American Gladiators cast now – brutal murder, star left homeless and drug arrest

It’s been more than 20 years since the demise of the original series of American Gladiators.

Originally running from 1989 until 1996, the series saw amateur challengers go up against the show’s own gladiators in contests of strength and agility.

The show was rebooted for a single series in 2008, but didn’t prove as popular despite being hosted by Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali.

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Like the UK series, American Gladiators had a whole host of its own stars, from female bodybuilders to future Playboy bunnies.

But after the show ended, plenty of the stars’ lives were sadly marred by tragedy. From brutal murders to untimely deaths, it definitely hasn’t been plain sailing for any of the stars.

Tragic suicide

Best known by her American Gladiators alias Siren, Shelley Beattie was one of the few deaf bodybuilders in the world, and regularly made the cover of Deaf Life magazine.

Shelley was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and later in life lived on a farm in Oregon with her girlfriend Julie Moisa.

Sadly, Shelley’s life ended in tragedy as she attempted suicide by hanging in February 2008, and died three days later aged just 40.

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

Brutal murder

In 1997 – a year after the end of American Gladiators – one of the show’s champions was brutally murdered.

Cheryl Wilson won the show five times, going up against the gladiators in tough physical challenges under the stage name Jasmine.

But sadly, in 1997 she was beaten, choked and stabbed to death by her husband Juan Minelli, a former professional boxer.

Minelli flew into a jealous rage, believing his wife to be having an affair with a woman. But prosecutors argued he wanted to be sure his wife would not gain custody of their three-year-old daughter.

He was accused of knocking his wife to the floor and repeatedly stabbing her with kitchen knives. Cheryl managed to run outside, but was dragged back inside, where Minelli beat her head with a steel hammer.

Minelli then took a shower to wash off his wife’s blood and called his parents to see if they would give him enough money to flee the country. When they refused, he called the police and confessed to murder.

He was convicted of first-degree murder in 2000.

Drug arrest

In 2008, former American Gladiator Lace – real name Marisa Pare – was arrested by Los Angeles cops for possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

According to TMZ, the star was taken to Van Nuys jail at the time and was held on bail of just $250.

Later when she was released, Lace was furious to find photographers outside the jail and yelled at TMZ’s paps: “Should I just kick you in the b*lls now?”

Untimely deaths

The world lost another American Gladiators legend in 2016, when Lee Reherman – AKA Hawk – died at the age of 49.

His publicist said at the time that Lee wasn’t feeling well after undergoing a hip replacement surgery, and died at his home in Manhattan Beach, California.

Though no cause of death was officially given, speculation at the time suggested it could have been a blood clot caused by the op.

And in 2021, bodybuilder Billy Smith, better known as Thunder on Gladiators, sadly died at the age of 56.

The star’s death was announced via the official Gladiators TV Twitter account, which wrote: “It is with great sadness we report the loss of #AmericanGladiators legend and bodybuilding superstar William ‘Billy’ Smith aka Thunder. Our sincere condolences are with his family & friends.”

Billy was thought to have developed an infection after undergoing surgery on his knee which then spread through his body.

Star homeless

Debbie Clark is best remembered by her alter ego Storm when appearing on American Gladiators, but despite her fame ended up living on the streets.

The CEO of homeless charity Embrace was approached by Storm and her young son when they were living on the streets, and ended up taking up Sean Sheppard’s spare room in 2011.

She initially lost her home after fleeing a domestic violence situation in 2008, and lived out of her car with her son for a few days until they checked into a homeless shelter.

Unable to find work after suffering a knee injury, both of Debbie’s parents were dead and so could not provide her with any help.

In a piece written for Patch.com, Embrace’s Sheppard wrote: “Debbie is not as tidy as I would like. She doesn’t tell the truth all the time. At times, she talks too much.

“She sings in her bedroom and in the bathroom. There’s food on the floor, on my couch and in my carpet. She watches garbage TV shows.

“All of their stuff is taking up space in my garage. Their shoes smell.”

Sean did admit that Debbie is a “fighter” and a “great cook”, adding: “Like most people and homeless people, she showers and changes her clothes every day.

“Like most people and homeless people, she laughs, cries and hopes for a better life —just like the rest of us.”

Jail stint

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In 1998, two years after American Gladiators wrapped for the final time, Shannon Hall – better known as Dallas on the show – was jailed after failing to appear in court.

The star was charged with driving with a suspended license but failed to show up for her court appearance, and so was put behind bars in St. Lucie County Jail and held without bail.

Thankfully the Toughwoman winner managed to stay out of trouble after that, and went on to welcome two children in the early noughties.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk