Dave Draper’s remarkable eight-year journey in competitive bodybuilding and acting began in 1963, when he was just 21 years old. It was a year that marked his debut as Mr. New Jersey, a victory that caught the attention of the renowned Joe Weider. This win set the stage for Draper’s entry into the world of bodybuilding and fitness, with Weider offering him a part-time role at Joe Weider’s Barbell Company in Union City, New Jersey. Working alongside Weider and the legendary Leroy Colbert, Draper earned the nickname “Blond Bomber” and made his first appearance on a magazine cover.
In the same year, Weider invited Draper to join his new West Coast office in Santa Monica. Draper accepted the offer and soon discovered Vic Tanny’s gritty basement gym, affectionately known as “The Dungeon,” just a few blocks from his new workplace. This became Draper’s training haven, where he arrived each morning between 5:30 and 6:00 am.
Draper’s fame continued to rise through his appearances in Weider’s publications, and he began to branch out into television and film. By 1964, only a year after moving to California, he began hosting a prime-time Saturday night television show, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry. In 1965, Draper achieved another milestone by winning the IFBB Mr. America title, coinciding with Larry Scott’s first Mr. Olympia win.
The following year, Draper’s success continued with his victory at the IFBB Mr. Universe and a credited role in the film “Lord Love A Duck.” Unfortunately, 1966 also saw the closure of his beloved Dungeon gym, prompting Draper to relocate to Gold’s Gym. In 1967, he placed 4th in the Mr. Olympia competition and made notable appearances in “Don’t Make Waves,” as well as on television shows like “The Monkees” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
The late 1960s saw Draper maintaining his presence in the fitness world, with his image gracing magazine covers and Weider ads. As the beach culture trend emerged, Draper, along with bodybuilding icons such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane, remained a prominent figure in the industry.
1969 marked Draper’s final acting role and his departure from his role at Weider, as he transitioned to focus on his sideline business of hand-carved wood furniture. His competitive career concluded in 1970, but not before he secured third place in the tall class at both the NABBA Pro Universe and the AAU Pro Mr. World. He capped off his competitive journey with a win in the tall class and overall title at the IFBB Mr. World.
At the age of 28, Dave Draper embraced a new chapter in his life, but his commitment to training and fitness remained a defining element of his personal and professional identity.
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