From Jerry Brainum -->
Kent was born in Lansing, Michigan. He was a state champion all-round gymnast at Central Michigan University. But after graduating from college, Kent became inactive and got out of shape. He looked for something to get him back in shape and discovered bodybuilding. He began training at age 26, and soon after that won the 1964 AAU Mr. Michigan title. He began competing in bodybuilding contests regularly after that, competing in a number of local Midwest contests and national events, including the AAU Mr.America contest. In 1970, he placed third in the AAU Mr.World contest, tall class. Kent stood 5”7 ½ and weighed 177 in contest condition. Kent moved to Florida not long after he began his competition career to train under the supervision of Arthur Jones, who invented the famous Nautilus training machines. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 70s.
In 1973, Kent placed third in the medium class at the 1973 IFBB Mr.America, won by Lou Ferrigno. He also placed third that year in the medium class at the Mr. International contest held in Tijuana, Mexico by Ed Sylvester. The following year. Kent moved up to second place in the IFBB Mr.America event, won by Muscle Beach Hall of Famer, Bob Birdsong. In placing third at this contest, Kent defeated Roger Callard, a top bodybuilder and long-time friend of Kent’s from Michigan. He again competed in the Mr. International in Mexico, placing third behind Bob Birdsong and another of Kent’s close friends, Bill Grant. Lou Ferrigno won the overall title along with the ornate trophy given to the winner of that event.
Kent’s first big contest victory was the overall winner at the 1975 Mr.North America contest, where he also won the medium class. He also won the IFBB version of the North America bodybuilding championships that same year, making him one of the only men ever to win both the AAU and IFBB North America contests in the same year.
Perhaps Kent’s greatest contest victory, however, was his win of the 1977 Master’s Mr. America contest, where he also won the medium class. In achieving that victory, Kent defeated a few noted champion bodybuilders, including Ray Routledge, 1961 AAU Mr. America and 1961 Mr. Universe, and Earl Maynard, who won two Mr. Universe titles in 1964 and 1965.
Kent worked at the front desk of Gold’s gym in Venice for several years in the 80s and later. He greeted visitors there from all around the world and made them feel at home with his ebullient personality. Kent has also worked as a contest expediter at many bodybuilding shows in Southern California over the years.
This was a bio I wrote for Kent Kuehn, who died today. He was 83. Kent was a long-time friend and was well-liked by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
