The Unbelievable Untold Story: The Jaw-Dropping Fate of American Gladiators From Netflix's Muscles & Mayhem Documentary

The Netflix documentary series "Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators" sheds light on the lives of American Gladiators stars during their peak of fame, but fails to delve into their subsequent experiences. Running from 1989 to 1995, American Gladiators was a hugely popular reality TV series that featured ordinary people competing against formidable "Gladiators" with impressive physiques. Unfortunately, despite their rise to stardom, the athletes faced challenges such as mismanagement, drug abuse, and hazardous working conditions.

In "Muscles & Mayhem," key members of the American Gladiators cast share their personal accounts of how the show affected their lives, both positively and negatively. While some were able to leverage their Gladiators fame into successful careers, others struggled to adapt to life after the show. A few even chose to step away from the public spotlight entirely. The enduring bond between certain Gladiators and the lasting appeal of their characters serve as a captivating epilogue to a peculiar chapter in American entertainment history.

Danny Lee “Nitro” Clark

Debbie “Storm” Clark

Danny Lee Clark, known as "Nitro" from American Gladiators, has gained immense popularity as a bodybuilder and former NFL lineman. Following his departure from the show, Clark ventured into the world of acting with notable roles in various films and TV shows, such as Equilibrium, Death Becomes Her, and Walker, Texas Ranger. Currently, Clark is the proud owner and operator of the Gladiator Rock 'N Run, a thrilling 5k obstacle mud run. In addition to his career pursuits, he has authored two autobiographical memoirs. One, titled Gladiator, offers an introspective look into his time on American Gladiators, while the other, F Dying, candidly recounts his journey to recovery from a life-threatening heart attack in 2013. Further showcasing his involvement in the entertainment industry, Clark also serves as one of the executive producers for the impactful Muscles & Mayhem documentary.

After her stint on American Gladiators as "Storm," Debbie Clark made the decision to not pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, in 2008, Debbie and her son found themselves facing homelessness due to a series of personal challenges. However, in 2011, Debbie crossed paths with Sean Sheppard, the founder of the homeless charity Embrace. Coincidentally, Sheppard knew Jim Starr, another former Gladiator, and reached out to him along with several other Gladiators. These compassionate individuals stepped forward and offered financial support to Debbie during her difficult time.

During this period, Debbie found temporary refuge in Sheppard's spare room. However, her story gained attention when Sherri Shepard, a co-host on The View and actress, learned about her plight. Sherri not only took notice but also took action. She generously assisted Debbie and her son in securing an apartment, providing them with the stability they desperately needed. Thanks to Sherri's intervention, Debbie was able to regain her footing and start rebuilding her life.

Erika “Diamond” Andersch

Erika Andersch, known as "Diamond" during her time on the American Gladiators, was a state champion bodybuilder. Apart from her appearances on the show, she also ventured into acting, starring in projects like Batman Returns and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Additionally, Andersch found success in modeling and was featured in several publications, including Playboy. Nowadays, she has retired from the entertainment industry and embraced a career as an artist, choosing to maintain her personal life in privacy. In the documentary Muscles & Mayhem, Andersch mentions that she remains in contact with some of her fellow Gladiators.

Jim “Laser” Kalafat

Jim Kalafat and Danny Lee Clark, both former members of the L.A. Rams replacement lineup, formed a strong bond and became roommates. Clark even recommended Kalafat for the reality series. Despite changes in the cast, Jim remained the sole original member of American Gladiators throughout all seven seasons. His dedication to the show extended beyond its television run, as he even took part in the live American Gladiators dinner show. Kalafat continues to be actively involved in the fitness industry, holding high-ranking positions at Opsis Health and The Grind. Additionally, he runs a consulting business called Sports Nutrition Consulting Group.

Lori “Ice” Fetrick

Lori Fetrick, popularly known as "Ice," gained recognition as a highly accomplished bodybuilding champion at the national level prior to her involvement with the hit television show American Gladiators in 1990. Even after the show's conclusion, Fetrick continued portraying her iconic character Ice in the American Gladiators live tour and subsequently in the follow-up series called International Gladiators. Additionally, she showcased her acting prowess in various television programs, including acclaimed shows like Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, the sketch comedy series In Living Color, and Mad TV. Not only did she display her talent in front of the camera, but Fetrick also utilized her expertise by producing her very own fitness video. Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Fetrick ventured into the realms of gym ownership, tanning salon management, and even established an online fitness on-demand service. Her influence extends beyond her business endeavors as she has become an influential figure and sought-after professional speaker. Furthermore, she actively hosts the podcast Chillin' with Ice, where she engages in insightful discussions with other former Gladiators.

Michael “Gemini” Horton

Michael Horton, a former NFL player, became the first cast member to join American Gladiators, taking on the persona of "Gemini." Aside from his on-screen presence, Horton assumed a leadership role in recruiting and training new Gladiators. Utilizing his position, he successfully rallied fellow cast members to collectively negotiate for merchandising rights to their own images. Following the conclusion of the series, Horton continued his involvement by participating in the American Gladiators live tour. While details about his personal life remain undisclosed, there are reports suggesting that he ventured into the field of personal training. Remarkably, Horton's sons, Wes and Cole, have followed in their father's footsteps and pursued professional football careers.

Raye “Zap” Hollitt

Sha-Ri “Blaze” Pendleton-Mitchell

Raye Hollitt, known as "Zap," joined the cast of American Gladiators in 1989. Prior to her television fame, she had a successful career as a professional bodybuilder, competing nationally for many years. After her time on the show, Hollitt pursued acting opportunities, including her role in the 2008 film The Ode. Although she retired from bodybuilding in the 1990s, she now focuses on helping others as a personal trainer, offering virtual training sessions and even Zoom chats. Additionally, she utilizes her skills as a massage therapist and works as a freelance snowboarding instructor.

Sha-Ri Pendleton-Mitchell, also known as "Blaze," participated in the television series American Gladiators after venturing into bodybuilding to enhance her promising track career. She competed on the show until 1992 and subsequently dedicated several years to acting, appearing in notable productions such as The Alien Within, Hard Time: The Premonition, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Pendleton-Mitchell currently enjoys a fulfilling marriage to Roger Mitchell, a marine in the army who helped train the Gladiators on the show. Additionally, she contributes to the field of education as a mathematics teacher and serves as a track coach.

Shirley “Sky” Eson-Korito

Steve “Tower” Henneberry

Shirley Eson-Korito had a thriving career as both a model and bodybuilder, but her path took an exciting turn when she joined the fourth season of American Gladiators as "Sky." Not only did she dazzle audiences with her athleticism on the show, but she also extended her Gladiators journey by participating in the live tour and even making an appearance on International Gladiators. Afterward, Eson-Korito made a triumphant return to bodybuilding, competing in two significant competitions in 2016. Now settled in Orlando, Florida, she and her husband are proud owners of Fur and Feathers Pet Resort, a top-notch pet care facility. Alongside running the business, Eson-Korito has embraced the role of an influencer and also ventured into creating content on OnlyFans.

Steve Henneberry, who held the title of Mr. America, joined American Gladiators in 1991 as the replacement for an injured Gladiator, taking on the name "Tower." Following the conclusion of American Gladiators, Henneberry landed a prominent role in the short-lived fitness drama Muscle. Additionally, he made appearances on The Stoneman and the popular Adult Swim show from the 2000s, Space Ghost Coast to Coast. After working as a personal trainer and professional speaker, Henneberry eventually found his calling as a real estate agent and currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

Lisa McCullough (The Original "Zap")

Lisa McCullough, known as "Zap" in the test pilot for American Gladiators, did not ultimately make it onto the final cast of the show. Nevertheless, McCullough has found success in the entertainment industry, showcasing her acting skills in projects including L.A Law, Bloodsport 2, and Baywatch. Beyond her acting career, McCullough has had a thriving stint as a stunt performer and coordinator, lending her talents to renowned stars like Sharon Stone, Pamela Anderson, and Uma Thurman. Recently, she served as the stunt coordinator for the 2020 Urbanflix TV miniseries The Passenger. In addition to her professional endeavors, McCullough is the proud owner and manager of Warrior Health Products.