If you’ve spent any time watching late-night television or browsing health supplements over the last two decades, you’ve probably seen the face of Ken Meares. He’s the tan, high-energy founder of Great HealthWorks, the massive company behind OmegaXL. Because he’s been the face of the brand for so long, and because the internet loves a good mystery about public figures, people keep asking: is Ken Meares still alive?
There’s a reason this question keeps popping up. In an era where "death hoaxes" can go viral in minutes, and where founders often step back from the spotlight as they age, the silence or presence of a CEO matters.
The Current Status of Ken Meares in 2026
To put the rumors to bed immediately: Yes, Ken Meares is still alive. As of early 2026, there have been no credible reports of his passing. In fact, Great HealthWorks continues to list him as the Founder and CEO. Just recently, in late 2025, the company was still making moves, launching products like MemoryXL and partnering with new spokespeople. You don't see that kind of activity from a company in mourning.
Why do people think he died? Honestly, it’s usually a mix-up. There are several obituaries for men named "Kenneth Mears" or "Ken Mears" that have appeared online over the last couple of years. For example, a Kenneth "Ken" Mears from Ohio passed away in September 2025 at the age of 90. Another Ken Mears from Texas passed away in 2024.
When Google pulls up these obituaries, people see the name and jump to conclusions. But the Ken Meares of Florida—the fitness mogul—is a different person entirely.
Who is Ken Meares?
Ken isn't just some guy in a suit. He’s a former professional weightlifter. That’s why he always looks like he could bench press a small car, even in his late 70s or early 80s.
He started his career building Gold’s Gyms and running health clubs. He basically lived the fitness revolution of the 70s and 80s. But his "big break" (if you can call it that for someone already successful) came in 2003. That is when he founded Great HealthWorks.
The story goes that he discovered the benefits of New Zealand green-lipped mussel oil. He saw a gap in the market for joint health that wasn't being met by standard fish oils. He turned that into OmegaXL, which became a household name through relentless infomercials and high-profile endorsements from people like Larry King and Hulk Hogan.
Why the Death Rumors Persist
Social media is a weird place. All it takes is one "RIP" comment on an old YouTube video for a rumor to catch fire.
- The Obituary Confusion: As mentioned, several men with nearly identical names have passed away recently.
- Age: Ken was born in the mid-1940s. He’s in his 80s now. In the world of celebrity CEOs, people naturally start wondering about succession and health once someone hits that milestone.
- Reduced Screen Time: While he’s still the face of the brand, Great HealthWorks has diversified its marketing. You might see more of Neida Sandoval or Elizabeth Gutiérrez in recent ads than Ken himself. This makes some folks think he’s gone.
The Business of Great HealthWorks Today
The company isn't just sitting still. It’s based in Fort Lauderdale and employs hundreds of people. They’ve actually been expanding their lineup quite a bit. They aren't just the "OmegaXL people" anymore.
They’ve faced some hurdles, sure. Back in 2021, the FDA sent them a warning letter regarding how they marketed ProbioticXL and OmegaXL, claiming they were making "drug-like" claims about treating diseases. But that’s fairly standard in the high-stakes supplement world. They’ve since adjusted their messaging and kept growing.
What We Can Learn from Ken’s Career
Ken Meares basically mastered the art of the "Direct-to-Consumer" model before it was even a trendy buzzword. He understood that if you have a product that people believe works, and you can get it in front of them through a TV screen, you can build an empire.
He’s also a big believer in "living the brand." You won't find many photos of him looking tired or out of shape. He markets vitality because he clearly prioritizes it.
How to Verify Celebrity Status Yourself
If you’re ever unsure if a public figure like Ken Meares is still with us, don’t just trust the first headline you see on a random "celebrity news" site.
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- Check Official Portals: Look at the company’s "About Us" page. If a founder passes away, there is almost always a memorial statement or a formal announcement of a new CEO.
- Verify Obits: Look at the location and age in obituaries. A Ken Mears in Ohio is not a Ken Meares in Florida.
- Search for "Succession": If a major CEO dies, business journals like Forbes or the Wall Street Journal will cover the transition.
Moving Forward
Ken Meares remains a central figure in the health supplement industry. While he might not be doing 2:00 AM infomercials as often as he used to, his influence on Great HealthWorks is still very much intact.
If you want to stay updated on his work or the company's latest health research, the best thing to do is follow the official Great HealthWorks press releases. They are quite active in announcing new partnerships and scientific studies related to their "super oil" formulas.
Actionable Insight: If you’re concerned about the longevity or health of a founder whose products you use, focus on the company's current regulatory filings and leadership updates. As of today, Ken Meares is still at the helm, proving that his focus on "wealth through health" is a philosophy he’s still living out.
Check the Great HealthWorks corporate site for the latest executive leadership updates if you want to see who is currently steering the ship.