One of the original Chippendales dancers, John Gibson danced way into many ladies hearts in the early 80's. Jon parlayed his Chippendales fame into acting, appearing on eighties shows like Eight is Enough, The Fall Guy, CHiPs and Three's Company. John also played Cash on The Young and The Restless in the early 80's.
Sadly, just as John was reaching the height of of his fame, as the pilot and sole occupant he died in a plane crash in May 17, 1986, trying to land at Van Nuys airport. Gibson was engaged to Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White at the time of his death. Although my Chippendale dancers have appeared in Playgirl, most keep their g-strings on. Gibson appeared fully naked in the magazine before he began dancing for Chippendales in issues in 1975 as Man of the Month, and again in 1977
So great this early video is on Youtube, amazing how John is kissing all of the women in audience on the lips without any hesitation. Not something you would see today.
For me, John epitomizes the 80's California hunk look with his blonde hair, great face and smile and a fit, muscled thicker body than most dancers who followed him the later decades.
With Vanna White
Playgirl (1975/1977)