How the World’s Most Tattooed Man Found a New Life in Victoria

When we talk about extreme body art, one name consistently rises to the top: Lucky Diamond Rich. Born Gregory Paul McLaren, this New Zealand-British performer has spent decades transforming his body into a living canvas, eventually securing his place in history as the world's most tattooed person .

A record-breaking transformation

Rich has held the official Guinness World Record for being the most tattooed person since 2006 . His journey began with a small juggling club on his hip when he was a teenager, but he eventually committed to covering his entire body—including sensitive areas like his eyelids, mouth, and ears . Over the years, his transformation has required over a thousand hours of work from hundreds of different artists .

Life beyond the stage

While he is famous for his ink, Rich is also a talented performance artist whose repertoire has included sword swallowing and unicycle juggling . In 2007, he was at the height of his fame, travelling the globe and earning significant income through his circus performances .

Finding a new path

Following a period of personal struggle, Rich has focused on a different chapter of his life in recent years. He discovered his Quandamooka and Mununjali ancestry and became involved in Indigenous community work in Victoria . By 2020, he had transitioned away from the nomadic performing lifestyle, finding stability in a routine that included construction work and a supportive home life .