[22], He trained actress and television news correspondent Maria Menounos for her October 12, 2009, appearance on WWE Monday Night Raw as part of a charity awareness promotion. Drasin was being treated in a hospital for a kidney problem. Later on he moved to Venice and worked out with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the famous Gold's Gym for 4 years along with trainer Joe, designed the famous Gold's Gym Logo and later on the World Gym Gorilla which are both part of massive mobile marketing campaigns. he’s also known for being a personal trainer, actor, stuntman and professional wrestler.He wrestled professionally for 36 years in total. Ric Drasin give me plenty of background information on the Hollywood Talent agency built right inside Gold's Gym from back in the 1970s, where it was essentially a phone extension for casting directors to call asking for people who fit a certain description to come out for auditions. Later on he moved to Venice and worked out with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the famous Gold's Gym for 4 years along with trainer Joe Weider. He’s known for training with some of the greats such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbo back in the 1960s and ’70s. Viewers enjoyed Ric’s knowledge and passion for the sport. Ric's Corner is a world of information on wrestling, old school bodybuilding, diet, relationships in gyms, etc and now has 30 million viewers and growing. — JRH (@RealDealJRH) August 31, 2020. He wrestled professionally and sporadically between 1965 and 2001, while also winning titles in amateur bodybuilding contests during his younger years. Additionally, the award recognized his preservation of the history of the Golden Era of Bodybuilding through his Internet show, Ric’s Corner on YouTube. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ric_Drasin&oldid=981024358, 21st-century American non-fiction writers, Sportspeople from Bakersfield, California, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with possible conflicts of interest from January 2014, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, GCW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time), "The Time of my Life" by Creators Publishing (2017). Then there’s Ric Drasin, who did it best. One of the prizes was a one-year recording contract with Capitol Records. Richard Alan Drasin was a bodybuilder, weightlifter, stuntman/actor, wrestling school instructor/AWF show promoter, and had a wresting gear line to rival those of Adrian Street’s and Bill Ash. His book, So, You Want to Be a Wrestling Promoter, written with Bruce Dwight Collins, was published in March 2004 by BookSurge, LLC. [10] He taught his son Shane how to wrestle, and wrestled as "Shane '54" for the AWF from 1996 until 2001. Drasin is also known for having designed both the original Gold's Gym logo — a cartoon sketch of a bald weightlifter — and the World Gym gorilla logo. He was an inspiration to several generations and a good guy besides. He rose to claim many championships and become revered by others in the sport. Mr. Drasin was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s trainer partner during the golden age of bodybuilding. While at Emerson Junior High School, as a joke he and two friends tried out for the cheerleading squad. When someone has spent half a century lifting, eating clean, and interacting with the biggest names in the fitness industry, then they become legends as well. Ric Drasin, Former Bodybuilder and Wrestler, Dies At 76 He was the creator of the iconic Gold’s Gym logo. [23], Ric Drasin was the recipient of the first Joe Gold Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at the World Gym International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 26–28, 2012. Joe Gold Lifetime Achievement award. Who Played the Demi-Hulk? He’s known for training with some of the greats such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbo back in the 1960s and ’70s. The episode aired in October 2007. The legendary Ric Drasin has passed away at the age of 76. Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://jewishjournal.com/culture/personals/8590/. Drasin was best known for competing in the California area throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, but also worked for the NWA and WWF. At that time Ric designed the famous Gold's Gym Logo and later on the World Gym Gorilla which are both part of massive mobile marketing campaigns. Ric was trained by legend Mae Young in 1965 and made his debut at the Grand Olympic Auditorium. Ric “The Equalizer” Drasin is a former champion bodybuilder and professional wrestler from the golden era whose career excelled inside and outside the ring. Drasin's work in the fitness industry began in 1962, when he taught classes in nutrition and exercise at the Bakersfield YMCA. (2005, December). [5] Drasin enlisted in the Army Reserves for eight years and was inducted on his 18th birthday. EZ-Curl Lying Triceps Extensions. Ric Drasin started training clients in the mid 60's when he ran a chain of health clubs. He was also a spokesperson for HeadBlade Razors.[1][19]. [25], It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly. Perine, Shawn. Ric Drasin passed away at the age of 76. [17] In 2002, Drasin invented the Security Kat, a handheld personal security device. He faced great opposition from the National Wrestling Alliance, and it ceased operations after a few shows. ? Solotaroff, Paul. Ric Drasin goes in depth on the reason pro wrestling is a legitimate sport. When Drasin was 18, his father died during surgery for a heart condition. Ric Drasin was born on July 12, 1944. In the 70's, Ric trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger and many other bodybuilding legends. Drasin was born Richard Alan Drasin on July 12, 1944 in Bakersfield, California, as the second child of Oscar (1911–1963) and Claire Drasin (1914–2010). They were selected. He was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home. Arnold Schwarzenegger Training. (2012, February). Ric has one of the most popular Youtube Channels! Frequently Asked Questions. [3] On active duty for approximately six months after enlistment and for two weeks each year thereafter, Drasin served as a clerk/typist and driver, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Drasin, who hosted the series Tips from Ric, was a favorite among many viewers of the network. However, his three most serious injuries did not occur until 2000 and 2001, and the first and third of these injuries were unrelated to wrestling. Professional Body Builder and Wrestler. Ric Drasin was a California based wrestler, personal trainer, bodybuilder, author, actor, and stuntman. Also Ric Drasin Live on The Stream.TV with celebrities. Ric constantly adds new videos and has amazing guests! [3] He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1962 at age of 18, then attended Bakersfield College for two years (1963–1964), focusing on art. With this award, Drasin was recognized for his contributions to the fitness industry as a bodybuilder, professional wrestler, actor, and artist. UPDATE: This interview and article has been republished in tribute to Ric Drasin, who passed away on August 30, 2020. The Incredible Hulk Television Series Page Website. [6] Drasin and his father had very much enjoyed going to professional wrestling shows together and, unknown to his father, Drasin had decided he would someday become a professional wrestler. He is most known in the fitness industry for his youtube videos where he shares 'old school' stories from his years training around the best bodybuilders in the world in Southern California. Designer of the Gold's Gym Logo & the World Gym Gorilla. This page was last edited on 29 September 2020, at 20:51. Each month, he'll share his opinions and experiences about serious bodybuilding. Ric Drasin was a California based wrestler, personal trainer, bodybuilder, author, actor, and stuntman. RIP Ric Drasin, an important figure in both the bodybuilding and professional wrestling world. Ric “The Equalizer” Drasin, who had a successful career as a professional wrestler, wrestling promoter, bodybuilder, actor, stuntman, author, and teacher, died earlier today at 76 after being in the hospital with kidney issues for several weeks. Ric later joined Lou Ferrigno on the Incredible Hulk TV Series as the Demi Hulk (Middle Hulk) which became a cult favorite.Though he won a few bodybuilding titles, Ric turned to Pro Wrestling as 'The Equalizer' becoming a heavyweight champion and made a huge name for himself in federations such as WWE,WWF,CCW,NWA,AWA, and more Indy Feds, also doing many TV Commercials and Films. Ric Drasin was a staple in the old school bodybuilding scene. After 2014, Drasin had carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. His book to be out now, THE TIME OF MY LIFE on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. The Dawn of Huge: The Lords of Muscle Beach. But Ric was a wrestling athlete that also won a few amateur bodybuilding contests when he was younger. On August 30, the bodybuilding community and world of professional wrestling both lost a profound contributor to both industries. 1,934 likes. Ric Drasin, a legendary figure in bodybuilding, movie stunts and professional wrestling, has died at the age of 76. In 1972, he had his first film role, playing "George," a gym manager who is attacked by rats in the movie Ben,[13] and in 1978, played an Olympic weightlifter in the film Sextette. [9] In 1975, he started a business called West Coast Wrestling Promotions. Drasin's interests in bodybuilding, powerlifting, weightlifting, and guitar playing began in junior high school. Ric Drasin trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger.. Ric Drasin was in the Incredible Hulk television series.. Ric Drasin designed the Gold’s Gym logo.. Ric Drasin wrote a book called ” So You Want To Be A Wrestling Promoter?”.. Ric Drasin is the owner of the American Wrestling Federation .. It is called Ric's Corner..."Everything you always wanted to know about old school bodybuilding." Richard Alan Drasin (July 12, 1944 – August 30, 2020) was an American bodybuilder, personal trainer, actor, stuntman, author, and professional wrestler. It was a mystery that perplexed fans for many decades as to who the identity of the guest star was.[15]. https://www.bodysport.com/ric-drasin-a-true-fitness-icon/, NOW YOU CAN ORDER MORE OF THE RIC DRASIN COLLECTION OF HIS 80'S DESIGN T SHIRTS, MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES GO TO MY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES PAGE IN THE TOP BANNER, https://www.venicepaparazzi.com/2018/02/21/rics-corners-ric-drasin/. Heels (bad guys) Dr. X (wearing mask) Equalizer (wearing mask) Mad Bomber (wearing mask) Stomper (wearing mask) Ric in NWA - Gulf Coast Wrestling 1976 'old footage' Online Videos by Veoh.com He also taught diet and fitness classes atthe YMCA. [3][7], Drasin was assigned to train with Johnnie Mae Young, who was a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) United States Women's Champion known as one of the toughest wrestlers in the business. Ric Drasin, personal trainer to the stars and former WWF Pro-Wrestler ("The Equalizer"), has been involved in bodybuilding and Pro Wrestling for more than 40 years. [8] His first professional appearance was as babyface "Dick Alan" against Buddy "Killer" Austin, who won the match. In 1985, Drasin reorganized his old West Coast Wrestling Promotions into the American Wrestling Federation (AWF) and promoted wrestling shows in the Los Angeles and Bakersfield areas. It was based out of Bakersfield which was a weekly town for the established group. Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Drasin began his fitness career in 1962. One of Drasin's wrestling classes was featured, and he served as the show's guide for a tour of Venice Beach. 1936). [3] Drasin has one sibling, an older sister, Stephanie (b. He got the former LA announcer Dick Lane to call his promotion's matches. He is most known in the fitness industry for his youtube videos where he shares 'old school' stories from his years training around the best bodybuilders in the world in Southern California. The 45 rpm record (Capitol Records reference number 4511) was released in 1961. In 1976 Ric Drasin briefly had a promotion in opposition to the Eaton/LeBelle group. Drasin was Arnold’s former training partner, a bodybuilder, wrestler and movie star. in 1978 World Gym also asked him to design a logo, at which he created the now famous World Gym gorilla logo, still in use today. When Drasin was in high school, he formed a band known as The Epics, who were featured at YMCA Day at the Hollywood Bowl in 1960. Bodybuilding, Wrestling legend RIC DRASIN passed away this past weekend. Partner Star of Many Movies and TV Shows. The professional wrestling world bid farewell to a number of legendary personalities in 2020. His family made a … he’s also known for being a personal trainer, actor, stuntman and professional wrestler. He was stationed at Fort Ord, California, and Fort Lewis, Washington. He has been an internet wrestling columnist, operated a wrestling fan club, sold wrestling parody t shirts, appeared on local radio and ultimately,operated a wrestling promotion. Ric won the first ever During that time he wrote articles and posed with products for Joe. Gold's goes bald. [24] He died on August 30, 2020. During that time he wrote articles and posed with products for Joe Weider's Muscle & Fitness magazine. “This isn’t so much a forgotten exercise as a technique the great … He is survived by two sons, a daughter, and a family of muscleheads the world over, who will miss him and remember him. Ric also works as a consultant and wrestling coordinator for many TV shows and donates his time in his ring via the Police Dept for underprivlege teens who want to learn some basics in the ring. As a professional wrestler, Ric Drasin sustained many injuries. Demi-Hulk on “The Incredible Hulk” TV show. Ric Drasin’s Career Drasin is well known for designing both the original Gold’s Gym logo and the World Gym logo but he also wrestled professionally for 36 years between 1965 and 2001, while also winning titles in amateur bodybuilding contests. Many represented an era that will forever be etched into … His parents owned and operated Drasin's Little Folks Shop, a children's furniture and clothing store. [21], In August 2008, Drasin received his badge from the Los Angeles Police Department identifying him as a Specialist Reserve Officer, a civilian volunteer who possesses special skills that benefit the police department. On August 14, 2007, Drasin was filmed by Nine Network Australia for their prime time travel series, Getaway. Chris Yandek sent along the following: In an interview with CYInterview.com, pro wrestler, bodybuilder and the creator behind the Gold’s Gym Logo Ric Drasin says he’s had over 5000 car crashes from the 5000 matches he’s had in his pro wrestling career. I remember watching Ric’s wrestling training videos on YouTube a lot when I was younger. [20] It affected his grip in the gym, but he still trained. [10], In the early 1970s, Drasin posed for several publications of Jim French's studio COLT under the name Jean-Claude, and also appeared in an all-male porn loop produced by his friend and fellow bodybuilder Ken Sprague (known as Dakota). The short film featuring Drasin, Sprague and bodybuilder Bob Birdsong was released as a part of films Loadstar (1973) and California Supermen (1975).[11][12]. After training at Young’s school for six months, Drasin made his in-ring debut later that year, facing Buddy “Killer” Austin. Despite his many achievements, arguably Drasin’s finest moment came when he sketched the iconic logo for Gold’s Gym. He wrestled professionally and sporadically between 1965 and 2001, while also winning titles in amateur bodybuilding contests during his younger years. Richard Alan Drasin (July 12, 1944 – August 30, 2020) was an American bodybuilder, personal trainer, actor, stuntman, author, and professional wrestler. A great 'autobiography', including all his travels on the road wrestling, experiences with Arnold, Lou Ferrigno and a never released story on the 5 owners of Gold's gym and all the characters involved in the mobile marketing campaign that made it what it is today.". Ric Drasin, personal trainer to the stars and former WWF Pro-Wrestler ("The Equalizer"), has been involved in bodybuilding and Pro Wrestling for more than 40 years. Roger Lockridge Roger Lockridge Updated on August 31, 2020 FacebookTwitterReddit On August 30, the bodybuilding community and world of professional wrestling both lost a profound contributor to both industries. [3] About three months later, The Epics competed in a Battle of the Bands contest at the Hollywood Palladium, placing second out of about 200 bands. Capitol Records changed the name of The Epics to The Hollywood Vines, who recorded two cruising songs, "Cruisin’" and "When Johnny Comes Slidin’ Home." started training clients in the mid 60's when he ran a chain of health clubs. Ric Drasin's Pro wrestling school Saturday Morning classes in Sherman Oaks, California.... one of the few schools still around for the past 30 years. Ric also works as a consultant and wrestling coordinator for many TV shows and donates his time in his ring via the Police Dept for underprivlege teens who want to learn some basics in the ring. He left a lasting impact on the bodybuilding and fitness community. In the 70's, Ric trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger and many other bodybuilding legends. Here is one of the episodes with his friend and WWE legend Steve Austin! Bruce resides in the bay area, California, where the competition is fierce. Ric Drasin was born on July 12, 1944. Also in Bakersfield, he was an instructor at Babe's Gym (1963–1964), then manager of Joseph's Gym (1965–1967). If you like bodybuilding, you will love Ric's Corner! In that Golden Era, you could commonly find him pumping iron at Venice beach or Gold’s Gym with all of the biggest names. Joe Gold Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. Actor, wrestler, bodybuilder Ric Drasin dies at 76 Posted by Greg Oliver | Aug 30, 2020 There are those who know how to promote themselves, to use their experiences in one activity to move seamlessly into another profession. Each month, he'll share his opinions and experiences about serious bodybuilding. [18] Drasin was a spokesperson for Gold's Gym, speaking at conventions and appearing at special events at various Gold's Gyms. In later life Drasin created a wrestling school, having notable students such as AEW’s Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus. Ric, now being retired, He shoots videos in the ring to share with those around the world who don't access to learning so that they can learn the right way and also writes fitness and nutrition articles for Bodybuilding.com Muscle&Fitness.com and RXMuscle.com as well as many more publications. He also hosts his own online show Ric’s Corner, where he gives advice on wrestling, bodybuilding, and fitness. He taught classes in nutrition and exercise at the YMCA before he was assigned to train with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) champion Mae Young. [16] Although Drasin's son Adam did not wrestle professionally, he occasionally worked as a referee for the AWF. . On top of that, he was a former wrestler, actor, artist, author, and the host of Ric’s Corner YouTube show. [4] Drasin's formal education began at Franklin Elementary School. Continue Reading » Although the record was a success, the band drifted apart as the members grew into adulthood. The knowledge I gained from his … Drasin is also known for having designed both the original Gold's Gym logo — a cartoon sketch of a bald weightlifter — and the World Gym gorilla logo.[1][2]. Have just learned that bodybuilding and pro wrestling icon Ric Drasin passed away. Ric 'The Equalizer' Drasin 'Pro Wrestler', Artist, Actor,Writer. Ric Drasin (born July 12, 1944) is an American actor, personal trainer, stuntman, former bodybuilder, and retired professional wrestler.Drasin wrestled professionally for 36 years between 1965 to 2001, while also winning titles in amateur bodybuilding contests during his younger years, and still remains active as a professional wrestling instructor. One of the most popular channels on You Tube! Headlock Drasin Mr. California Mr. Everything Ric Drasin Rick Drasin Rick "The Hulk" Drasin Ricky Graham. He wrestled professionally for 36 ye… Drasin had a long career in pro wrestling, being an active wrestler for 36 years. [14], In 1980, he played an uncredited role on the popular Incredible Hulk television series as the " demi hulk " a half transformed version of Bixby as a human Hulk in the episode " Prometheus ". Richard Alan Drasin, who was born on July 12, 1944, got his start in wrestling when he joined Johnnie Mae Young’s wrestling school at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1965.