two to three shows a week across Canada, ripping licence plates, crushing cans of oil, and lifting weights with his baby finger, as well as more traditional lifting: shoulder presses, squats, bench presses, two-handed curls. His accomplishments as a strongman were nothing short of astounding. Some of Hepburn's career best lifts include: Clean and Press 381 pounds (173 kg) Press off the Rack: 450 pounds (204.5 kg) Push Press off the Rack: 500 pounds (227 kg) One-Arm Military Press: 200 pounds (91 kg), and 37 reps with 120 pounds (54.5 kg) Two-Hand Barbell Curl: 260 pounds (118 kg) Bench Press: 580 pounds (263.5 kg) Squat: 800 pounds (363 kg) Deadlift: 800 pounds (363 kg) Crucifix: 110-pound (50 kg) dumbbells in each hand One-Arm Side Hold-Out: 120 pounds (54.5 kg) One-Arm Side Press: 250 pounds (113.5 kg) Hepburn also became the first man in history to bench press 400, 450, 500, and 550 pounds. He set a series of bench press world records in the early 1950s: In November 1950 he pressed 400 lbs (181.82 kg), in 1951 he pressed 450 lbs (204.55 kg), and finally 500 lbs (227.27 kg) in December 1953. Like his father and stepfather, Hepburn battled with alcoholism and consequently experienced depression. After his triumphs in the early 1950s, he became a professional wrestler for a brief period of time. Wrestling After his successes as a weightlifter, he became a professional wrestler. He was originally approached by San Francisco-based wrestling promoter Joe Malcewicz, but Hepburn turned down the offer. He later got involved in the business when he agreed to perform feats of strength at wrestling events promoted by Whipper Billy Watson and Toronto promoter Frank Tunney. In December 1954, he signed what was announced as a five-year contract with Tunney. After being trained by Watson and Pat Fraley, Hepburn defeated Frank Marconi in his debut match on March 27, 1955. He later wrestled Yukon Eric and Fritz Von Erich and partnered with Antonino Rocca and Watson. Hepburn quit working for Tunney in 1956; he had one more brief stint as a wrestler while working for Cliff Parker in British Columbia before retiring. Personal life Hepburn was a singer and songwriter, releasing a Christmas tune, the "Hepburn Carol". He had literary ambitions and had a large output of essays and poems and other writings. At the age of 37, Hepburn opened his own gym. In his later