Ric Drasin
| Birth name | Richard Alan Drasin |
|---|---|
| Born |
July 12, 1944 Bakersfield, California, U.S. |
| Residence | Van Nuys, California, U.S. |
| Website | ricdrasin |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) |
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| Billed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Billed weight | 222 lb (101 kg) |
| Billed from |
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| Trained by | Mae Young |
| Debut | 1965 |
| Retired | 2001 |
Richard Alan "Ric" Drasin (born July 12, 1944) is an American bodybuilder, personal trainer, actor, stuntman, author, and former professional wrestler. He wrestled professionally for 36 years between 1965 and 2001, while also winning titles in amateur bodybuilding contests during his younger years. Drasin is also known for designing both the original Gold's Gym logo — a cartoon sketch of a bald weightlifter, 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 (1911–1963) and Claire Drasin (1914–2010). 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). 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 (1963–1964), 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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