The bodybuilding world has lost another one of its beloved figures. Lenny Persin, famously known as ‘Big Lenny,’ passed away at the age of 60 after battling congestive heart failure.
His death, confirmed by fitness industry expert Jon Bravo in a video shared on October 10, 2024, marks the end of a career defined by an unconventional approach to bodybuilding, a larger-than-life personality, and an unforgettable presence both on and off the stage.
A Life and Career That Defied Convention
Big Lenny was not your typical bodybuilder. Known for his massive size and unique appearance, Lenny had a distended stomach caused by palumboism, a condition often attributed to the use of human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin.
This condition made it difficult for him to contract his abdominal muscles, but that didn’t stop him from stepping on stage and entertaining crowds.
Despite not possessing the traditional aesthetic associated with bodybuilding, Big Lenny’s passion for the sport was evident.
His most notable competition appearance came in 2017 at the NPC Ruby Championship, where he earned second place.
Big Lenny may not have had the chiseled physique typical of other competitors, but he always managed to draw attention and gain fans with his raw size, determination, and charisma.
Struggling with Health Issues
In the time leading up to his death, Lenny had been open about his health struggles. In one of his last public statements, Lenny revealed that he had been suffering from congestive heart failure, a condition in which the left ventricle of his heart failed to pump blood efficiently.
Big Lenny attributed part of his heart issues to ablation procedures he had undergone previously, which he believed had worsened his condition.
“Yes, congestive heart failure,” Lenny explained in a clip shared by Jon Bravo.
Related: Bodybuilder Illia Golem Dies at 36 Years Old: A Sudden Loss for the Bodybuilding World
Tributes Pour In for a Bodybuilding Legend
Jon Bravo, who confirmed Lenny’s passing, shared heartfelt reflections on Big Lenny’s impact and legacy. “I had a chance to know him and he was a gentle giant,” Bravo recalled. “One of the biggest guys in the room, and if there’s one thing we can all learn from Big Lenny, it’s that he lived each day to the fullest.”
Lenny was well known for his magnetic personality, often putting a smile on the faces of those around him. Bravo went on to highlight how Lenny lived his life with joy and resilience, even when his surroundings were less than ideal.
“He didn’t care if he lived in a rundown apartment filled with roaches and mold. Each day, he had a smile on his face, and he found a way to make himself happy.”
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Retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo also took to social media to express his condolences and honor Big Lenny’s legacy. “It’s with a heavy heart that I report the passing of a legend in bodybuilding… BIG LENNY,” Palumbo said. He described Lenny as an innovator, never a follower, someone who “carved out his own piece of bodybuilding history.”
Palumbo also reflected on Lenny’s involvement in the bodybuilding community. Lenny was a regular guest on Palumbo’s podcast, always sharing his unique views and ready to participate in various events, including a planned charity fight against Mr. G. Palumbo ended his tribute with a poignant message: “I will miss you, Lenny. You were a unique man, NEVER a Cookie Cutter! R.I.P.”
Related: IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Douglas Fruchey Has Died at the Age of 36
A Loss That Fuels Growing Concerns About Bodybuilding’s Health Risks
Big Lenny’s death comes at a time when the bodybuilding community has been increasingly concerned about the rising number of heart-related fatalities among athletes.
Lenny’s passing, along with that of bodybuilders like Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk, who died at 36 after a heart attack, has prompted many to question the safety of performance-enhancing drugs and the extreme measures some athletes take to achieve massive physiques.
Lenny’s fans and fellow competitors mourn his passing, but they also acknowledge that it serves as another stark reminder of the health risks faced by bodybuilders.
The use of substances such as steroids and HGH has long been a point of contention, with many now calling for reforms in the industry to better protect athletes from the harmful consequences of these drugs.
Related: 19-Year-Old Brazilian Bodybuilder Matheus Pavlak Dies of Heart Attack at Home
Remembering Big Lenny
Big Lenny’s legacy is more than just his impressive size or his competitive results.
He was a personality who brought joy to those around him, a man who lived life on his own terms, and a bodybuilder who will be remembered for his unique approach to the sport.
His passing is a deep loss for the bodybuilding world, but the lessons he imparted—living life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances—will endure.
As tributes pour in and the community reflects on his impact, Big Lenny’s life stands as a testament to resilience, individuality, and passion. Rest in peace, Big Lenny. You will be missed, but never forgotten.