Danny Clark, aka Nitro from American Gladiators, shares the highs and lows of being a part of the strength sports phenomenon
In 2023, we suddenly have not one but two American Gladiators documentary series airing on television. One is a 30 For 30 ESPN documentary showcasing the dark side of the strength competition program. The other is a Netflix documentary mini series focusing on the original cast of Gladiators. So it seemed like there was no better time for Mike O’Hearn to reconnect with his roots and interview Danny Clark, aka Nitro, about the rise and fall of American Gladiators. In Generation Iron and Barbend’s latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, Danny “Nitro” Clark speaks on the Gladiator mentality, the challenges, and the revelations that came from his life in American Gladiators and beyond.
Mike O’Hearn is most likely best known in the bodybuilding world as a natural bodybuilder who competed in the Mr. Universe. But is also known by many for his time on American Gladiators. O’Hearn was part of the “later generation” of Gladiators upon the competition series short-lived revival. But this didn’t stop him from eventually meeting and befriending Danny Clark – who was Nitro during the original run of the show.
In fact, Mike O’Hearn looked towards Danny Clark as an inspiration upon entering the American Gladiators revival. With two documentary series releasing this year about the famed competition show, O’Hearn reconnected with Nitro to discuss the past, present, and future of American Gladiators. Let’s dive in.
Reflecting on how Gladiators were “disposable”
Reflecting back on their respective careers on the show, Danny “Nitro” Clark and Mike O’Hearn discuss the differences between the original program and the 2000s rival. One of the biggest changes was how the athletes were treated. As Clark puts it, the original Gladiators were almost “disposable.”
American Gladiators was far different from something like WWE Professional Wrestling. While that program does involve some truly dangerous stunts, the matches are ultimately scripted. American Gladiators was a true competition show. As such, injuries were a major concern for most of the competitors.
Danny Clark admits that one serious injury could instantly end your Gladiator career. There was a line out the door for new Gladiators due to the popularity of the show – and with very few safeguards in place, an injury could lead to an immediate fire from the show.
Mike O’Hearn’s era of athletes were competing in a different world of sports and tv. Athlete health was far more considered and important. Not to mention that Mike O’Hearn himself had always put a focus on longevity. Both O’Hearn and Clark joke that perhaps the new era of American Gladiators posed a threat to the legacy of the original athlete lineup for this very reason.
Fame, sex, and drugs vs finding your passion
Mike O’Hearn has spoken multiple times on this podcast about the importance of finding passion behind what you do. In bodybuilding or any other competitive endeavor – competing for fame will often lead to failure. Danny “Nitro” Clark agrees. Though he had to learn it the hard way.
Danny Clark may have known that strength sports was his passion – but he also had a very real desire to be seen and adored. So when he found success via American Gladiators, he overloaded on the indulgences. Sex, drugs, and constant partying became part of his life. However, looking back, he acknowledges that he felt empty underneath being high and drunk.
After the end of American Gladiators, Danny Clark suffered a heart attack. During his conversation with Mike O’Hearn, Clark details what the experience was like. He realized in that moment, before going into surgery, that he was facing death in the face. Suddenly everything snapped into perspective. It wasn’t money, or sex, or fame that he clung onto. In those possible final moments he though about his loved ones.
Thankfully, Danny Clark’s surgery was a success. But sitting across from Mike O’Hearn in this moment – he can firmly claim that he is a different man today than who he was before the heart attack. He realized that, underneath it all, it was his passion that really drove him to success in American Gladiators. Not the fame, not the money. Those were just complications and desperate desires that made his life full of distractions.
He now looks at his life as focusing on his passion, so that he can be happy every day and spend it with the family and friends he loves. He thinks that is an important message to give aspiring young individuals today. Whether it be sports, a career, or just overall happiness in life – you have to love what you do so much that you are willing to do the hard parts.
Danny Clark ends on this note about the key to success:
“The main key to success – the ability to do what you don’t want to do in order to be what you want to be.”
Wrap Up
Danny “Nitro” Clark and Mike O’Hearn go into far greater detail about American Gladiators, the upcoming Netflix documentary mini series, and more. Make sure to catch it all on the latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show above. Don’t forget to check back every Friday for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
