Earl Maynard, the celebrated Mr Universe titleholder, professional wrestler, and Hollywood actor, recently commemorated his 90th birthday while reflecting on an extraordinary journey that carried him from humble beginnings in Barbados to international stardom. In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY, Maynard recounted departing his native island at age 17 with merely $25 and a one-way ticket to England, vowing that success would eventually bring him back home.
Maynard’s career trajectory reads like a screenplay. After achieving bodybuilding supremacy in competitions across England and the United States, he transitioned into acting with roles in Hollywood action films. He fondly recalled filming experiences in Israel and working on the 1978 martial arts fantasy film ‘Circle of Iron’ (also known as ‘The Silent Flute’). On set, director Richard Moore initially instructed him to be swiftly defeated by co-star David Carradine, but Maynard’s professional execution of the scene instead enhanced Carradine’s performance. This display of professionalism earned him an unexpected $16,000 bonus and industry respect.
Beyond cinematic achievements, Maynard dedicated himself to assisting fellow Barbadians abroad, helping secure employment opportunities in Bermuda and establishing valuable connections for his compatriots. He attributes his success to spiritual foundation and personal relationships, stating, ‘I’m happy with the things I’ve accomplished… and I give God thanks because I always put God first.’ Maynard emphasizes the importance of resilience, noting that ‘every day above the ground is a good day,’ and credits his loving wife as a crucial component of his happiness.
The nonagenarian offers counsel to aspiring youth, advocating for education as the primary pursuit alongside ambition: ‘Education first. If you are an athlete… you can get an injury. It may hurt your career, but you’re going to fall back on education. Then choose the path where you want to excel and listen to people with experience.’
For Maynard, Barbados’ Independence represents both national freedom and personal inspiration. ‘No matter where I travelled, I never forgot Barbados,’ he affirms. ‘The Independence of our country inspires me to keep striving, not just for myself, but to create opportunities and open doors for others back home.’ His narrative embodies the Independence spirit—courage to depart, determination to succeed, and commitment to community upliftment. As Barbados reflects on its national journey, Maynard’s life demonstrates the powerful synergy between individual ambition and national pride.