https://www.tmz.com/2021/12/01/dave-draper-dead-bodybuilder-arnold-schwarzenegger/ Dave Draper -- one of the most legendary figures in the history of bodybuilding -- has died ... and Arnold Schwarzenegger says he's torn up over the news. Draper's wife announced the passing on her Facebook page on Tuesday, saying, "Dave died early this morning." "I was with him and it was calm and peaceful," Laree Draper added. "It, as his doctor told me a little while ago, was a good death." Dave was 79 years old. Schwarzenegger took the news hard ... writing on his social media page Tuesday afternoon that Dave was one of his biggest inspirations. "In Austria," Schwarzenegger said, "I kept his photo on the wall above my bed for motivation." In fact, Schwarzenegger said when he eventually moved to the United States, he met Dave and they became pals and training partners. "He couldn't have been more welcoming, and he always pushed everyone around him in the gym to be better," Schwarzenegger said. "He was an amazing writer and a great family man." "I will miss the Blond Bomber, but his memory will always be with me. My thoughts are with Laree and the family." Dave began bodybuilding at a young age -- and famously won the Mr. New Jersey title in 1962, when he was just 21 years old. Dave went on to win a Mr. Universe crown in 1966 ... and later starred in a bunch of TV and movie roles, including Sharon Tate's famous 1967 flick, "Don't Make Waves." RIP
Dave Draper was probably my favorite bodybuilder when I was a kid and before I started working out. He was the guy with the Twister, as was Arnold. (I have since forgiven them both.) I have three of Draper's books on Kindle, not so much for the workout instruction but rather for the nostalgia and his quirky writing style. He will be missed.
Well this surely is not good news. I told my brother about it last night. As a body builder, he is a fan of Dave Draper, Arnie, ect.