Remembering Doug

Tonight's finale of Work Out was largely a beautiful tribute to Doug. At the start of the show, the trainers reminisced about Doug and honored him on the beach.

I will always remember Doug's beautiful blue eyes and gentle smile and gentle way with people. Brian’s story about the hummingbird and relating it to his memory of Doug was truly touching. When next I see a hummingbird, I will think of this handsome trainer, who considered himself the daddy or big brother of the show. Here's a link to singer Jody Whatley's touching tribute to Doug. She worked out with him briefly. Click here and scroll down to the third post or so.

Jesse summed Doug up best: "He lived his life with his heart. He was caring, and giving, and beautiful."

Do you have a favorite memory of Doug on the show you’d like to share with us? I can think of no better way to honor him.

Posted by Ms. Place

Doug Blasdell

For me the main attraction for watching Workout was Doug Blasdell. I loved his smile and beautiful eyes. He was a gentle man, fit and masculine, and comfortable with being gay. In an AfterElton.com interview he discusses his reasons for participating in Workout:

"When I took the job here's what was most important to me: to portray a gay man as a healthy guy who is somewhat good looking and normal. Not over the top gay," Blasdell told AfterElton.com. "That's important because Hollywood doesn't show that a lot... I want to portray a real gay man for those people in Nebraska that are afraid to come out."

Blasdell said by appearing on Work Out, he also hoped to "show that you can be in your 40's and still have a good body and have a healthy lifestyle."

"I know a lot of 40-year-olds let their body's go. You can have great abs and be forty-three. You just have to work out two or three days a week," he told AfterElton.com. "And I saw it as an opportunity to be a role model."

Now that Doug is gone, I am having difficulty watching the show. I'm sure that over time I'll become accustomed to his absence, but the show just doesn't seem the same without him. If you want to read Doug’s entire interview, click on the next link: Reality TV World, January 24, 2007


Jesse Brune’s blog on Outzone provides a touching tribute. Jesse gave Doug a rough time earlier this season, and I began to resent him for making Doug’s life difficult when he had so little time left. This heartfelt tribute makes up for some of Jesse’s immature and narcissistic behavior. Click here to read it.

Information about Douglas Blasdell’s Outreach Program can be found on another post on this site. Click here to find out how you can contribute.

Posted by Ms. Place