Saturday GLOWcase: Behind the Ropes: Steve Blance and the Magic of GLOW

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Let’s hop in a time machine and take another nostalgic trip back to the dazzling world of 1980s television. If you’re a fan of wrestling, Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) or just love everything retro, then buckle up, because this story is about to transport you straight into the glittering, larger-than-life spectacle that is GLOW. It’s more than just wrestling—it’s drama, comedy and raw creativity rolled into one unforgettable package. But while the wrestlers may have stolen the spotlight, the creative mind behind the scenes—Steve Blance—helped make it all happen.

Steve with Hollywood & Missy Hyatt

When we think about our favorite shows, we’re often so mesmerized by the action and drama on screen that we forget about the magic happening behind the scenes. Writers like Steve Blance are the unsung heroes of these productions. They don’t just write scripts—they create entire worlds. And boy, did Steve bring his A-game to GLOW!

Steve joined GLOW after the pilot had wrapped and hit the ground running as a comedy writer. But calling him “just a funny guy” wouldn’t do him justice. This man had already built an impressive resume—writing for New York radio, penning catchy commercial jingles, performing stand-up comedy, doing voice-overs and making appearances on cable TV. In other words, Steve had done it all. His versatility and sharp wit made him a perfect match for GLOW’s bold fusion of humor, drama and wrestling.


For Steve, wrestling wasn’t just a gig; it was a passion. His genuine love for the sport, paired with his comedic brilliance, earned him the role of head writer. But he didn’t stop there—when the show’s first referee, Frank D’Amato, stepped down, Steve laced up his boots and jumped into the role himself. The man didn’t just write the story; he lived it. Oh, and if that’s not enough, he also ventured into acting, scoring parts in indie films. One particularly quirky highlight? A cameo in a Woody Allen film where he was tailing Leonardo DiCaprio. Unfortunately, the scene didn’t make the final cut, but it’s still a fun tidbit to add to his eclectic career.

Steve with my fellow GLOW Historian, Mike Rand

Steve’s time with GLOW wasn’t just about wrestling—it was about capturing the spirit of the ’80s. Take Palestina, for example—her character drew directly from the geopolitical conflicts dominating the news at the time. Then there was Ninotchka, whose gradual softening toward capitalism mirrored the shifting tides of the Cold War. Steve didn’t stop there; he tapped into the horror movie craze of the decade to bring Dementia to life, while ‘80s pop-culture icon Max Headroom sparked the creation of Miles Headlock. What made Steve’s creative process so special was his ability to take these big, cultural themes and translate them into something fun, engaging, and relatable for GLOW’s audience.
Steve also had a unique way of creating characters. Some were carefully crafted from the start, while others grew organically, sparked by a performer’s personality or special talents. MTV, for instance, came to life thanks to Steve’s ability to weave together elements of rock ‘n’ roll and wrestling culture. She wasn’t just a character—she was a vibe. This knack for blending pop culture into wrestling helped GLOW resonate with fans of all ages, from kids mesmerized by the colorful characters to adults captivated by the clever storylines.

Steve with Jailbait and Big Bad Mama

Now, let’s get personal. I had the privilege of meeting Steve back in 2018 at an event in New York. Let me tell you, he’s every bit as fan-friendly as you’d hope. After hearing me sing a few tunes (yes, I still belt out songs every now and then), Steve was kind enough to compliment my voice. Coming from someone as talented as him, that meant the world to me. And speaking of singing, Steve gave us all a treat that night with his Louis Armstrong impression of "What a Wonderful World." It was a truly unforgettable evening spent with Steve and the amazing ladies of GLOW.

Steve with Johnny C

What an incredible legacy, right? GLOW wasn’t just a show; it was an explosion of creativity that defined an era. So, what’s your favorite GLOW moment? Or maybe there’s a wrestling memory that sticks with you? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your stories and keep this retro magic alive.
If you’ve enjoyed this little walk down memory lane and want to help me keep the good times rolling, feel free to show your support. No pressure, but every bit helps fuel more nostalgic tales like this. Until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!


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