Johnny Weissmuller Biography: Olympic Champion Turned Hollywood’s Tarzan
Explore Johnny Weissmuller’s journey from Olympic swimming champion to Hollywood’s legendary Tarzan, starring in classic adventure films.
Johnny Weissmuller was born on June 2, 1904, in Banat, Romania. His family moved to the United States when he was still an infant. His first passion was sports, sparked by a childhood plagued with health problems. From an early age, he trained hard and went on to win five Olympic gold medals in swimming at the 1924 and 1928 Games. He set 67 world records and won over 50 national championships. Today, he is considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
In 1934, Weissmuller was invited to star in the Tarzan film series. He accepted the challenge and became famous as the first “ape man.” His iconic Tarzan yell was used by others and became his trademark. Although typecast by this role, Weissmuller attempted to continue his acting career, often playing similar jungle adventure characters. Later, he starred in the series Jungle Jim in the late 1940s, which followed the same jungle adventure genre.
Weissmuller never escaped his association with Tarzan throughout his life. However, his Tarzan image helped him succeed in business. He retired in 1965 and later joined actors Jock Mahoney and James Pierce to promote a new Tarzan series starring a young Ron Ely.
Johnny Weissmuller passed away from pulmonary edema at his home in Acapulco on January 20, 1984. During his funeral, a recording of the famous Tarzan yell was played as the former athlete and actor was laid to rest. Weissmuller, who was married multiple times, left behind three children.
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