Flowers for Adrian: The Life and Death of Adrian Adonis

Flowers for Adrian is a detailed and engaging look at the life, death and legacy of professional wrestler Keith Franke, who competed as “Gorgeous” Keith Franks and “Adorable” Adrian Adonis during the 1970s and 1980s before his untimely death in 1988.

This biography, the first of its kind, takes the reader through Franke’s start in life as an orphan, through to achieving his childhood dream of becoming a pro wrestler. The tale plays out across the colourful background of wrestling’s territories era, where Franke learned his trade the 'old-fashioned' way in Vancouver, the Carolinas, California, and Florida.

As his talent developed, so did his persona, and ‘Adrian Adonis’ was born. Through Amarillo, to Portland, and to the AWA, to team with future Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura. Finally, Adonis arrived in the WWF. On wrestling’s premier circuit, Adonis headlined Madison Square Garden and was part of the company’s international expansion. What could go wrong?

With contributions from Franke's friends, family, and former colleagues including "Magnificent" Don Muraco, Tully Blanchard, Jerry Brisco, Lanny Poffo, and more, Flowers for Adrian is the definitive story of the man behind the make-up.