Ed Fury, R.I.P.

Ed Fury died on February 24 at the age of 94. He was one of the big stars which came from the US to star in several Italian PEPLUM films during the height of its popularity around the world. Ed was a *legendary* physique model and appeared in countless muscle and physique magazines in the 1950s. He also had bit parts in movies like FEMALE ON THE BEACH (1955) before heading for Rome. The handsome star appeared in 3 URSUS movies. I liked him. Acting wasn't really his thing but the camera loved him and he always looked great and seemed to have a good time. Having lived so long, I also thought he'd live forever. Rest in peace, Ed!

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Above and below: before heading for Rome, Ed appeared in WILD WOMEN OF WONGO (1958)

 

Ed starred with Rod Taylor and Dorian Gary (above) in COLOSSUS AND THE AMAZON QUEEN (1960). Fun film.
 

 

Above & below: THE MIGHTY URSUS (1961) was Ed's biggest role yet. It starred Cristina Gaioni. One of my favourite PEPLUM movies.

 

Ed in THE SEVEN REVENGES (1961). Probably Ed's most serious role. Great film. The first image above is from this movie.

 

Ed with Moira Orfei and Alberto Lupo in URSUS IN THE VALLEY OF THE LIONS (1961), first sequel to THE MIGHTY URSUS.

 

Ed in MACISTE CONTRO LO SCEICCO or SAMSON AGAINST THE SHIEK (1962). This was his only movie as Maciste. The character's name was changed to Samson for the US market.

Ed in the third and last Ursus movie: URSUS IN THE LAND OF FIRE (1963) starring Luciana Gilli (below). Like all Ursus movies, this one is quite violent. This was his last movie made in Rome.

 

Ed was famous model before appearing in movies. Here are a few of his appearances or cameos.

 

Above and below: Ed was part of the promotional campaign for the US release of FABIOLA (1949). He didn't star in the movie.

 

Ed had a cameo in ATHENA (1954) also starring future PEPLUM star Edmund Purdom.
 

Ed had a bit part in GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953) starring Jane Russel.

 

Ed is credited for DEMETRIUS AND THE GLADIATORS (1954) but I can't find him in the final movie. Here's a candid photo of Ed with Susan hayward who played Messalina.

 

After returning to the US, Ed's acting career didn't go anyway even if he starred in some big productions. Ed can be seen in the background of a STAR TREK episode with William Shatner.

 

Ed was a famous physiques model before acting. Here's one of many covers with the handsome man.