70 A TRIBUTE TO GREG PLITT

Sometimes a journalist and his subject connect so completely that a friendship begins when the interview ends. Rod Labbe, writer, enjoyed such a rapport with physique model Greg Plitt from their first encounter until Plitt’s untimely death. In this tribut

Writer Rob Labbe recalls what made physique model, Plitt so very special.

Every now then, something wonderful comes along to convince me that journalism is the best career choice I ever made. One of those moments occurred when I interviewed Greg Plitt back in 2008.

Greg’s website popped up during my frequent internet searches. Perusing through, I saw contact information listed, including a publicity email address. This presented intriguing possibilities. If I dropped him a line and attached suitably dazzling clips, what were the chances he’d grant me an interview?

Answer: close to nil. Even in 2008, Greg Plitt was the globe’s number-one male fitness superstar… and superstars rarely answer letters from writers lacking street cred.

Well, freelancing is all about taking risks, right? So, I crossed fingers and toes and sent off an inquiry package. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.

Shazam!

The keyboard had barely cooled before Greg was buzzing my cell.

“Fuck, yeah, Rod!” he roared, in what I came to recognise as his typically boisterous way, “I love your work. Let’s put pedal to the metal and get it done!”

And we did. That first interview appeared in Iron Man magazine, generating a cover story (shot by Mike Neveux) and, later, we conducted a second interview for Men’s Workout, which also scored a cover.

Frankly, I couldn’t believe my luck. The number-one fitness star in the world was talking to me like an old buddy, laughing and joking and sharing stories. Even today, I can’t quite believe my good fortune.

Intimate conversations between strangers are often sketchy affairs; logistics fall apart, or not enough interesting material is gleaned, but Greg and I instantly clicked. Each marathon chat –and there were over a dozen – ran the gamut, no limits. We discussed emotions, the philosophical, political, cosmic conundrums, everything under the sun.

What made him great? He was the perfect storm: a blending of rugged good looks, a dynamic personality, positive attitude, muscle mass and a magnificently ripped natural physique like no other. And then some.

Greg was discovered by chance in a Marriott hotel bar in Washington, DC, and his subsequent ascent was rapid and furious. The camera simply adored him. Within months of his first cover for Muscle & Fitness, he was sprinting toward immortality.

The story of his discovery was straight out of a Hollywood fantasy. Here’s what Greg told me about the moment, in his own words:

“Mom’s an interior designer, and she gave me a voucher for a free stay at any Marriott hotel in the US. My buddies and I were headed to DC, so why not use her voucher?

“The closest Marriott was in a bad location; it’s shabby, TV in the bar doesn’t work, rundown and sad. I’m drinking with my bros, and there’s a modelling and acting agency convention going on across from us in one of the banquet rooms.

“An older guy walks out and says to me, ‘You here for the convention?’ I laughed and said, ‘Nope, just knockin’ back some brews.’ After more small talk, he introduced himself as a talent agent, gave me his card and asked if I’d mind going upstairs for a few pictures. I’m like, uh, thanks, but no thanks.

“But you know what? I’m the kind who doesn’t like to ponder what-ifs; I’d rather face the truth, even if it’s harsh. I started wondering, could this be legit? So, I researched his agency, called him, and we made an appointment.

“Within two weeks, I’m in the Big Apple doing head and body shots. Kind of a wacky experiment, but whatever. I had nothing to lose. Suddenly, I’m flying out to LA for a photography session with Muscle & Fitness!

“Talk about your alien environments. Fucking unreal! Lights, cameras, smile, don’t smile. I’d never modelled before and there I was, trying to project sexy and cool, you know, someone who has his shit together, and I’m sweating my balls off… I’ve always been in shape because I like the feeling of being fit. If I’m what photographers want, who am I to disagree? [Laughs]

“About three months passed, I got a text that said, ‘Greg, you’re on this month’s Muscle & Fitness!’ I’m like, what the fuck? I drove like crazy to Barnes And Noble. At the counter, I’m calm, keeping the magazine face down. The clerk flips it over, looks at me, looks at the cover, and we both laugh. Here’s the best part: he pulls cash from his own wallet and pays for it!”

Greg had recently been discharged from the US Army, which followed a hardcore four-year stint at West Point Academy. His adherence to discipline and military form helped propel him through the ranks of physique modelling, but mere discipline alone wasn’t enough.

An elusive something else came into play, something Greg Plitt had but other models lacked. His appeal went beyond the “aw shucks” demeanour and killer physique. Photographer Pat Lee caught it best because he photographed Greg at the beginning of his career. Those photos are raw and wild, they come closest to capturing the real man.

Said Greg, “I have a simplistic philosophy: go forward and try. Push yourself. If you fail, fine; at least you’ve fallen as a warrior. But if you succeed, celebrate! Revel in the sweetness of your accomplishments. Knock on wood, I’ve had decent luck with covers, but I’m no supermodel, just a regular guy who saw a window of opportunity, opened it, and stepped through.

“My time at West Point paved the way for all of this. Accepting their offer meant turning down several wrestling scholarships, so I had to consider it carefully. In the final analysis, West Point offered more of what I was seeking as a developing individual. Plus, it would be mine, a new path forged. Military life taught me the meaning of leadership, its rigors and rewards. To me, a leader isn’t someone who berates or intimidates. When I became an officer, I had a less abrasive approach.

“West Point moulded my character and changed me for the better. At the Point, there was no one to lean on but myself.

“I also continued my fitness goals. Gym time wasn’t play time. Golf and football were personal passions. I still toss the pigskin, and nothing will ever drag me off the driving range. I’ve a four handicap in golf and love playing baseball. Wrestling’s my favourite, though. I was a two-time All-American, second in the nation my senior year of high school, and a multiple state champ.

“When I wrestled, there’d be a flicker of fear inside, an apprehension, but I resisted questioning my own abilities. Question, and you’re defeated from the get-go.

“A lot of people destroy themselves with negativity. Perspective is key. In slow times, I plan and prepare, improving my craft and staying photo-ready. I don’t lose confidence. Dragging yourself down with doubts is counterproductive. Switch the mental channel! Be sharp. If my opponent beats me, fine – but I will never lose. Dream the dream or obliterate it. Your choice.”

Dream the dream. Flash-forward to January 17, 2015. I woke, checked the news, and sat there, absolutely stunned. “Internationally famous model, Greg Plitt, killed in bizarre train mishap while filming commercial,” a solemn headline announced. “Dead at 37.”

My mind went blank. Processing such completely devastating news fried all mental circuits. Dead at 37 and hit by a train? No, no, they’re mistaken. He’s off somewhere on a random trek to parts unexplored. Adventuring. Testing limits.

Reality proved more dismal, and the enormity of it still cannot be measured, even six years hence.

I comfort myself with the knowledge that Greg eschewed mediocrity, rejected conformity, and kept those startling green eyes firmly on the horizon line.

To honour my dear friend and cohort, here’s a tribute to a great guy who left us too soon. I hope it gives you an insight into his unique and short, though well-lived, life. >>

He was the perfect storm: rugged good looks, a dynamic personality, positive attitude, muscle mass and a natural physique like no other.

I have a simple philosophy: go forward and try. Push yourself. If you fail, fine; at least you’ve fallen as a warrior.