In 1954, at just 25 years old, Billy Hill earned the title of Mr. Canada, marking him as a pioneering figure in physique modeling. However, it was a series of revealing photographs from that year that would define his legacy.
Photographer Alan B. Stone captured Hill’s physique in a way that pushed boundaries, yet these pictures remained hidden. That was until 1961 when the Montreal Morality Squad discovered them during an investigation into another photographer, Jimmy Caruso. By this point, Billy Hill was a local sensation, having won multiple bodybuilding titles and even establishing his gym and a television career.
Remarkably, Hill and Stone faced no legal consequences for these photographs, while Caruso served time in jail due to the judge’s strong words.
Perhaps it was Hill’s charisma and charm, so evident in every frame, that spared him. These vintage photographs continue to testify to his enduring allure and represent a fascinating piece of LGBT history.
In 1960, Billy Hill starred in a government film promoting exercise and healthy eating. The documentary portrayed him as a transformed ’90-pound weakling,’ inspiring others to pursue fitness.
Billy Hill’s story lives on through these captivating images, shedding light on a remarkable chapter in LGBT history and celebrating the enduring appeal of a Canadian legend.