Such sad news ! A great bodybuilder and even a greater human being...He always took time to respond to my questions and letters on his website and weekly newsletters...RIP Dave Draper - The King of the supersets !
I remember seeing his pictures along with the other guys back in the 70s in the muscle and fitness magazine. This guy used to get me pumped up to hit the gym. He had an amazing physique. Rest in peace brother.
God, I am so sad to hear of Dave Draper's passing. I remember I contacted him by email once but never expected to hear from him. Boy was I ever wrong. I got an email from him within a day and I was so impressed with this that he would take the time to write a nobody like myself. He seemed so sincere in his response as it was almost like I was talking to him in person. Dave had his demons in his early years battling alcohol and drugs but through his faith in God in conquered them both. This is a great lost to the bodybuilding community and he will truly be missed! I know in my heart he is now with our god and the lord will say to him "Well done good and faithful servant" Rest in peace Dave Draper "The Blond Bomber"!
Dave was the reason I got into weight lifting after reading about him and seeing him in the magazines in workouts with Arnold, Ken Waller, Frank Zane and Franco Columbia at Gold’s Gym in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. In later years I subscribed to his newsletter and read his articles thru the years. I once sent him an email with a question and he wrote a lengthy response within hours. We have lost one of the great ones from the Golden Era. RIP Dave Draper.
Great guy! When I visited Gold's Gym waaaaay back in the early seventies he was so incredibly inviting and helpful and friendly. When a very rude Ken Waller brushed me off like street trash, Big Dave stepped up and treated me like a brother. Gave me the tour of Golds. Introduced me to Kalman Scalack, Robbie Robinson and other luminaries. Just a fabulous guy. RIP big man.
I'm 66 years young, still pushing iron, riding horses and whatever else I want to do with no pain. I don't take any prescription medications and am fit and healthy. I owe it all to The Blond Bomber and his instruction, motivation, humor and philosophy. Rest in Peace Mr. Draper, thank you.
One of the best ever and my favourite. His email newsletter ran for years with such insight and love for the business. I had the pleasure to correspond with him via the newsletter on a few occasions, and he was always willing to give any tip or advice that he thought could help someone. Legend.
Growing up in ireland my first encounter with bodybuilding was the screen idol steve reeves, then along came the magazines with cover shots of dave draper and his training methods this underpinned my journey into bodybuilding come competive olympic weightlifting, these hard working bodybuilders certainly gave a person the incentive to train hard and make progress and bodybuilding today has a lot to thank for, the men the likes of dave draper, arnold, reg park, franco columbo to name a few, pure training and hard work. Rest in peace dave you were one of the best, may your memories live on. Christopher Maguire Ireland 🇮🇪
In the '60s-early '70s, just before Arnold and Pumping Iron, Dave Draper was THE public face of bodybuilding to the everyday person. He was the blond guy in all the ads in comic books and magazines. It's really wonderful to know that he was also a genuinely good and soulful person and lived a long life for a bodybuilder. RIP Dave Draper.
God only knows how that topic may have developed if they went into it but…. To beat alcoholism takes some strength and I admire that. I don’t know what drove him into addiction but I’m glad he broke the cycle and held onto being known as a gentleman for his 79 years of life.
I would have had no problem talking about it. I don't think I heard Dave when he mentioned it. I agree with Oisin, it takes a lot of strength to overcome an addiction and Dave did do that with the help of his wife Laree.
Dave was amazing, I ran into him in Washington DC during the "Brother Iron, Sister Steel" Book tour and he was so down to earth. He chatted with a group of us all night. Then we went to a diner near the book store, had a bite and he continued his "sermon" on everything. We were his friends that night, though we'd never met before and he took us under is wing and told the greatest stories. Building those beds from the Santa Monica pier helped him beat his demons, and get in some exercise all at the same time. RIP Bomber! BTW, he makes an appearance in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" there's a scene with the "Don't Make Waves" movie poster on the wall in Sharon Tate's apartment! Great chat Gentlemen!
Lost a great one there… Just a great person /great individual who just happens to be a champion bodybuilder..… I had the privilege of meeting him several times… Rest in peace Dave and thanks💪🏻
I had the good fortune to meet Dave Draper in the mid-80's when I was just a young man. He worked the desk at World Gym and at that time Arnold and Lou trained there and they didn't allow visitors to work out there. Me and my friend asked him if we could please take in a workout since we were all the way from Pennsylvania and I guess he could tell that we worked out. He said yes and refused to take any money from us. He just seemed like such a class act and I for one am saddened to hear of his passing. A true legend.
I purchased Dave Draper's protein for years. It tastes absolutely awesome!. And mixes like an isolate. I will continue to support his business long after his passing. Rest in peace good sir. 🙏🏼
@@worgpup6111maybe i didnt express myself correctly. I meant that he was quite old and its not uncommon that things like that happen when you are nearly 80. But sure, it could be that his heart problems came from steroids, who knows
Dave's site has a blog with dozens of entries written by him. He's an excellent writer and there's a ton of motivational and inspirational content contained in those writings.
I'm 42, Dave Draper appeals to me because he seems like the working mans bodybuilder. Humble, hard working but also has the streak of a poet too. RIP. I would love to have met him. (from the UK)
It is always sad when someone dies. Especially those that you admire and/or respect. But as Dave said, when someone lives into their late 80's, you know that they got to experience life to its fullest and the tribute becomes a little different. I send my condolences to the family and friends. ...It was a good call by Dave to have John Hansen on for this show. Hansen is the man. I can't think of anyone better at memorializing and giving the details on the career of a legendary bodybuilder. Hansen is THE man. Great bodybuilder too. To maintain his physique at his age is incredible. Hansen was smart and went back to being natural in his mid-20s and has been able to essentially hang on to his killer physique for the last 3 decades.
Finally one that isn’t a bad story. I hope the guys competing now realize you can stay healthy and have a long life even if you are a good bodybuilder.
Great interview with Hansen. I followed bodybuilding since the '60s as a young boy, however from this video, I learned a lot about Draper that I did not know. I recall Draper guest starred in a ''60s episode of the Beverly Hillbillies, as the real Mr. Universe. He was going to make Elly May Clampett (Jeds daughter) "Miss Universe" and of course the Hillbillies, Jed, Granny and Jethro thought he wanted to marry her, and of course give her his last name, "Universe". It was crazy, but Draper really was the face of bodybuilding back in those days. RIP, Dave Draper.
A real pioneer of the not just sport but lifestyle. I subscribed to his newsletter until he stopped writing it. In fact, I believe I still have the final issue. His wife Laree was always a big part of the newsletter and did a great job with it. RIP Blonde Bomber
The iconic image of the "Blonde Bomber" with his outstretched arms promoting Weider's Crash Weight Gain Formula No. 7 in the back pages of "Popular Science" and "Popular Mechanics" magazines will never be forgotten. When the 1967 movie "Don't Make Waves" aired on television, that show became one of my all time favorites. I still have a copy of it on VHS.
Nice celebration of a life and legend. Before Arnold, Draper really was the icon for bodybuilding in the mainstream mind. The blond bomber on the beach! Not only that he promoted health and strength his whole life. Beating Franco and Rick Wayne in those days was outstanding!
Rx Muscle & Morgue R.I.P. Golden Boy. We'll never forget the mantis pose. I hope the community can come together and erect a bronze statue of him and place it at Muscle Beach. 🙏💪🇺🇸🏋️
Dave Draper was one of my favorites from when the bodybuilding goals were to achieve physiques like the Greek Gods. He certainly did just that. That is still my favorite era. RIP Blonde Bomber.
I remember Dave back in the 60's Great build. He did a cameo on the Beverly Hillbillies, which was my non still introduction to body building. Sorry to hear of his passing.
I just watched that episode of the Beverly Hillbillies on TH-cam. It didn’t look a cameo appearance, he was like a guest star in that particular episode.
The Blonde Bomber, another legend. I remember him in the 1967 movie (yes, I am an old fart) "Don't Make Waves". Since it was a "peaceful death" we can assume it isn't Rona or jab related. Another great episode with John. I could listen to him for hours.
I worked out at Dave's gym in Santa Cruz.. was there when Arnold showed up for the grand opening, did some tree work on Dave's property in Aptos.. great guy .. R.I.P
One of the best, looked incredible at the 1965 Mr. America. His books are great also, really recommend West Coast Bodybuilding Scene and Brother Iron, Sister Steel.
I was at the World Weightlifting competition mentioned. The Mr. World was after the lifting ended on Sunday night, but I had to catch the bus to make it home for school the next day. One of my greatest regrets.
@@earlcoles5215 I've seen "Pumping Iron" probably 10k times. The only bodybuilders featured in "Pumping Iron" were Mike Katz, Ken Waller, Arnold, Franco, Lou Ferrigno, Serge Nubret, Ed Corney and Robby Robinson. Dave's last contest was the 1970 IFBB Mr. World and "Pumping Iron" was filmed in 1975 so why would Dave be in the movie?
One of the Dave Draper books that’s available is West Coast Bodybuilding Scene. It’s all of Dick Tyler’s old magazine articles and Artie Zellers pictures. Awesome book
he was my hero in the 60's i was a young boy and he got me into lifting now i am 66 and still trying
Yes!!!!
Same here bro. Don't stop. It's the good lifestyle.
Same here at 69 years and he still inspires me to keep up the effort.
A legend, a bodybuilder with a special personality. RIP iron warrior.
Such sad news ! A great bodybuilder and even a greater human being...He always took time to respond to my questions and letters on his website and weekly newsletters...RIP Dave Draper - The King of the supersets !
Dave Draper what a classic and long lived physique, an example for everyone to follow for moderation and longevity.
Always admired his back and arms… used to have his back training routine and pics on my wall growing up.
RIP Bomber
I remember seeing his pictures along with the other guys back in the 70s in the muscle and fitness magazine. This guy used to get me pumped up to hit the gym. He had an amazing physique. Rest in peace brother.
God, I am so sad to hear of Dave Draper's passing. I remember I contacted him by email once but never expected to hear from him. Boy was I ever wrong. I got an email from him within a day and I was so impressed with this that he would take the time to write a nobody like myself. He seemed so sincere in his response as it was almost like I was talking to him in person. Dave had his demons in his early years battling alcohol and drugs but through his faith in God in conquered them both. This is a great lost to the bodybuilding community and he will truly be missed! I know in my heart he is now with our god and the lord will say to him "Well done good and faithful servant" Rest in peace Dave Draper "The Blond Bomber"!
That’s the thing Golf , he had respect for you to respond. You are important enough to Dave for him to respond to you .
Golf Tips
👑Amen💠
📖God💌is the ONLY way to the Eternal Life!🕊️
Dave was the reason I got into weight lifting after reading about him and seeing him in the magazines in workouts with Arnold, Ken Waller, Frank Zane and Franco Columbia at Gold’s Gym in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. In later years I subscribed to his newsletter and read his articles thru the years. I once sent him an email with a question and he wrote a lengthy response within hours. We have lost one of the great ones from the Golden Era. RIP Dave Draper.
Same!
Same…
Thank god John was on this to provide depth
What a great tribute to Dave Draper. John Hansen is such a awesome historian of our sport of bodybuilding. Thx RX muscle and Dave Palumbo
My favorite bodybuilder of all time. RIP Dave and God bless.
Draper was my first bodybuilding hero. I'm soon to be 63 and I remember marveling at his pictures as a kid. This is sad news. RIP Dave.
Great guy! When I visited Gold's Gym waaaaay back in the early seventies he was so incredibly inviting and helpful and friendly. When a very rude Ken Waller brushed me off like street trash, Big Dave stepped up and treated me like a brother. Gave me the tour of Golds. Introduced me to Kalman Scalack, Robbie Robinson and other luminaries. Just a fabulous guy. RIP big man.
great share. thanks
I'm 66 years young, still pushing iron, riding horses and whatever else I want to do with no pain. I don't take any prescription medications and am fit and healthy. I owe it all to The Blond Bomber and his instruction, motivation, humor and philosophy. Rest in Peace Mr. Draper, thank you.
kudos to john for keeping the interview on Dave Draper
Always loved Draper. He had a extremely aesthetic physic. Always seemed attainable without doing insane doses. Rip
Dave a great guy always responded to an email or question. A devout Christian man.
Christ 😌
RIP Dave Draper,and condolences to his family,friends and fans world wide!
John Hansen's great.. alot of good stories & knowledge.. Cheers John
Great bodybuilder, great human being. Rest in Power .
One of the best ever and my favourite. His email newsletter ran for years with such insight and love for the business. I had the pleasure to correspond with him via the newsletter on a few occasions, and he was always willing to give any tip or advice that he thought could help someone. Legend.
A great icon has just passed.
Growing up in ireland my first encounter with bodybuilding was the screen idol steve reeves, then along came the magazines with cover shots of dave draper and his training methods this underpinned my journey into bodybuilding come competive olympic weightlifting, these hard working bodybuilders certainly gave a person the incentive to train hard and make progress and bodybuilding today has a lot to thank for, the men the likes of dave draper, arnold, reg park, franco columbo to name a few, pure training and hard work.
Rest in peace dave you were one of the best, may your memories live on.
Christopher Maguire
Ireland 🇮🇪
In the '60s-early '70s, just before Arnold and Pumping Iron, Dave Draper was THE public face of bodybuilding to the everyday person. He was the blond guy in all the ads in comic books and magazines. It's really wonderful to know that he was also a genuinely good and soulful person and lived a long life for a bodybuilder. RIP Dave Draper.
Another legend has passed. Dave 'the Blond Bomber' Draper was a great bodybuilder and wonderful human being. May he Rest in Peace.
John Hansen - lends real class to Dave's show. Insightful recounting of Drapers life. RIP
Dave was one of my childhood super star along with Steve Reeves. RIP Champ
R.I.P Bomber . Originally from Secaucus NJ . The books he’s written are real gems , highly recommended.
Loved Dave Draper as a kid....in the 1960's..
He was ridiculously strong. Anyone who was close to him knew as such. We love you, Mr. Draper.
Dave tries to bring up alcoholism and John just ignores it and focused on the positive. Why? Because John has class.
God only knows how that topic may have developed if they went into it but…. To beat alcoholism takes some strength and I admire that. I don’t know what drove him into addiction but I’m glad he broke the cycle and held onto being known as a gentleman for his 79 years of life.
I would have had no problem talking about it. I don't think I heard Dave when he mentioned it. I agree with Oisin, it takes a lot of strength to overcome an addiction and Dave did do that with the help of his wife Laree.
Dave was amazing, I ran into him in Washington DC during the "Brother Iron, Sister Steel" Book tour and he was so down to earth. He chatted with a group of us all night. Then we went to a diner near the book store, had a bite and he continued his "sermon" on everything. We were his friends that night, though we'd never met before and he took us under is wing and told the greatest stories. Building those beds from the Santa Monica pier helped him beat his demons, and get in some exercise all at the same time. RIP Bomber! BTW, he makes an appearance in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" there's a scene with the "Don't Make Waves" movie poster on the wall in Sharon Tate's apartment! Great chat Gentlemen!
A legend of the sport RIP
Lost a great one there… Just a great person /great individual who just happens to be a champion bodybuilder..… I had the privilege of meeting him several times… Rest in peace Dave and thanks💪🏻
Dave Draper, wing your flight in that infininte realm. Thanks for all your Contributions in this earthly plane. Missing you with a heavy heart.
I think he had as much influence for BB popularity as anyone in the 60's.
They made history, and for that alone. We are grateful. May his soul rest in peace 😥🙏
Lou forrigno, Arnold, the Manions all seem to be "calling dave" like they are best friends and he has them on speed dial
I still have his book would always go to his website remember his tuna and water diet ? was a real nice guy
RIP sir
"Brother iron sister steele" RIP Mr Draper! Icon of golden age bodybuilding!💪💪🙏🙏😇😇
When I was a boy...he was The Man.
Dave Draper a real legend .R.I.P Dave.
RIP Dave, I mean it bud! You're 1 of the main reasons I stepped into a Bodybuilding gym in the 1st place. God Bless Dave Draper.
RIP Blonde Bomber..Great tribute Dave and John
RIP Gentle Giant !!
Thank you Hanson n Palumbo for the memories ..a great tribute To Dave Draper n the golden era 👍🙏
What a Great video. Made me feel so good on this lonely friday night. Thank you, sir👍🙂
RIP Dave. You were loved by many. You were one of my biggest bodybuilding inspirations. Thanks for sharing your love, experience and wisdom. 🙏🏼💪🏻❤️
Damn!! That's some real sad news. RIP Dave.
May his soul rest in peace
I had the good fortune to meet Dave Draper in the mid-80's when I was just a young man. He worked the desk at World Gym and at that time Arnold and Lou trained there and they didn't allow visitors to work out there. Me and my friend asked him if we could please take in a workout since we were all the way from Pennsylvania and I guess he could tell that we worked out. He said yes and refused to take any money from us. He just seemed like such a class act and I for one am saddened to hear of his passing. A true legend.
It's amazing how a positive interaction with someone, even if it's only for a minute, stays with you forever. Thanks for sharing.
I purchased Dave Draper's protein for years. It tastes absolutely awesome!. And mixes like an isolate. I will continue to support his business long after his passing. Rest in peace good sir. 🙏🏼
Bomber Blend! That stuff was good. Draper was awesome.
@@travismcdonald6576 yesss! Haha
@@morganpowell94 He discontinued it several years ago.
Isopure is a great whey protein. Walmart carries it.
Bomber Blend was my favorite protein powder! I was sad when he discontinued it. RIP Bomber!
What a horrific year for bodybuilding, RIP to all the great champions, you will not be forgotten 🙏
It has been truly a sad year in bodybuilding. RIP. Hope next year is not going to be the same.
Yeah, this is just natural though, he was 79
@@Guillermoreno02 How do you you know it's natural. Also 79 is not super old.
@@worgpup6111maybe i didnt express myself correctly. I meant that he was quite old and its not uncommon that things like that happen when you are nearly 80. But sure, it could be that his heart problems came from steroids, who knows
Dave's site has a blog with dozens of entries written by him. He's an excellent writer and there's a ton of motivational and inspirational content contained in those writings.
I'm 42, Dave Draper appeals to me because he seems like the working mans bodybuilder. Humble, hard working but also has the streak of a poet too. RIP. I would love to have met him. (from the UK)
Good tribute.
Thanks Dave
It is always sad when someone dies. Especially those that you admire and/or respect. But as Dave said, when someone lives into their late 80's, you know that they got to experience life to its fullest and the tribute becomes a little different. I send my condolences to the family and friends.
...It was a good call by Dave to have John Hansen on for this show. Hansen is the man. I can't think of anyone better at memorializing and giving the details on the career of a legendary bodybuilder. Hansen is THE man. Great bodybuilder too. To maintain his physique at his age is incredible. Hansen was smart and went back to being natural in his mid-20s and has been able to essentially hang on to his killer physique for the last 3 decades.
Love John Hansen
Finally one that isn’t a bad story. I hope the guys competing now realize you can stay healthy and have a long life even if you are a good bodybuilder.
Great interview with Hansen. I followed bodybuilding since the '60s as a young boy, however from this video, I learned a lot about Draper that I did not know. I recall Draper guest starred in a ''60s episode of the Beverly Hillbillies, as the real Mr. Universe. He was going to make Elly May Clampett (Jeds daughter) "Miss Universe" and of course the Hillbillies, Jed, Granny and Jethro thought he wanted to marry her, and of course give her his last name, "Universe". It was crazy, but Draper really was the face of bodybuilding back in those days. RIP, Dave Draper.
A real pioneer of the not just sport but lifestyle. I subscribed to his newsletter until he stopped writing it. In fact, I believe I still have the final issue. His wife Laree was always a big part of the newsletter and did a great job with it. RIP Blonde Bomber
The iconic image of the "Blonde Bomber" with his outstretched arms promoting Weider's Crash Weight Gain Formula No. 7 in the back pages of "Popular Science" and "Popular Mechanics" magazines will never be forgotten. When the 1967 movie "Don't Make Waves" aired on television, that show became one of my all time favorites. I still have a copy of it on VHS.
Dave was great in every way .
great interview..thanks👍🏽
RIP Dave Draper.. a true real life legend..
Rxmuscle - The morgue of bodybuilding
I love Dave Draper
RIP Dave Draper !!!!!!
Big Lenny is still alive!
Nice celebration of a life and legend. Before Arnold, Draper really was the icon for bodybuilding in the mainstream mind. The blond bomber on the beach! Not only that he promoted health and strength his whole life. Beating Franco and Rick Wayne in those days was outstanding!
R.i.p. Dave Draper
Rx Muscle & Morgue
R.I.P. Golden Boy. We'll never forget the mantis pose. I hope the community can come together and erect a bronze statue of him and place it at Muscle Beach. 🙏💪🇺🇸🏋️
That would fitting gesture for Mr. Draper!🏋️🏋️♂️👍💪💪
Dave Draper was one of my favorites from when the bodybuilding goals were to achieve physiques like the Greek Gods. He certainly did just that. That is still my favorite era. RIP Blonde Bomber.
I remember Dave back in the 60's Great build. He did a cameo on the Beverly Hillbillies, which was my non still introduction to body building. Sorry to hear of his passing.
I just watched that episode of the Beverly Hillbillies on TH-cam. It didn’t look a cameo appearance, he was like a guest star in that particular episode.
@@cooper482011 He was great. Guest star would be more appropriate..
The Blonde Bomber, another legend. I remember him in the 1967 movie (yes, I am an old fart) "Don't Make Waves". Since it was a "peaceful death" we can assume it isn't Rona or jab related.
Another great episode with John. I could listen to him for hours.
You really are an old fart
@@michaelmcclenon6663 Yep, 63...but still jacked!
NOOOOOOO, This was the guy in my teen youth I learnt about super sets in books and magazines, so sad
Joe Wieder was a real a-hole business man!
I trained with him a couple of times in the 90s
I worked out at Dave's gym in Santa Cruz.. was there when Arnold showed up for the grand opening, did some tree work on Dave's property in Aptos.. great guy .. R.I.P
Intresting that he settled out of court. Never new that.
One of the best, looked incredible at the 1965 Mr. America. His books are great also, really recommend West Coast Bodybuilding Scene and Brother Iron, Sister Steel.
Dave was the genuine deal ... he will be missed!
rest easy please..sad... one of the best ever
I completed in several AAU Contests for bodybuilding that were held in YMCA . A movie light was shined to stage .
Interesting…. I want to read his books now. I had heard he was a creative soul
The Two Daves.
That's me, hum drum going into the gym and top o the world at mid workout.
Eddie Giuliani still has some furniture built by Draper in his home. RIP Dave
WOW! DAVE! GREAT GUEST GREAT TRIBUTE. THIS IS HOW RX SHOULD BE. NOT A GOSSIP CHANNEL LIKE IT NORMALLY IS.
Rest in peace Dave Draper !!!!
R.I.P. Dave Draper
I was at the World Weightlifting competition mentioned. The Mr. World was after the lifting ended on Sunday night, but I had to catch the bus to make it home for school the next day. One of my greatest regrets.
HE HAD THE BEST PERSONALITY IN THE PUMPING IRON DOCUMENTARY POINT BLANK PERIOD!!!!!!! R.I.P BROTHER
Dave wasn’t in “Pumping Iron”
@@naturalolympia obviously you never seen pumping iron..that had an individual section just about him alone
@@earlcoles5215 I've seen "Pumping Iron" probably 10k times. The only bodybuilders featured in "Pumping Iron" were Mike Katz, Ken Waller, Arnold, Franco, Lou Ferrigno, Serge Nubret, Ed Corney and Robby Robinson. Dave's last contest was the 1970 IFBB Mr. World and "Pumping Iron" was filmed in 1975 so why would Dave be in the movie?
@@naturalolympia my bad, I mistook him for Mike Katz
RIP legends
Well he lived to a more or less ripe age......... very impressive bodybuilder, I wish him well on his next journey..........
Another great gone rip condolences to his friends and family
My First favorite bodybuilder
One of the Dave Draper books that’s available is West Coast Bodybuilding Scene. It’s all of Dick Tyler’s old magazine articles and Artie Zellers pictures. Awesome book
Man, I wish this wasn’t true . RIP Draper
🙏 Thank you .
One of the greatest ever.