Mark Spitz’s show business debut

• Posted By: Scott Harrison
• Posted On: 7:02 a.m. | August 2, 2012

July 25, 1974: Olympic swimming champion Mark Spitz, third from left, makes his show business debut with the Mike Curb Congregation at Magic Mountain. In addition to singing and briefly dancing, Spitz worked as the master of ceremonies for the variety show.

Spitz, the champion swimmer, won nine Olympic gold medals at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic games. But Spitz, the performer, got badly panned by Times staff writer Wayne Warga, who wrote:  “In water we have come to think of him in terms of rare grace. On stage, he is graceless.”

This photo accompanied Warga’s story in the July 25, 1974, Los Angeles Times View section.

Despite the critics, Spitz did find success on stage — as a motivational speaker. In addition, he has done acting, sportscasting and narration work. For more, check out Mark Spitz’s official website.