Where Are the American Gladiators Now? Whereabouts Revealed
by Vignesh L
Updated May 31, 2023
American Gladiators Wiki
American Gladiators is a popular television show that originated in the United States. It first aired from 1989 to 1996 and was later revived for a brief period in 2008. The show featured a competitive arena where everyday contestants, known as "challengers," faced off against a team of highly skilled and physically fit athletes called "Gladiators."The format of American Gladiators involved a series of challenging events that tested the strength, agility, and endurance of the participants.
The Gladiators, who were given intimidating names like Nitro, Laser, Gemini, and Zap, used their athletic prowess to try and prevent the challengers from successfully completing the tasks. These events included obstacle courses, jousting matches, and various combat challenges. American Gladiators gained a significant following due to their action-packed nature and charismatic personalities of the Gladiators.
The show appealed to audiences who enjoyed both sports and entertainment, as it combined athletic competition with a dose of theatricality. Over the years, American Gladiators became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring spin-off versions in different countries around the world. It also contributed to the rise in popularity of televised sports entertainment, paving the way for future shows and competitions.
Although American Gladiators have not been on the air in recent years, their impact on the television landscape and its place in popular culture remains significant. Fans of the show continue to reminisce about the memorable moments and the fierce battles between the challengers and Gladiators.
Where are the American Gladiators Now?
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Nitro (Dan Clark):
After appearing on American Gladiators from 1989 to 1992 and returning for the 1994-1995 season, Dan Clark, also known as Nitro, is now a motivational speaker and author. He tours the country inspiring people to live their best life and has written two memoirs: "F Dying" and "Gladiator."
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Laser (Jim Starr):
Jim Starr, who went by the name Laser on American Gladiators, remained involved in the fitness world after the show's end. He became the former director of product development for 24 Hour Fitness and founded the Sports Nutrition Consulting Group. Currently, he is the director of product development at The Grind, an outdoor sporting goods company.
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Blaze (Sha-Ri Pendleton-Mitchell):
Sha-Ri Pendleton-Mitchell, also known as Blaze, competed on American Gladiators from 1989 to 1992. After suffering a career-ending injury as a former hurdler and triple jumper at the University of Nebraska, she transitioned to becoming a math teacher for the Rialto Unified School District.
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Gemini (Michael Horton):
Michael Horton, who portrayed Gemini, was a fan favorite on American Gladiators. According to the 30 for 30 documentary mentioned in the article, his family life suffered due to his popularity on the show. His two sons went on to play football, with one of them, Wes Horton, previously playing for the Carolina Panthers.
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Ice (Lori Fetrick):
Lori Fetrick, nicknamed Ice, has turned her Gladiator persona into a podcast called "Chillin' with Ice." In the podcast, she delves into behind-the-scenes details of the iconic show and discusses the challenges faced by the Gladiators. She also hosts other Gladiators as guests on the podcast.
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Malibu (Deron McBee):
Deron McBee, known as Malibu on American Gladiators, faced numerous injuries during his time on the show. Afterward, he had small parts in movies like "Batman Forever" and "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation." Until December 2020, he hosted a Christian podcast called "The Issues of Life," focusing on life issues, current affairs, and addiction recovery from a religious perspective.
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Sabre (Lynn "Red" Williams):
Lynn "Red" Williams, who portrayed Sabre, played Jax in the movie "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation." Since January 2016, he has been leading Point Blank Ministries as their preacher and founder.
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Dallas (Shannon Hall):
Shannon Hall joined American Gladiators in 1994 and earned the name Dallas because that was where she was living at the time. She later pursued boxing and nearly became a WWE Diva. Currently, she is an MMA trainer and previously opened a gym called Gladiator Arena in Florida.
The American Gladiators Documentary
The American Gladiators Documentary is a two-part documentary that aired on ESPN in 2023. It tells the story of the popular television show American Gladiators, which aired from 1989 to 1996. The documentary features interviews with cast members, producers, and fans, and it explores the show's impact on popular culture.
The documentary begins with the show's creator, Johnny Ferraro, telling his story. Ferraro was an Elvis impersonator who came up with the idea for American Gladiators while he was working as a stuntman. He wanted to create a show that would combine the excitement of sports with the spectacle of professional wrestling. The show was a huge success, and it quickly became one of the most popular shows on television.
It was praised for its athleticism, its humor, and its positive messages about fitness and competition. The show also spawned a number of imitators, including Wipeout and Ninja Warrior. The documentary also explores the dark side of American Gladiators. The show was known for its intense physical challenges, and some contestants were injured while competing.
The show was also criticized for its objectification of women. Despite its flaws, American Gladiators remains a beloved show for many people. It was a groundbreaking show that helped to popularize fitness and competition. The documentary is a fascinating look at the show's history and its impact on popular culture.
Where are the Original Gladiators Now?
1. John Anderson (Referee):
John Anderson, who was the show's iconic referee, has continued to mentor and coach athletic stars in his later years. He previously worked as a teacher and coach for Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games athletes. He celebrated turning 91 in November with his family.
2. James Crossley (Hunter):
James Crossley, also known as Hunter, is now a Strength & Conditioning Coach and Gong Practitioner. He has turned his skills to yoga in a bid to age "pain-free" and often shares insights into his healthy lifestyle on social media. James previously dabbled in acting and appeared on Channel 4's "The Circle."
3. Ulrika Jonsson (Host):
Ulrika Jonsson, the former TV-AM weather presenter, co-hosted Gladiators alongside John Fashanu. She has since become a staple in British television, appearing on various TV shows such as "Dancing On Ice," "Celebrity Big Brother," and "Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins." Ulrika remains active in the media, often making headlines for her candidness.
4. Helen O'Reilly (Panther):
Helen O'Reilly, also known as Panther, runs her own gym called Panthers Gym in Uxbridge, London. She has transitioned from being a champion bodybuilder with several accolades to her name to now prepping other individuals and judging fitness competitions around the world.
5. Michael Willson (Cobra):
Michael Willson, who portrayed Cobra, now resides in the West Midlands and spends his time making watercolor paintings. He also travels to schools and youth clubs across the UK, promoting the idea that keeping fit can be fun.
6. Jefferson King (Shadow):
Jefferson King, also known as Shadow, has had a troubled history. He was ousted from Gladiators for taking steroids and later faced personal challenges related to drugs and legal issues. He went into rehab in 2009 but eventually relapsed. In 2021, he was sentenced to six years and three months in prison for his involvement in a drug-fueled blackmail plot.
7. Mike Ahearne (Warrior):
Mike Ahearne, also known as Warrior, had a successful career as a rugby union player and bodybuilder. However, he was linked to a corruption scandal and faced legal issues related to steroids. His celebrity status and luxury lifestyle came crashing down, and he was arrested in 1997.
8.Sandy Young( Phoenix):
Sandy Young, also known as Phoenix, is now working as a florist and is a mother to two children in the West Midlands, according to Gladiator fan sites. She had to leave the show in late 1992 due to reportedly being unable to meet fitness standards. In 1996, she was sentenced to 150 hours of community service for attacking her ex-husband, Steven Young, during a custody disagreement. Sandy, a kickboxer and former Bodybuilding Miss UK, broke her ex-husband's ankle in an act of violence and revenge.
Michael Van Wijk(Wolf):
Michael Van Wijk, known as Wolf, now runs his own gym called "Wolf's Gym" in Auckland, New Zealand. He has owned gyms previously and was a regular on the Kiwi Cage Fighting scene. Michael appeared on Lorraine in 2019 expressing his desire to revive Gladiators and bring it back to television.
Warren Furman(Ace):
Warren Furman, also known as Ace, has turned his back on show business and found religion. He now runs a Gospel choir in York and lives with his wife and two children. Warren dated Katie Price in the 90s and admitted to praying for her amid her hectic lifestyle.
Sharron Davies MBE, known as Amazon, is currently working as a BBC pundit after her Olympic swimming career. She has been outspoken on the rights of biological women and has campaigned against transgender athletes competing in women's sports.
Diane Youdale(Jet):
Diane Youdale, known as Jet, had to take up presenting and acting after injuring herself during Gladiators. She became a PE teaching assistant and later trained as a psychotherapist. Diane has appeared on BBC shows like Look North and Inside Out and also presents on BBC Tees.
Mark Smith, known as Rhino, has pursued an acting career after Gladiators and has appeared on shows like EastEnders, The Bill, and Robin Hood. He has also featured in high-profile films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Argo.
Kim Betts(Lightning):
Kim Betts, known as Lightning, is a gymnast, bodybuilder, and TV presenter. She is also an Equestrian Yard & Fishery Owner and won the 2020 IBFA Miss Universe.
Eunice Huthart, known as Blaze, became a stunt double for A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Milla Jovovich, Famke Janssen, and Uma Thurman after her time on Gladiators. She is currently the stunt choreographer for Justice League and DC's upcoming Flash film.
Judy Simpson MBE(Nightshade):
Judy Simpson MBE, known as Nightshade, works for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is an Honorary President of the Women's Sports Federation. She had a successful career as an all-round female athlete, competing in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and World Championships.
Where are the American Gladiators Now- FAQs
American Gladiators was a popular television show that originally aired from 1989 to 1996 in the United States. It was a competition between everyday contestants (referred to as "challengers") and a group of highly trained and athletic "Gladiators."
The Gladiators on American Gladiators were a group of elite athletes who competed against the challengers. They were known for their strength, agility, and impressive physical abilities. Some of the notable Gladiators included Nitro, Laser, Gemini, Zap, and more.
After the original run of American Gladiators ended in 1996, some Gladiators pursued other athletic or entertainment careers, while others transitioned into different professions. Some Gladiators made occasional appearances in subsequent American Gladiators revivals or pursued careers in fitness and training.
Old episodes of American Gladiators may be available for streaming on various platforms or for purchase through DVD releases. It's recommended to check popular streaming services or online retailers for availability.