Ric Drasin was an American actor best known for his roles in “The Incredible Hulk,” “Mistress of the Apes,” and “GLOW: The Story of The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.” He was also a professional wrestler, stuntman, and published author.
Personal and Family Life
Ric Drasin was born Richard Alan Drasin on July 12, 1944, in Bakersfield, California. He was the son of Claire (Boss) and Henry Oscar Drasin and had Russian Jewish and German/Austrian Jewish heritage. Throughout his life, he was known for his athletic prowess and contributions to bodybuilding and wrestling.
Career
Ric was a pro wrestler known as “The Equalizer” and was recognized for his roles in various films and television shows. He was a training partner of the famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and designed the iconic Gold’s Gym logo. In the live-action series “The Incredible Hulk,” he often portrayed the mid-transformation scenes of the Hulk, known as the “demi-Hulk.”
Death and Legacy
Drasin passed away on August 30, 2020, due to kidney disease. He left behind a legacy as a pioneer in both wrestling and bodybuilding, earning the Joe Gold Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 for his significant impact on the sport. His contributions to the fitness industry and his roles in entertainment have made him a notable figure in both fields.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Yes we catch | 2012-12-31 | Himself (“The Equalizer”) |
| Mistress of the Apes | 1979-11-12 | Near Man |
| Ben | 1972-06-23 | George |
| To the Ends of Time | 1996-10-21 | Soldier |
| Zero Tolerance | 1994-06-09 | LaFleur’s Henchman |
| The Capitol Conspiracy | 1998-03-01 | Wrestler #1 |
| Sextette | 1978-03-03 | Weight-Lifter |
| GLOW: The Story of The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling | 2012-08-21 | Self – The Equalizer |
| Flashfire | 1994-09-15 | Kraus von Zeck |
| More Wild Wild West | 1980-10-07 | 1st Hulk |
| The Shield | 2002-03-12 | Pipe |
| Charlie’s Angels | 1976-09-22 | Chuck Wilde |