Few people can make Game of Thrones strongman Hafthor ‘Thor’ Björnsson look average in size, but Olivier Richters does just that.
Towering at 7ft 1.9in, the Dutch actor, fitness model, and bodybuilder has not only secured a role in Reacher Season 3 but has also cemented his place in the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest professional male bodybuilder.
A Giant in Hollywood
Richters’ sheer size has landed him in major film roles, including Black Widow and The King’s Man. His latest gig sees him take on the role of Paulie in Reacher Season 3, where he shares the screen with Alan Ritchson, a man who—at 6ft 2in—usually isn’t the one being dwarfed.
Despite his intimidating physique, Richters insists that his height is not due to a medical condition. ‘They call me a natural giant, and I’m very thankful for that because I can live a normal, healthy life,’ he says. This has earned him the fitting nickname: “The Dutch Giant.”
A 7,000-Calorie Diet to Stay in Shape
Maintaining a bodybuilder’s frame at over 7 feet tall comes with extreme nutritional demands. Richters consumes 7,000 calories daily, breaking it into seven meals of 1,000 calories each, with 60g of protein per meal. Without a strict eating schedule, he says, keeping his size and muscle mass would be nearly impossible.
Breaking Records and Redefining Bodybuilding
Richters was officially measured and verified by Guinness World Records in 2021 in Eemnes, Netherlands. Initially, he was reluctant to accept the title due to bodybuilding’s varied definitions. Unlike competitive athletes who step on stage, he focuses on maintaining a bodybuilding physique for the film industry.
To address this distinction, Guinness created two separate categories:
- Tallest competitive bodybuilder
- Tallest professional/non-competitive bodybuilder (which he now holds)
Though extreme height can be a disadvantage in bodybuilding, Richters believes it offers a unique aesthetic for movies. ‘If you have a body this tall and can create a bodybuilding look, imagine how awesome that can be on screen,’ he explains.
With the excitement around Reacher Season 3 and his growing Hollywood presence, it seems The Dutch Giant is just getting started.
