The Steve Holland Centennial

Born 100 years ago today, actor and male model Steve Holland (1925-1997).

Holland wasn’t a body builder to the extent Steve Reeves was, but, like that other Steve, he was associated with hero characters. He has been called the most in-demand male art model of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.

Originally from Seattle, Holland had served in the Merchant Marine and been a manual laborer for a time before he figured out how to turn a buck from his good looks and solid physique. His career began with a hilarious hoax of sorts. In the early ’50s Fawcett Comics had a line of comic books based on B movie western stars, including Tom Mix, Tex Ritter, Bob Steele, Ken Maynard, Lash LaRue, Rocky Lane, and Monte Hale. In 1950, they launched a new one, based on a new one named Bob Colt, played (in cover photographs) by Holland.

The twist is that were no Bob Colt movies; Bob Colt did not exist. It’s hard to fathom why anyone thought such a thing was a good idea. Were there plans to star him in a film series? Did they just think no one would notice? The publication lasted until 1952.

In any case, actual acting credits did emerge, though not many of them. He did guest shots on shows like Suspense; Rocky King, Detective; and Robert Montgomery Presents; and finally, the star turn he became best known for — the title character in the television version of the sci-fi/fantasy serial Flash Gordon (1954-55). The part had been played by Buster Crabbe in the movies. One gleans that audiences were disappointed by the small-screen version as it only lasted one 39-episode season.

Holland had a small role in the Gary Cooper movie The Court-martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), and was also in a play with Julie Harris, but mostly continued to make his living over the next couple of decades as a model in print ads, magazine covers, and most notably mass market paperback novels. He is best known for having supplied the visage of Doc Savage in a series of reprints. He also modeled for reprints of The Avenger, and was also the face and body of The Executioner, among dozens of other publications.

For much, much, much, more (more than you could ever imagine possible) about the career of Steve Holland, check out this website.