[citation needed] In high school he participated in wrestling, gymnastics and swimming, but was most inspired by training with weights.

Weider magazine coverage and advertising made this shy New Jersey native an icon of the California beach and muscle lifestyle.

He trained in the company of the world's top bodybuilders, which included Frank Zane, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Mike Katz, and Robby Robinson.

[citation needed] Appearing as David The Gladiator, Draper was a movie host on KHJ Channel 9 in Los Angeles, from 1964 to 1965.

[citation needed] Draper played himself in the 1967 episode of The Beverly Hillbillies titled, "Mr. Universe Muscles In," in which Granny thinks that he is ill with "the barbell bloat."

[6] Draper continued to train with weights into his 70s, and to write, including a free weekly newsletter, emailed and published on his website until 2021.