Bodybuilding pioneer Gaines dies at 84; pumping Iron helped bring bodybuilding to the mainstream and spotlighted Arnold Schwarzenegger. True Lies remains Cameron’s 1994 action-comedy pairing his star with Sam
Gaines has died at 84; Greta Gaines confirms the death, praising his life and work. He co-wrote Pumping Iron, which led to the 1977 documentary and a lasting cultural shift for bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger’s friendship and career are noted in reflections on Gaines’ life.