View source for Ric Drasin

{{Short description|American bodybuilder (1944–2020)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{COI|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name         = Ric Drasin
| image        = Ric Drasin.jpeg
| caption      =
| birth_name   = Richard Alan Drasin
| birth_date   = {{Birth date|1944|7|12}}
| birth_place  = [[Bakersfield, California]], U.S.
| death_date   = {{Death date and age|2020|08|30|1944|7|12}}
| death_place  =
| website      = {{URL|ricdrasin.com}}
| names        ={{ubl|Ric Drasin|The Equalizer}}
| height       = {{convert|6|ft|0|in|m}}
| weight       = {{convert|222|lb|kg|0}}
| billed       = {{Plain list|
* Bakersfield, California
* Santa Monica, California
}}
| trainer      = [[Mae Young]]
| debut        = 1965
| retired      = 2001
}}
'''Richard Alan Drasin''' (July 12, 1944 – August 30, 2020) was an American [[bodybuilder]], [[personal trainer]], actor, [[stuntman]], author,  and [[professional wrestler]]. He wrestled professionally and sporadically between 1965 and 2001, while also winning titles in amateur bodybuilding contests during his younger years. 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.<ref name="goldsbald">Perine, Shawn. (2005, December). Gold's goes bald. ''Flex''.</ref><ref>[http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/page2.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Ric and Joe Gold. (Retrieved on February 19, 2007.)</ref>
Born and raised in [[Bakersfield, California]], Drasin began his [[Physical fitness|fitness]] career in 1962. He taught classes in [[nutrition]] and [[Physical exercise|exercise]] at the [[YMCA]] before he was assigned to train with the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA) champion [[Mae Young]].
==Life and career==
===Early life===
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). His parents owned and operated Drasin's Little Folks Shop, a children's furniture and clothing store.<ref name="ddtdigest">{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm|title=Mid-Week Report|author=Bill|date=January 20, 1998|website=DDT Digest|access-date=November 28, 2009}}</ref> Drasin has one sibling, an older sister, Stephanie (b. 1936). He was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://jewishjournal.com/culture/personals/8590/| title = Wrestling With Family| date = 23 October 2003}}</ref> Drasin's formal education began at Franklin Elementary School. While at Emerson Junior High School, as a joke he and two friends tried out for the [[cheerleading]] squad. They were selected.<ref name="ddtdigest"/> He graduated from [[Bakersfield High School]] in 1962 at age of 18, then attended [[Bakersfield College]] for two years (1963–1964), focusing on art.
Drasin's interests in [[bodybuilding]], [[powerlifting]], [[Olympic weightlifting|weightlifting]], and guitar playing began in junior high school. 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.<ref name="ddtdigest"/> 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. One of the prizes was a one-year recording contract with [[Capitol Records]]. Capitol Records changed the name of The Epics to The Hollywood Vines, who recorded two [[Cruising (driving around)|cruising]] songs, "Cruisin’" and "When Johnny Comes Slidin’ Home". The [[Gramophone record|45 rpm record]] (Capitol Records reference number 4511) was released in 1961. Although the record was a success, the band drifted apart as the members grew into adulthood.<ref>[http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/myband.html] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. My band. (Retrieved March 4, 2007.)</ref> Drasin enlisted in the [[Military reserve force|Army Reserves]] for eight years and was inducted on his 18th birthday.<ref name="ddtdigest"/> 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]]. He was stationed at [[Fort Ord]], California, and [[Fort Lewis (Washington)|Fort Lewis]], Washington.
When Drasin was 18, his father died during [[surgery]] for a heart condition.<ref>[http://www.jewishmag.com/74mag/wrestler/wrestler.htm] Jewish Magazine Website. Drasin, Ric. (2003, November) Life as a Jewish professional wrestler. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)</ref> 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.
===Career===
Drasin's work in the [[Physical fitness|fitness]] industry began in 1962, when he taught classes in [[nutrition]] and [[Physical exercise|exercise]] at the Bakersfield YMCA. Also in Bakersfield, he was an instructor at Babe's Gym (1963–1964), then manager of Joseph's Gym (1965–1967).<ref name="ddtdigest"/><ref>[http://ironage.us/guest_edit/drasin.html] Iron Age Website. Drasin, Ric. Guest editorial: Bodybuilding: The Early Years. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)</ref>
Drasin was assigned to train with [[Mae Young|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.<ref>[http://www.gerweck.net/maeyoung.htm] Gerweck Net Website. Wallace, Richo. Biography – Mae Young. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)</ref> His first professional appearance was as babyface "Dick Alan" against Buddy "Killer" Austin, who won the match.<ref>[http://ironage.us/guest_edit/drasin2.html] Iron Age Website. Drasin, Ric. Guest editorial: Bodybuilding vs. pro wrestling. (Retrieved on March 23, 2007.)</ref> In 1975, he started a business called West Coast Wrestling Promotions. He faced great opposition from the [[National Wrestling Alliance]], and it ceased operations after a few shows.<ref name="American Wrestling Federation Website 2007">[http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/aboutus.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. About us (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)</ref>
In 1972, he had his first film role, playing "George," a gym manager who is attacked by rats in the movie ''[[Ben (film)|Ben]]'',<ref name="americanwrestlingfederation.com">[http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/Films.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Breaking into films. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)</ref> and in 1978, played an Olympic weightlifter in the film ''[[Sextette]]''.
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.<ref>[http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/page2.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Ric and Joe Gold. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)</ref>
In 1980, he played an uncredited role on the popular television series ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' as the "Demi Hulk" a half transformed version of [[Bill Bixby]] as a human Hulk in the episode "Prometheus". It was a mystery that perplexed fans for many decades as to who the identity of the guest star was.<ref>[http://www.incrediblehulktvseries.com/FAQ/HulkFAQ5.htm The Incredible Hulk Television Series Page Website. Frequently Asked Questions. Who Played the Demi-Hulk?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216011720/http://incrediblehulktvseries.com/FAQ/HulkFAQ5.htm |date=2010-12-16 }} Retrieved on December 28, 2010.</ref>
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.<ref name="American Wrestling Federation Website 2007"/> He taught his son Shane how to wrestle, and wrestled as "Shane '54" for the AWF from 1996 until 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thearnoldfans.com/news/archives/2003/october/617.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2010-07-20 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031225065902/http://www.thearnoldfans.com/news/archives/2003/october/617.htm |archivedate=2003-12-25 }} The Arnold Fans Website. Jennings, Randy. (2003, October 21). Ric Drasin: Arnold's lifting partner! (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)</ref> Although Drasin's son Adam did not wrestle professionally, he occasionally worked as a [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] for the AWF.
===Later life===
His book, ''So, You Want to Be a Wrestling Promoter'', written with [[Bruce Dwight Collins]], was published in March 2004 by BookSurge, LLC.<ref>[http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781591099499&itm=1#pDetails] Barnes & Noble Website. Product Details – So, You Want To Be A Wrestling Promoter? {{ISBN|1-59109-949-8}} (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.).</ref> In 2002, Drasin invented the Security Kat, a handheld personal security device.<ref>[http://www.mediaman.com.au/interviews/drasin.html] Media Man Australia Website. (2003, June 18) Interview – Ric Drasin. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)</ref> Drasin was a [[spokesperson]] for [[Gold's Gym]], speaking at [[Convention (meeting)|convention]]s and appearing at special events at various Gold's Gyms. He was also a [[spokesperson]] for HeadBlade Razors.<ref name="goldsbald"/><ref>[http://www.headblade.com/headbladers.html?blader=23] HeadBlade Website. HeadBladers – Ric Drasin. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)</ref>
After 2014, Drasin had carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.<ref>[https://www.bulkhackers.com/ric-drasin/] Ric Drasin interview. Bulk Hackers (Retrieved November 24, 2019)</ref> It affected his grip in the gym, but he still trained.
On August 14, 2007, Drasin was filmed by [[Nine Network|Nine Network Australia]] for their prime time travel series, ''[[Getaway (TV series)|Getaway]]''. One of Drasin's wrestling classes was featured, and he served as the show's guide for a tour of [[Venice, Los Angeles, California|Venice Beach]]. The episode aired in October 2007.<ref>[http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=302344] Getaway Website. Getaway Fact Sheets. AWF Wrestling: Thursday, October 4, 2007. (Retrieved on November 25, 2007.)</ref>
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.<ref>[http://www.lacp.org/2004-Articles-Main/ReserveOfficer-Initiative051404.html] Los Angeles Community Policing Website. Murray, Bill. (2004, May 14). The LAPD Reserve Officer Program: Community policing at its finest. (Retrieved on August 21, 2008).</ref>
He trained actress and television news correspondent [[Maria Menounos]] for her October 12, 2009, appearance on [[WWE Raw|''WWE Monday Night Raw'']] as part of a charity awareness promotion.<ref>[http://www.accesshollywood.com/maria-menounos/maria-menounos-learns-how-to-smackdown_videotab_1166422] Access Hollywood Website. Maria Menounos Learns How To Smackdown. (Retrieved October 20, 2009.)</ref>
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. With this award, Drasin was recognized for his contributions to the fitness industry as a bodybuilder, professional wrestler, actor, and artist. Additionally, the award recognized his preservation of the history of the Golden Era of Bodybuilding through his Internet show, ''Ric’s Corner'' on [[YouTube]].<ref>[http://www.buildersandlifters.com/2012-world-gym-convention/4569366392] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703171948/http://www.buildersandlifters.com/2012-world-gym-convention/4569366392 |date=2016-07-03 }} Builders and Lifters Website. 2012 World Gym Convention. (Retrieved October 9, 2012.)</ref> He died on August 30, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bryant |first1=Steven |title=Ric Drasin dies at age 76 |url=http://socaluncensored.com/2020/08/30/ric-drasin-dies-at-at-age-76/ |website=SoCalUncensored.com |accessdate=30 August 2020}}</ref>
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''AWF'''
**AWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
*'''CCW'''
**CCW Championship (1 time)
*'''GCW'''
**GCW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
==Books==
* ''So, You Want to be a Wrestling Promoter?'' (2003)
* ''Bodybuilding for Dumbbells'' (2014)
* ''The Ricapedia of Steroids: Steroid Handbook for Education Purposes'' (2014)
* "The Time of my Life" by Creators Publishing (2017)
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==Further reading==
*Solotaroff, Paul. (2012, February). The Dawn of Huge: The Lords of Muscle Beach. ''Men's Journal. 21''(1), pp.&nbsp;58–65, 94.
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.ricdrasin.com}}
* {{IMDb name|0237207|Ric Drasin}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Drasin, Ric}}
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:American male bodybuilders]]
[[Category:American exercise and fitness writers]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American Jews]]
[[Category:American powerlifters]]
[[Category:Jewish professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Bakersfield, California]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from California]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bakersfield, California]]
[[Category:Military personnel from California]]
[[Category:Bakersfield College alumni]]
[[Category:American professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling promoters]]
[[Category:Writers from Bakersfield, California]]
[[Category:Bakersfield High School alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]