Richard Alan Drasin (July 12, 1944 â€" 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 â€" a cartoon
sketch of a bald weightlifter â€" and the World Gym gorilla logo.Born
and raised in Bakersfield, California, Drasin began his fitness career
in 1962. 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.Drasin was born Richard Alan Drasin on July
12, 1944 in Bakersfield, California, as the second child of Oscar
(1911â€"1963) and Claire Drasin (1914â€"2010). His parents owned and
operated Drasin's Little Folks Shop, a children's furniture and
clothing store. Drasin has one sibling, an older sister, Stephanie (b.
1936). He was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home. 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. He graduated from Bakersfield
High School in 1962 at age of 18, then attended Bakersfield College
for two years (1963â€"1964), focusing on art.Drasin's interests in
bodybuilding, powerlifting, 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. 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 songs, "Cruisin’" and
"When Johnny Comes Slidin’ Home." The 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.
Drasin enlisted in the Army Reserves for eight years and was inducted
on his 18th birthday. 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.
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 â€" a cartoon
sketch of a bald weightlifter â€" and the World Gym gorilla logo.Born
and raised in Bakersfield, California, Drasin began his fitness career
in 1962. 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.Drasin was born Richard Alan Drasin on July
12, 1944 in Bakersfield, California, as the second child of Oscar
(1911â€"1963) and Claire Drasin (1914â€"2010). His parents owned and
operated Drasin's Little Folks Shop, a children's furniture and
clothing store. Drasin has one sibling, an older sister, Stephanie (b.
1936). He was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home. 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. He graduated from Bakersfield
High School in 1962 at age of 18, then attended Bakersfield College
for two years (1963â€"1964), focusing on art.Drasin's interests in
bodybuilding, powerlifting, 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. 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 songs, "Cruisin’" and
"When Johnny Comes Slidin’ Home." The 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.
Drasin enlisted in the Army Reserves for eight years and was inducted
on his 18th birthday. 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.
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