or X.

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SOURCE Gold's Gym