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Dave Draper: The Blond Bomber
1942-
Updated 12/14/2007. Don't forget to check out the Dave Draper Bodybuilding Gallery page.
biography
Born in New Jersey in April 1942, Dave Draper, a 1965 Mr. America, 1966 Mr. Universe, and 1970 Mr. World, made several film and TV appearances in the 1960's, including Don't Make Waves (1967; with Tony Curtis) and the entertainingly gruesome black comedy Lord Love a Duck (1966; with Roddy McDowall). Also, he made a 1967 appearance as Mr. Universe on the CBS-TV show The Beverly Hillbillies. Draper eventually left acting for business endeavours and is presently the manager of the World Gym in Santa Cruz, California.
modeling and bodybuilding photos
LEFT: Betty Weider and Dave Draper in a late 1960s shot used for a health drink advertisement (thanks to Peter). CENTER A: Weider and Draper in a photo used for the May 1969 cover of Mr. America (thanks to Harold Forsko). Visit The Betty Zone to see the original ad. And visit Dave Draper's IronOnline site to see the original cover. CENTER B, C, and RIGHT: Bodybuilding pictures of Dave Draper from the late 1960s (thanks to Harold Forsko and Peter Vlachoutsakos)
More photos of Draper. The right photo is from the 1965 Mr. America competition (thanks to Harold Forsko)
the films of dave draper
David the Gladiator
Although Dave Draper never acted in a sword and sandal film, he was once host of a Los Angeles TV program with an emphasis on sword and sandal movies. Billed as "David the Gladiator," Draper hosted a movie each Saturday night on Channel 9. The station was then known as KHJ-TV, owned by RKO.
Draper as David the Gladiator (thanks to Peter Vlachoutsakos, Kevin Norwood, and Vickie Wees)
Dressed in gladiator leathers, Draper hosted an early 1960s sword and sandal movie from 8-10 PM, on Saturday nights. The program lasted for about a year or so, and the movies that were run featured Steve Reeves, Reg Park, and Kirk Morris, among others. (Thanks to Leonard Lane for this information.) And Kevin Norwood writes that he remembers Draper's show: I was in first grade and couldn't wait for the weekend to catch it!
Don't Make Waves (1967)
Draper and Sharon Tate in the MGM comedy Don't Make Waves (thanks to Harold Forsko and Peter Vlachoutsakos)
Walk, Don't Run [DVD](1966) DVD
In his last film appearance, Cary Grant plays matchmaker to secretary Samantha Eggar and athlete Jim Hutton when over-crowding forces the trio to share an apartment during the Tokyo Olympics. Light, breezy remake of "The More the Merrier" also stars John Standing, George Takei. 114 min. Widescreen and Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, French, Japanese; theatrical trailers.
Lord Love A Duck [DVD](1966) DVD
Scathing social satire stars Roddy McDowall as a brilliant high schooler who helps sexy classmate Tuesday Weld get whatever she wants. Among the wishes he "grants" her are high grades, a starring role in a beach party movie, a marriage to a handsome college man--and said husband's eventual murder. Lola Albright, Martin West and Ruth Gordon co-star in this unique gem. 105 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French.
The Monkees: Season 2 [DVD](1967) DVD
All 26 episodes from the second season--including "It's a Nice Place to Visit," "Hillbilly Honeymoon," "The Christmas Show," "The Monkees' Paw," "Monkees Mind Their Manor" and more--are featured in a five-disc set. 11 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; audio commentary; bonus special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee"; interviews; TV commercials; more.
filmography
FILM
Don't Make Waves (1967) with Tony Curtis, Sharon Tate, Claudia Cardinale, and Reg Lewis
Lord Love a Duck (1966) with Roddy McDowall and Tuesday Weld
Three on a Couch (1966) with Jerry Lewis and Janet Leigh
Walk, Don't Run (1966) with Cary Grant and Jim Hutton
Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed? (1963) with Dean Martin, Elizabeth Montgomery, and Allison Hayes
TELEVISION
The Beverly Hillbillies, episode Mr. Universe Muscles In, originally aired October 25, 1967
The Monkees, episode I Was a 99-Pound Weakling, originally aired October 16, 1967
dave draper links
Click on the banner above to go to Dave Draper's IronOnline site for biographical information, many photos, training tips, products, and even more. (Thanks to Laree Draper)
other hercules and company heroes
Go to the Other Hercules Heroes page, featuring Peter and David Paul, Paul Wynter, Richard Lloyd, and Jacques Sernas.
Click on the logo to go back to Brian's Drive-In Theater
This page premiered June 2, 1998.
Counter reset March 1, 2001.
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