He was of Italian descent. Billy Herrington has many nicknames. Billy learned karate from his father. He had interests in boxing, wrestling , and martial arts, but did not start bodybuilding until he was 24 years old, when he moved to New York City. He began his erotic career when his girlfriend secretly submitted his nude pictures to the Playgirl magazine, allowing him to win a "Real Men of the Month" contest and a cash prize.