Rich Piana, born Richard Eugene Piana on September 26, 1970, was an American bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and social media personality known for his massive physique and candidness about steroid use in bodybuilding
. He won several bodybuilding titles including NPC Mr. Teen California in 1989, NPC Mr. California in 1998, and other NPC competitions in 2003 and 2009
. Despite never becoming an IFBB Pro, he gained worldwide fame for his extreme muscularity, outspoken personality, and his company, 5% Nutrition
. Piana was also a popular YouTuber, sharing motivational content, fitness advice, and personal stories with a large online following
. He openly admitted to using anabolic steroids and hormones for over 30 years, discussing both the benefits and risks involved
. He advised against steroid use for most people, emphasizing the health dangers despite his own use
. Rich Piana tragically died on August 25, 2017, at age 46 after collapsing and spending two weeks in a medically induced coma. His autopsy revealed his heart and liver were twice the normal size, with mild atherosclerosis, but the exact cause of death was inconclusive due to missing toxicology specimens
. He is remembered as a controversial but influential figure in the bodybuilding community
