Don Howorth Death Obituary: “The Duke of Delts” Dies at 90
Don Howorth, remembered across generations of bodybuilding fans as “The Duke of Delts,” leaves behind a distinctive legacy from an era when powerful shoulders, a narrow waist, and classic proportions defined the ideal physique.
Howorth, born November 9, 1935, died September 21, 2026. He became known for his exceptionally broad shoulders and narrow midsection, a physique that made him a notable figure in bodybuilding during the 1950s and 1960s.
His journey in the sport included training at Gene Mozee’s Gym in Pasadena, where he reportedly gained 60 pounds of muscle over four years. During that period, he trained alongside Pat Casey, a legendary strength athlete who became the first person to bench press 600 pounds.
In 1962, largely at Casey’s urging, Howorth joined Vince Gironda’s Gym. His training approach reflected the evolving culture of bodybuilding and strength training at the time. Despite Gironda’s reservations about the exercise, Howorth insisted on including the bench press in his routines.
Those chapters of his career helped establish Howorth as a memorable figure from bodybuilding’s formative decades. His exceptionally developed shoulders became so closely associated with his image that the nickname “The Duke of Delts” endured as part of his legacy.
Further details about Howorth’s childhood, family, education, personal life, later career, and circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly confirmed in the information provided.
For bodybuilding enthusiasts who continue to study the sport’s history, Howorth represents a generation that helped shape the classic physique aesthetic. His dedication to training and distinctive physical development ensured that his name would remain part of bodybuilding history.
Don Howorth’s passing marks the loss of a figure from a transformative era, but the physique and reputation that earned him the title “The Duke of Delts” remain part of the sport’s enduring story.
