MR. Universe 1959 Reg Park dead at age 79

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday said he was deeply saddened by the death of his former trainer and mentor the legendary bodybuilder and former Mr. Universe 1959 Reg Park.

"He was like a second father to me," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "He is the reason I was motivated to become Mr. Universe myself and come to America and make movies."

Reg Park who was 79 passed away in Johannesburg on Thursday morning from advanced skin cancer.

Park is survived by his son Jon Jon, daughter Jeunesse and wife Marion.