Weissmuller, Johnny

From New World Encyclopedia
(import, credit, category)
 
 
(37 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[Image:Johnny Weissmuller in Tarzan and His Mate.JPG|thumb|Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan in ''[[Tarzan and His Mate]]''.]]
+
{{Paid}}{{approved}}{{Submitted}}{{Copyedited}}{{Images OK}}
−
[[Image:Tarzan_and_His_Mate_2.JPG|thumb|right|Johnny Weissmuller and [[Maureen O'Sullivan]] in "Tarzan and His Mate", 1934.]]
+
{{epname|Weissmuller, Johnny}}
−
'''Johnny Weissmuller''' ([[June 2]], [[1904]] – [[January 20]], [[1984]]) was one of the world's best [[swimming|swimmers]] in the [[1920s]], winning five [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] gold medals and one bronze medal. He won fifty-two [[USA|US]] National Championships and set sixty-seven [[world record]]s. After his swimming career, he became the sixth actor to portray [[Tarzan]] in films, a role he played in twelve motion pictures. Other [[actor]]s also played Tarzan, but Weissmuller was the best-known. His distinctive, [[ululation|ululating]] [[Tarzan yell]] is still often used in films.
 
  
−
==Early life==
+
[[File:Johny Weissmuller-publicity.JPG|thumb|300px|Johnny Weissmuller, 1940s]]
−
He was registered as '''János Weissmüller''' when he was born in [[Freidorf]] near Temeschburg, [[Banat]], at the time part of [[Austria-Hungary]] (today a suburb of [[Timişoara]], [[Romania]]), the son of [[German language|German]]-speaking parents of jewish and roman catholic backround, Petrus Weißmüller and Elisabeth Kersch, according to his Hungarian birth and (Roman Catholic) baptismal records. In fact, he was named Johann by his parents, but all legal records at the time used the Hungarian forms of personal names.  
+
'''Johnny Weissmuller''' (June 2, 1904 – January 20, 1984) was one of the world's best [[Swimming|swimmers]] in the 1920s, winning five [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] gold medals and one bronze medal. He won 52 [[United States|US]] National Championships and set 67 world records. Weissmuller understood the potential role that athletic competition could play in the world. He said, "I have always been vitally interested in physical conditioning. I have long believed that athletic competition among people and nations should replace violence and wars."
  
−
When Johnny was seven months old, the family [[emigration|emigrated]] to the United States aboard the ''S.S. Rotterdam''. They left [[Rotterdam]] on [[January 14]], [[1905]], and arrived in [[New York]] twelve days later, with their names recorded in [[English language|English]] as Peter, Elizabeth and Johann Weissmuller. Peter had been born [[1876-12-31]].
+
After his swimming career, he became the sixth actor to portray [[Tarzan]] in films, a role he played in 12 motion pictures. Other actors also played Tarzan, but Weissmuller was the actor most identified with the role.
 +
{{toc}}
 +
Before Johnny was well known, he and his brother Peter saved 11 lives when a Lake Michigan tour boat capsized in a sudden storm. As an Olympic swimmer, Weissmuller was a hero to many for his accomplishments. Weissmuller also inspired people through his portrayal of Tarzan, who always protected his family and animal friends from the deeds of evil doers.
  
−
After a brief stay in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], visiting relatives, they moved to the [[coal mining]] town of [[Windber, Pennsylvania|Windber]], [[Pennsylvania]] in the [[Pittsburgh Tri-State|Pittsburgh region]]. Peter Weissmuller worked as a miner, and his youngest son, Peter Weissmuller, Jr., was born in Windber on [[September 3]], [[1905]]. Peter Jr is listed on one census as born in Illinois.
+
==Early Life==
 +
Johnny Weissmuller was registered as '''János Weissmüller''' at birth in Freidorf near Temeschburg, Banat. At the time, Freidorf was part of [[Austria]]-[[Hungary]]. Today, it is a suburb of Timişoara in [[Romania]]). Weissmuller was born to German-speaking parents of Jewish and [[Roman Catholic]] descent, Petrus Weißmüller and Elisabeth Kersch, according to his Hungarian birth and (Roman Catholic) baptismal records. In fact, he was named Johann by his parents, but all legal records at the time used the Hungarian forms of personal names.  
  
−
After several years in Western Pennsylvania, they moved to Chicago. Johnny's father owned a [[Bar (establishment)|bar]] for a time and his mother became head cook at a famed restaurant. His father worked as a brewer for the United States brewery in Chicago. His parents were later divorced, as is shown by the divorce document filed in Chicago by Elizabeth Weissmuller, although a lot of sources state incorrectly that Weismuller's father died of [[tuberculosis]] contracted from working in coal mines and left her a widow. Peter actually lived to old age and had sired another large family. By 1930 he had married his second wife, Anna, with whom he had a son named Edward and a daughter Ruth, and a grandson named Peter. Elizabeth Weissmuller appears with her sons on the Cook County census claiming to be a widow.
+
When Johnny was seven months old, the family emigrated to the United States aboard the ''S.S. Rotterdam''. They left the Dutch port of Rotterdam on January 14, 1905, and arrived in [[New York City]] 12 days later. Upon entering the United States, the family names were recorded in [[English language|English]] as Peter, Elizabeth and Johann Weissmuller. Peter had been born December 31, 1876.
  
−
From an early age, Johnny and his brother were aggressive swimmers. The beaches of [[Lake Michigan]] became their favorite [[summer]] [[recreation]] place. He then joined the Stanton Park pool, where he won all the junior swim meets. At the age of twelve he earned a spot on the [[YMCA]] swim team.
+
After a brief stay in [[Chicago, Illinois]], to visit relatives, the Weissmullers moved to the [[coal]] [[mining]] town of Windber, [[Pennsylvania]] near [[Pittsburgh]]. Peter Weissmuller worked as a miner. His youngest son, Peter Weissmuller, Jr., was born in Windber on September 3, 1905.  
  
−
==Swimming career==
+
After several years in Western Pennsylvania, the family moved to [[Chicago]]. Johnny's father owned a tavern for a time. His mother became head cook at a popular restaurant. Later, Peter Sr. worked as a brewer for the United States brewery in Chicago.  
−
{{MedalTop}}
 
−
{{MedalCountry|{{USA}}}}
 
−
{{MedalSport | Men’s [[Swimming at the Summer Olympics|swimming]]}}
 
−
{{MedalGold | [[1924 Summer Olympics|1924 Paris]] | [[Swimming at the 1924 Summer Olympics|100 m freestyle]]}}
 
−
{{MedalGold | [[1924 Summer Olympics|1924 Paris]] | [[Swimming at the 1924 Summer Olympics|400 m freestyle]]}}
 
−
{{MedalGold | [[1924 Summer Olympics|1924 Paris]] | [[Swimming at the 1924 Summer Olympics|4x200 m freestyle relay]]}}
 
−
{{MedalGold | [[1928 Summer Olympics|1928 Amsterdam]] | [[Swimming at the 1928 Summer Olympics|100 m freestyle]]}}
 
−
{{MedalGold | [[1928 Summer Olympics|1928 Amsterdam]] | [[Swimming at the 1928 Summer Olympics|4x200 m freestyle relay]]}}
 
−
{{MedalSport | Men’s [[Water Polo at the Summer Olympics|water polo]]}}
 
−
{{MedalBronze| [[1924 Summer Olympics|1924 Paris]] | [[Water polo at the 1924 Summer Olympics|Team]]}}
 
−
{{MedalBottom}}
 
−
When Weissmuller left school, he worked as a bellhop and elevator operator at the Plaza Hotel in Chicago and trained for the [[Olympic Games|Olympics]] with swim coach William Bachrach at the Illinois Athletic Club, where he developed his revolutionary high-riding front crawl. He made his [[amateur]] debut on [[August 6]], [[1921]], winning his first [[Amateur Athletic Union|AAU]] race in the 50-yard [[Freestyle swimming|freestyle]].  
 
  
−
Though he was foreign-born, Weissmuller gave his birthplace as Windber, Pennsylvania, and his birth date as that of his younger brother, Peter Weissmuller. This was to ensure his eligibility to compete as part of the United States Olympic team, and was a critical issue in being issued an [[United States|American]] [[passport]].
+
Johnny's parents eventually divorced, as is shown by the divorce document filed in Chicago by Elizabeth Weissmuller. Many sources incorrectly state that Weissmuller's father died of [[tuberculosis]] contracted from working in [[coal mine]]s and left her a widow. Elizabeth Weissmuller even appears with her sons on the Cook County census listed as a widow.  It is possible that because divorce had a stigma at the time, that Elizabeth referred to herself as a widow to avoid this stigma for her and her sons.
  
−
On [[July 9]], [[1922]], Weissmuller broke [[Duke Kahanamoku|Duke Kahanamoku's]] world record on the 100-meters freestyle, swimming it in 58.6 seconds. He won the title in that distance at the [[1924 Summer Olympics]], beating Kahanamoku on [[February 24]], [[1924]]. He also won the 400-meters freestyle and the 4 x 200 meters relay. As a member of the American [[water polo]] team, he also won a bronze medal. Four years later, at the [[1928 Summer Olympics]] in [[Amsterdam]], he won another two Olympic titles.
+
Peter actually fathered another family following his divorce, and lived to an old age. By 1930, he had married his second wife, Anna, with whom he had a son named Edward and a daughter Ruth.  
  
−
In all, he won five Olympic gold medals, one bronze medal, won fifty-two [[United States|U.S.]] National Championships and set sixty-seven [[world record]]s. Johnny Weissmuller never lost a race and retired from his amateur swimming [[career]] undefeated.
+
Johnny and his brother Peter learned to swim at a young age in order to become stronger and healthier. Johnny in particular was weak and sickly as a pre-adolescent. Both boys quickly became known as aggressive swimmers. The beaches of [[Great Lakes|Lake Michigan]] became their favorite place for summer recreation. Johnny also joined the Stanton Park pool, where he began swimming competitively. He won every junior swim meet. At the age of 12 Johnny earned a spot on the [[Young Men's Christian Association|YMCA]] swim team.
  
−
==Motion picture career==
+
==Swimming Career==
−
In [[1929]], Weissmuller signed a [[contract]] with [[BVD]] to be a [[Model (person)|model]] and representative. He traveled throughout the country doing swim shows, handing out leaflets promoting that brand of [[Swimsuit|swimwear]], giving his [[autograph]] and going on [[talk show]]s. In that same year, he made his first [[film|motion picture]] appearance as an [[Adonis]] wearing only a figleaf in a movie titled ''[[Glorifying the American Girl]]'' and he appeared as himself in the first of several ''[[Crystal Champions]]'', a movie short featuring Weissmuller and other Olympic champions at [[Silver Springs, Florida]].
+
{{readout||right|250px|Johnny Weissmuller, who played "Tarzan" in 12 movies, won five [[Olympic]] gold medals and one bronze medal in [[swimming]] before his acting career}}
 +
[[File:Weissmuller cropped.jpg|thumb|300px|Johnny Weissmuller at a swim meet on July 23, 1922 in Brighton Beach, New York]]
 +
When Weissmuller left high school, he worked as a bellhop and elevator operator at the Plaza Hotel in Chicago. At the same time he began training for the [[Olympic Games]] with swim coach William Bachrach at the Illinois Athletic Club. This is when Johnny developed his revolutionary high riding front crawl stroke. He made his amateur debut on August 6, 1921, winning his first [[Amateur Athletic Union|AAU]] race in the 50-yard freestyle (crawl stroke).  
  
−
His career really began when he signed a seven year [[contract]] with [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] and played the role of [[Tarzan]] in ''[[Tarzan the Ape Man]]'' ([[1932 in film|1932]]). The movie was a huge success and the 6'3" Weissmuller became an overnight international sensation. Even the [[author]], [[Edgar Rice Burroughs]], who created the character of Tarzan in his books, was pleased.  
+
Though he was foreign-born, Weissmuller gave his birthplace as Windber, Pennsylvania, and his birth date as that of his younger brother, Peter Weissmuller. This was to ensure his eligibility to compete as part of the United States Olympic team. U.S. birth was also critical issue in obtaining an American passport.
  
−
Weissmuller starred in six Tarzan movies for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer|MGM]] with actress [[Maureen O'Sullivan]] as Jane. The last three also included [[Johnny Sheffield]] as Boy. Then, in [[1942 in film|1942]], Weissmuller went to [[RKO]] and starred in six more Tarzan movies. Sheffield appeared as Boy in the first five features for that studio. Another co-star was blonde actress [[Brenda Joyce (actress)|Brenda Joyce]], who played Jane in Weissmuller's last four Tarzan movies. In a total of twelve Tarzan movies, Weissmuller earned an estimated $2,000,000 and established himself as the best-known of all the actors who have ever portrayed Tarzan. Although not the first Tarzan in movies (that honour went to [[Elmo Lincoln]]), he was the first to be associated with the now traditional ululating, yodeling Tarzan yell. (During an appearance on television's Mike Douglas Show in the 1970's, Weissmuller explained how the famous yell was created. Recordings of three vocalists were spliced together to get the effect—a soprano, an alto, and a hog caller!)
+
On July 9, 1922, Weissmuller broke [[Duke Kahanamoku]]'s world record for the 100 meter freestyle, swimming it in just 58.6 seconds becoming the first person to swim event in less than one minute. He won the Gold Medal for the 100 meter freestyle at the 1924 Summer Olympic Games, beating both Duke and Samuel Kahanamoku, who were silver and bronze medalists respectively. He also took gold medals in the 400 meter freestyle and the 4 x 200 meters relay. As a member of the American [[water polo]] team, he also won a bronze medal. Four years later, at the 1928 Summer Olympics in [[Amsterdam]], he won another two Olympic titles.
  
−
When he finally left that role, he immediately traded his loincloth costume for jungle fatigues and appeared fully clothed in the role of ''[[Jungle Jim]]'' ([[1948 in film|1948]]) for [[Columbia Pictures|Columbia]]. He made thirteen Jungle Jim movies between ([[1948 in film|1948]]) and ([[1954 in film|1954]]). Within the next year, he appeared in three more jungle movies playing himself.
+
In all, he won five Olympic gold medals, one bronze medal, 52 U.S. National Championships and set 67 world records. Johnny Weissmuller retired from his amateur swimming career undefeated.
−
[[Image:weissmuller99.jpg|thumb|Weissmuller, left (with actor [[George O'Brien (Actor)]])]]
 
−
In [[1955 in television|1955]], he began production of the ''[[Jungle Jim]]'' [[television]] adventure series for [[Screen Gems]], a film subsidiary of [[Columbia Pictures|Columbia]]. The show ran for twenty-six episodes, which played over and over on network and syndicated TV for many years.
 
  
−
Weissmuller had five wives: band and club singer Bobbe Arnst (married [[1931]]-divorced [[1933]]); actress [[Lupe Vélez]] (married [[1933]]-divorced [[1939]]); Beryl Scott (married [[1939]]-divorced [[1948]]); Allene Gates (married [[1948]]-divorced [[1962]]); and Maria Bauman (married [[1963]]-his death [[1984]]).
+
Not only was he an Olympic champion, but Weissmuller was a lifelong advocate for all children learning to swim at an early age. This was likely a result of his awareness of the horrible tragedy of the sinking of the "Eastland" in Lake Michigan near the beaches he frequented throughout his summers there. More than 800 people perished in this accident including 22 entire families. Many people drowned simply because they were unable to swim. Twelve years later when Johnny and his brother Peter were training in the lake, they witnessed the much smaller "Favorite" tour boat capsized when a bad storm blew in. The brothers rushed to the scene and pulled nearly two dozen people from the boat. Eleven of those people survived. Twenty–seven died of drowning in this tragic accident. Witnessing these tragedies left a lasting impression on Weissmuller, convincing him that everyone should learn to swim in their childhood.
  
−
According to a movie site on the Internet, he also married and divorced Camilla Louiee, but that claim has been challenged. Weissmuller reportedly said that Louiee ran off and married another man instead of him.{{fact}}
+
==Motion Picture Career==
 +
In 1929, Weissmuller signed a contract with the clothing company BVD to be a model and representative. He traveled throughout the country doing swim shows, handing out leaflets promoting the BVD brand of swimwear, giving his autograph and appearing on television talk shows. Also in 1929, Johnny made his first motion picture appearance as an Adonis wearing only a figleaf, in a movie titled "Glorifying the American Girl." He appeared in the first of several "Crystal Champions," movie shorts filmed in Silver Springs, Florida featuring Weissmuller and other Olympic champions.
  
−
With his third wife, Beryl, he had three children, Johnny Scott Weissmuller (or [[Johnny Weissmuller, Jr.]], also an actor) (born [[September 23]], [[1940]], died [[July 27]], [[2006]]), Wendy Anne Weissmuller (born [[June 1]], [[1942]]) and Heidi Elizabeth Weissmuller ([[July 31]], [[1944]]-[[November 19]], [[1962]]).
+
His career began in earnest when he signed a seven year contract with [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] and played the role of [[Tarzan]] in "Tarzan the Ape Man" (1932). The movie was a huge success. The 6' 3" Weissmuller became an overnight international sensation. Even the author, [[Edgar Rice Burroughs]], who created the character of Tarzan in his books, was pleased with Weissmuller's portrayal of Tarzan.
 +
[[File:Tarzan's Secret Treasure trailer 2.jpg|thumb|400px|Maureen O'Sullivan & Johnny Weissmuller in ''Tarzan's Secret Treasure'', 1941]]  
 +
Weissmuller starred in six [[Tarzan]] movies for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) with actress Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane. The last three also included Johnny Sheffield as Boy. Weissmuller said about the series, "Tarzan films are decent films, designed for family viewing. It's an idealistic, down-to-earth story about a man's love for animals and the care of his family."
  
−
==Later life==
+
Production of Tarzan movies at MGM ended with the onset of [[World War II]]. Johnny Weissmuller's contribution to the war effort was to teach navy recruits to swim to safety out from under waters covered with burning petroleum.
−
In the late [[1950s]], Weissmuller moved back to [[Chicago]] and started a swimming pool company. He also lent his name to other business ventures, but did not have a great deal of success. He retired in [[1965]] and moved to [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]], where he was Founding Chairman of the [[International Swimming Hall of Fame]]. In [[1970]], he attended the [[British Commonwealth Games]] in [[Jamaica]] where he was presented to [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth]]. He also made a cameo appearance with former co-star [[Maureen O'Sullivan]] in ''[[The Phynx]]'' ([[1970 in film|1970]]).
 
  
−
Weissmuller lived in Florida until the end of [[1973]], then moved to [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], where he was a greeter at the MGM Grand Hotel for a time. In [[1974]], he broke a hip and leg. While hospitalized he learned that, in spite of his strength and lifelong daily regimen of swimming and exercise, he had a serious heart condition.
+
In 1942, Weissmuller went to [[RKO Studios]] and starred in six more Tarzan movies. Sheffield appeared as Boy in the first five features for that studio. Another costar was blonde actress Brenda Joyce, who played Jane in Weissmuller's last four Tarzan movies. In a total of 12 Tarzan movies, Weissmuller earned an estimated $2,000,000 and established himself as the best known of all the actors who have ever portrayed Tarzan.  
  
−
In [[1976 in film|1976]], he appeared for the last time in a [[motion picture]] playing a movie crewman who is fired by a movie mogul, played by [[Art Carney]], in ''[[Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood]]'', and he also made his final public appearance in that year when he was inducted into the [[Body Building Guild Hall of Fame]].
+
Although not the first Tarzan in movies (that honor went to Elmo Lincoln), Weissmuller was the first to be associated with the now traditional ululating, yodeling Tarzan yell. During an appearance on television's Mike Douglas Show in the 1970s, Weissmuller explained how the famous yell was created. Recordings of three vocalists were spliced together to get the effect—a soprano, an alto, and a hog caller. This famous yell is still used in films.
  
−
Weissmuller suffered a series of strokes in [[1977]]. For a time in [[1979]], he was a patient in the [[Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital]] in [[Woodland Hills, California]]. Later he and his last wife, Maria, moved to [[Acapulco, Mexico]], which was the location of his last Tarzan movie.
+
When he finally departed from the role of playing Tarzan, Johnny immediately traded his loincloth costume for jungle fatigues, appearing fully clothed in the role of "Jungle Jim" (1948) for [[Columbia Pictures]]. He made 13 Jungle Jim movies between 1948 and 1954. In the next year, he appeared as himself in three more jungle movies.
  
−
Johnny Weissmuller died on [[January 20]], [[1984]] of a pulmonary [[edema]] at his retirement home in [[Acapulco]]. He is buried in the Valley of The Light Cemetery there.
+
Also in 1955, Weissmuller began production of the ''Jungle Jim'' television adventure series for Screen Gems, a film subsidiary of Columbia Pictures. The show ran for 26 episodes. Reruns of the show played on network and syndicated TV for many years.
  
−
His former co-star and movie son, [[Johnny Sheffield]], said of him, "I can only say that working with Big John was one of the highlights of my life. He was a Star (with a capital "S") and he gave off a special light and some of that light got into me. Knowing and being with Johnny Weissmuller during my formative years had a lasting influence on my life."
+
==Personal Life==
 +
Johnny Weissmuller enjoyed close friendships with a number of other Hollywood leading men such as [[Errol Flynn]], [[Humphrey Bogart]], [[Raoul Walsh]], [[Forrest Tucker]], and [[John Wayne]]. The men enjoyed [[golf]]ing together and racing speed boats. Some have referred to this group as the first "[[Rat Pack]]."
  
−
Johnny Weissmuller has a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] at 6541 Hollywood Boulevard in [[Hollywood, California|Hollywood]].
+
Weissmuller was less lucky in love. He married five times. His first wife was band and club singer Bobbe Arnst (married 1931 - divorced 1933). Johnny married her after a brief two week courtship. This was a time when his obligations to [[Metro-Godwyn_Mayer|MGM]] were demanding, which may have been a destructive factor to the marriage.
  
−
==Filmography==
+
The firey and temperamental actress Lupe Vélez was his second wife (married 1933 - divorced 1939). This marriage turned out to be a stormy one. Lupe didn't share Johnny's love for the water and watersports. Also, Lupe suffered from extreme mood swings and eventually, following their divorce, committed suicide while in a deep depression.  
−
*''[[Glorifying the American Girl]]'' ([[1929 in film|1929]]) (Paramount) ... Adonis
+
 
−
*''[[Crystal Champions]]'' ([[1929 in film|1929]]) (Paramount) ... Himself
+
With his third wife, Beryl Scott (married 1939 - divorced 1948), he had three children, Johnny Scott Weissmuller (or Johnny Weissmuller, Jr., also an actor) (born September 23, 1940, died July 27, 2006), Wendy Anne Weissmuller (born June 1, 1942) and Heidi Elizabeth Weissmuller (July 31, 1944 – November 19, 1962). This marriage lasted longer than his first two but there were still the heavy pressures from the studios with which he had contracts. Beryl developed her own social circle surrounding her backgammon and bridge playing. In addition, the expense of keeping up the opulent lifestyle brought about financial problems. A combination of these factors brought an end to this marriage. Beryl assumed responsibility for the children's upbringing and was awarded a substantial child support settlement.
−
*''[[Tarzan the Ape Man]]'' ([[1932 in film|1932]]) (MGM) ... Tarzan
+
 
−
*''[[Tarzan and His Mate]]'' ([[1934 in film|1934]]) (MGM) ... Tarzan
+
Johnny met and married Allene Gates (married 1948-divorced 1962) after his divorce from Beryl was finalized. Johnny Jr. lived with the couple for a time. He enjoyed close family time with the couple in a way he never experienced when his mother and dad were married. Unfortunately, when Johnny Sr. had no more regular work in the movie industry, the loss of regular work brought financial problems again. Johnny and Allene began struggling in their relationship and after repeated separations, eventually divorced.
−
*''[[Tarzan Escapes]]'' ([[1936 in film|1936]]) (MGM) ... Tarzan
+
 
−
*''[[Tarzan Finds a Son!]]'' ([[1939 in film|1939]]) (MGM) ... Tarzan
+
Maria Bauman (married 1963 - his death 1984) came into Weissmuller's life just before the devastating loss of his youngest daughter, Heidi in a car accident. Johnny Jr. described the marriage as Weissmuller's worst. He did not trust the woman his father had married and in later years, didn't agree with the way she managed his care or affairs. None the less, Johnny Sr. and Maria were married until the time of his death. Of all Weissmuller's marriages, this one endured the longest.
−
*''[[Tarzan's Secret Treasure]]'' ([[1941 in film|1941]]) (MGM) ... Tarzan
+
 
−
*''[[Tarzan's New York Adventure]]'' ([[1942 in film|1942]]) (MGM) ... Tarzan
+
==Later Years==
−
*''[[Tarzan Triumphs]]'' ([[1943 in film|1943]]) (RKO Pathé) ... Tarzan
+
In the late 1950s, Weissmuller moved back to Chicago and started a swimming pool company. He also lent his name to other ventures, but did not have success in business. He retired in 1965 and moved to Fort Lauderdale, [[Florida]], where he was Founding Chairman of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.  
−
*''[[Tarzan's Desert Mystery]]'' ([[1943 in film|1943]]) (RKO Pathé) ... Tarzan
+
 
−
*''[[Stage Door Canteen]]'' ([[1943 in film|1943]]) (United Artists) ... Himself
+
In 1970, he attended the British Commonwealth Games in [[Jamaica]] where he was presented to [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth]]. He also made a cameo appearance with former co-star Maureen O'Sullivan in "The Phynx" (1970).
−
*''[[Tarzan and the Amazons]]'' ([[1945 in film|1945]]) (RKO Pathé) ... Tarzan
+
 
−
*''[[Swamp Fire]]'' ([[1946 in film|1946]]) (Paramount) ... Johnny Duval
+
Weissmuller lived in Florida until the end of 1973, then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked as a greeter at the MGM Grand Hotel for a time. In 1974, he broke a hip and leg. While hospitalized for these injuries, he learned that in spite of his strength and lifelong daily regimen of swimming and exercise, he had a serious heart condition.
−
*''[[Tarzan and the Leopard Woman]]'' ([[1946 in film|1946]]) (RKO Pathé) ... Tarzan
 
−
*''[[Tarzan and the Huntress]]'' ([[1947 in film|1947]]) (RKO Pathé) ... Tarzan
 
−
*''[[Tarzan and the Mermaids]]'' ([[1948 in film|1948]]) (RKO Pathé) ... Tarzan
 
−
*''[[Jungle Jim]]'' ([[1948 in film|1948]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[The Lost Tribe]]'' ([[1949 in film|1949]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Mark of the Gorilla]]'' ([[1950 in film|1950]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Captive Girl]]'' ([[1950 in film|1950]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Pypmy Island]]'' ([[1950 in film|1950]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Fury of the Congo]]'' ([[1951 in film|1951]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Jungle Manhunt]]'' ([[1951 in film|1951]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Jungle Jim in the Forbidden Land]]'' ([[1952 in film|1952]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Voodoo Tiger]]'' ([[1952 in film|1952]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Savage Mutiny]]'' ([[1953 in film|1953]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Valley of Head Hunters]]'' ([[1953 in film|1953]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Killer Ape]]'' ([[1953 in film|1953]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Jungle Man-Eaters]]'' ([[1954 in film|1954]]) (Columbia) ... Jungle Jim
 
−
*''[[Cannibal Attack]]'' ([[1954 in film|1954]]) (Columbia) ... Himself
 
−
*''[[Jungle Moon Men]]'' ([[1955 in film|1955]]) (Columbia) ... Himself
 
−
*''[[Devil Goddess]]'' ([[1955 in film|1955]]) (Columbia) ... Himself
 
−
*''[[The Phynx]]'' ([[1970 in film|1970]]) ([[Warner Bros.]]) ... Cameo
 
−
*''[[Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood]]'' ([[1976 in film|1976]]) (Paramount) ... Crewman
 
  
−
==Misc==
+
In 1976, he appeared for the last time in a motion picture playing a movie crewman who is fired by a movie mogul, played by [[Art Carney]]. The movie was "Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood."  He also made his final public appearance that year, when he was inducted into the Body Building Guild Hall of Fame.
−
*Johnny was featured on the cover of [[The Beatles]] Album, [[Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band]]
 
−
*Johnny's name was used on an episode of ''[[Family Guy]]'' entitled "He's Too Sexy For His Fat" (season 2, episode 17) when Stewie was reluctant to go swimming and became immediately confident once he hit the water. He said "...I feel like a young ''Johnny Weissmuller''"
 
−
*[[Chuck Wissmiller]], of the television series [[Family Plots]], is the nephew of Johnny Weissmuller.
 
  
−
==Literature==
+
Weissmuller suffered a series of strokes in 1977. For a time in 1979, he was a patient in the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, [[California]]. Later he and his last wife, Maria, moved to Acapulco, [[Mexico]].
−
*Johnny Weismuller Jr., ''Tarzan My Father'', Toronto: ECW Press 2002
 
  
−
==Media==
+
Johnny Weissmuller died on January 20, 1984 of pulmonary edema at a retirement home in Acapulco. He is buried in the Valley of The Light Cemetery there.
−
{{multi-listen start}}
 
−
{{multi-listen item|filename=John Weissmuller's MGM Tarzan Yell.ogg|title=Weissmuller's famous "Tarzan yell"|description=audio sequence extracted from one of Weissmuller's Tarzan movies|format=[[Ogg]]}}
 
−
{{multi-listen end}}
 
  
−
==External links==
+
His former co-star and movie son, Johnny Sheffield, said of him, "I can only say that working with Big John was one of the highlights of my life. He was a Star with a capital "S" and he gave off a special light and some of that light got into me. Knowing and being with Johnny Weissmuller during my formative years had a lasting influence on my life."
−
*[http://www.johnnyweissmuller.ro The Official Johnny Weissmuller Web Site]
 
−
*{{imdb name|id=0919321|name=Johnny Weissmuller}}
 
−
*[http://www.mergetel.com/~geostan/index.html Johnny Weissmuller 1904-1984 (Fan site with biography, background information and photos)]
 
−
*[http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d9443f.htm#weiss LOUIS S. NIXDORFF, 1928 OLYMPIC GAMES COLLECTION, 1926-1978] - Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.  
 
−
*[http://www.ellisisland.org/search/shipManifest.asp?MID=01465013330011512576&LNM=WEISSMULLER&PLNM=WEISSMULLER&first_kind=1&last_kind=0&RF=46&PID=102352080350 The passenger list of the ship that brought the Weissmuller to Ellis Island]
 
  
−
{{Footer Olympic Champions 100 m Freestyle Men}}
+
Johnny Weissmuller has a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] at 6541 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
  
−
{{Footer Olympic Champions 400 m Freestyle Men}}
+
==Filmography==
  
−
{{Olympic Champions Swimming 4x200 m Men Freestyle Relay}}
+
* ''Glorifying the American Girl'' (1929) (Paramount) – Adonis
 +
* ''Crystal Champions'' (1929) (Paramount) – Himself
 +
* ''Tarzan the Ape Man'' (1932) (MGM) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan and His Mate'' (1934) (MGM) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan Escapes'' (1936) (MGM) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan Finds a Son!'' (1939) (MGM) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan's Secret Treasure'' (1941) (MGM) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan's New York Adventure'' (1942) (MGM) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan Triumphs'' (1943) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan's Desert Mystery'' (1943) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Stage Door Canteen'' (1943) (United Artists) – Himself
 +
* ''Tarzan and the Amazons'' (1945) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Swamp Fire'' (1946) (Paramount) – Johnny Duval
 +
* ''Tarzan and the Leopard Woman'' (1946) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan and the Huntress'' (1947) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Tarzan and the Mermaids'' (1948) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
 +
* ''Jungle Jim'' (1948) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''The Lost Tribe'' (1949) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Mark of the Gorilla'' (1950) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Captive Girl'' (1950) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Pygmy Island'' (1950) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Fury of the Congo'' (1951) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Jungle Manhunt'' (1951) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Jungle Jim in the Forbidden Land'' (1952) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Voodoo Tiger'' (1952) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Savage Mutiny'' (1953) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Valley of Head Hunters'' (1953) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Killer Ape'' (1953) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Jungle Man-Eaters'' (1954) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
 +
* ''Cannibal Attack'' (1954) (Columbia) – Himself
 +
* ''Jungle Moon Men'' (1955) (Columbia) – Himself
 +
* ''Devil Goddess'' (1955) (Columbia) – Himself
 +
* ''The Phynx'' (1970) (Warner Bros.) – Cameo
 +
* ''Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood'' (1976) (Paramount) – Crewman
  
−
{{start box}}
+
==References==
−
{{succession box | before = [[Frank Merrill (actor)|Frank Merrill]] | title = Actors to portray [[Tarzan]] | years = 1932-1948 | after = [[Buster Crabbe]]}}
 
−
{{end box}}
 
  
−
[[Category:History and biography]]
+
* Fury, David. ''Johnny Weissmuller, Twice the Hero''. Minneapolis: Artist's Press 2000. ISBN  0924556021
−
[[Category:Biography]]
+
* Packer, Eleanor ''The Story of Johnny Weissmuller, The Tarzan of the Screen.'' Racine, Wisconsin: Whitman Publishing Co., 1934. {{ASIN|B000L235UO}}
 +
* Weismuller, Johnny. ''Tarzan My Father''. Toronto: ECW Press 2002. ISBN 1550225227
 +
 
 +
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved April 13, 2023.
 +
* [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919321/ Johnny Weissmuller (1904-1984)] ''IMDb''
 +
* [https://olympics.com/en/athletes/johnny-weissmuller Johnny Weissmuller] ''International Olympic Committee''
 +
* [https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/203814%7C88372/Johnny-Weissmuller/#overview Johnny Weissmuller] ''Turner Classic Movies''
 +
* [https://walkoffame.com/johnny-weissmuller/ Johnny Weissmuller] ''Hollywood Walk of Fame''
 +
* [https://walkoffame.com/johnny-weissmuller/ Johnny Weissmuller] ''United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum''
  
 +
[[category:film]]
 +
[[Category:Athletes and sports professionals]]
 +
[[Category:Actors and playwrights]]
 
{{credit|91445557}}
 
{{credit|91445557}}

Latest revision as of 14:44, 15 April 2023

Johnny Weissmuller, 1940s

Johnny Weissmuller (June 2, 1904 – January 20, 1984) was one of the world's best swimmers in the 1920s, winning five Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal. He won 52 US National Championships and set 67 world records. Weissmuller understood the potential role that athletic competition could play in the world. He said, "I have always been vitally interested in physical conditioning. I have long believed that athletic competition among people and nations should replace violence and wars."

After his swimming career, he became the sixth actor to portray Tarzan in films, a role he played in 12 motion pictures. Other actors also played Tarzan, but Weissmuller was the actor most identified with the role.

Before Johnny was well known, he and his brother Peter saved 11 lives when a Lake Michigan tour boat capsized in a sudden storm. As an Olympic swimmer, Weissmuller was a hero to many for his accomplishments. Weissmuller also inspired people through his portrayal of Tarzan, who always protected his family and animal friends from the deeds of evil doers.

Early Life

Johnny Weissmuller was registered as János Weissmüller at birth in Freidorf near Temeschburg, Banat. At the time, Freidorf was part of Austria-Hungary. Today, it is a suburb of Timişoara in Romania). Weissmuller was born to German-speaking parents of Jewish and Roman Catholic descent, Petrus Weißmüller and Elisabeth Kersch, according to his Hungarian birth and (Roman Catholic) baptismal records. In fact, he was named Johann by his parents, but all legal records at the time used the Hungarian forms of personal names.

When Johnny was seven months old, the family emigrated to the United States aboard the S.S. Rotterdam. They left the Dutch port of Rotterdam on January 14, 1905, and arrived in New York City 12 days later. Upon entering the United States, the family names were recorded in English as Peter, Elizabeth and Johann Weissmuller. Peter had been born December 31, 1876.

After a brief stay in Chicago, Illinois, to visit relatives, the Weissmullers moved to the coal mining town of Windber, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. Peter Weissmuller worked as a miner. His youngest son, Peter Weissmuller, Jr., was born in Windber on September 3, 1905.

After several years in Western Pennsylvania, the family moved to Chicago. Johnny's father owned a tavern for a time. His mother became head cook at a popular restaurant. Later, Peter Sr. worked as a brewer for the United States brewery in Chicago.

Johnny's parents eventually divorced, as is shown by the divorce document filed in Chicago by Elizabeth Weissmuller. Many sources incorrectly state that Weissmuller's father died of tuberculosis contracted from working in coal mines and left her a widow. Elizabeth Weissmuller even appears with her sons on the Cook County census listed as a widow. It is possible that because divorce had a stigma at the time, that Elizabeth referred to herself as a widow to avoid this stigma for her and her sons.

Peter actually fathered another family following his divorce, and lived to an old age. By 1930, he had married his second wife, Anna, with whom he had a son named Edward and a daughter Ruth.

Johnny and his brother Peter learned to swim at a young age in order to become stronger and healthier. Johnny in particular was weak and sickly as a pre-adolescent. Both boys quickly became known as aggressive swimmers. The beaches of Lake Michigan became their favorite place for summer recreation. Johnny also joined the Stanton Park pool, where he began swimming competitively. He won every junior swim meet. At the age of 12 Johnny earned a spot on the YMCA swim team.

Swimming Career

Did you know?
Johnny Weissmuller, who played "Tarzan" in 12 movies, won five Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal in swimming before his acting career
Johnny Weissmuller at a swim meet on July 23, 1922 in Brighton Beach, New York

When Weissmuller left high school, he worked as a bellhop and elevator operator at the Plaza Hotel in Chicago. At the same time he began training for the Olympic Games with swim coach William Bachrach at the Illinois Athletic Club. This is when Johnny developed his revolutionary high riding front crawl stroke. He made his amateur debut on August 6, 1921, winning his first AAU race in the 50-yard freestyle (crawl stroke).

Though he was foreign-born, Weissmuller gave his birthplace as Windber, Pennsylvania, and his birth date as that of his younger brother, Peter Weissmuller. This was to ensure his eligibility to compete as part of the United States Olympic team. U.S. birth was also critical issue in obtaining an American passport.

On July 9, 1922, Weissmuller broke Duke Kahanamoku's world record for the 100 meter freestyle, swimming it in just 58.6 seconds becoming the first person to swim event in less than one minute. He won the Gold Medal for the 100 meter freestyle at the 1924 Summer Olympic Games, beating both Duke and Samuel Kahanamoku, who were silver and bronze medalists respectively. He also took gold medals in the 400 meter freestyle and the 4 x 200 meters relay. As a member of the American water polo team, he also won a bronze medal. Four years later, at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, he won another two Olympic titles.

In all, he won five Olympic gold medals, one bronze medal, 52 U.S. National Championships and set 67 world records. Johnny Weissmuller retired from his amateur swimming career undefeated.

Not only was he an Olympic champion, but Weissmuller was a lifelong advocate for all children learning to swim at an early age. This was likely a result of his awareness of the horrible tragedy of the sinking of the "Eastland" in Lake Michigan near the beaches he frequented throughout his summers there. More than 800 people perished in this accident including 22 entire families. Many people drowned simply because they were unable to swim. Twelve years later when Johnny and his brother Peter were training in the lake, they witnessed the much smaller "Favorite" tour boat capsized when a bad storm blew in. The brothers rushed to the scene and pulled nearly two dozen people from the boat. Eleven of those people survived. Twenty–seven died of drowning in this tragic accident. Witnessing these tragedies left a lasting impression on Weissmuller, convincing him that everyone should learn to swim in their childhood.

Motion Picture Career

In 1929, Weissmuller signed a contract with the clothing company BVD to be a model and representative. He traveled throughout the country doing swim shows, handing out leaflets promoting the BVD brand of swimwear, giving his autograph and appearing on television talk shows. Also in 1929, Johnny made his first motion picture appearance as an Adonis wearing only a figleaf, in a movie titled "Glorifying the American Girl." He appeared in the first of several "Crystal Champions," movie shorts filmed in Silver Springs, Florida featuring Weissmuller and other Olympic champions.

His career began in earnest when he signed a seven year contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and played the role of Tarzan in "Tarzan the Ape Man" (1932). The movie was a huge success. The 6' 3" Weissmuller became an overnight international sensation. Even the author, Edgar Rice Burroughs, who created the character of Tarzan in his books, was pleased with Weissmuller's portrayal of Tarzan.

Maureen O'Sullivan & Johnny Weissmuller in Tarzan's Secret Treasure, 1941

Weissmuller starred in six Tarzan movies for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) with actress Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane. The last three also included Johnny Sheffield as Boy. Weissmuller said about the series, "Tarzan films are decent films, designed for family viewing. It's an idealistic, down-to-earth story about a man's love for animals and the care of his family."

Production of Tarzan movies at MGM ended with the onset of World War II. Johnny Weissmuller's contribution to the war effort was to teach navy recruits to swim to safety out from under waters covered with burning petroleum.

In 1942, Weissmuller went to RKO Studios and starred in six more Tarzan movies. Sheffield appeared as Boy in the first five features for that studio. Another costar was blonde actress Brenda Joyce, who played Jane in Weissmuller's last four Tarzan movies. In a total of 12 Tarzan movies, Weissmuller earned an estimated $2,000,000 and established himself as the best known of all the actors who have ever portrayed Tarzan.

Although not the first Tarzan in movies (that honor went to Elmo Lincoln), Weissmuller was the first to be associated with the now traditional ululating, yodeling Tarzan yell. During an appearance on television's Mike Douglas Show in the 1970s, Weissmuller explained how the famous yell was created. Recordings of three vocalists were spliced together to get the effect—a soprano, an alto, and a hog caller. This famous yell is still used in films.

When he finally departed from the role of playing Tarzan, Johnny immediately traded his loincloth costume for jungle fatigues, appearing fully clothed in the role of "Jungle Jim" (1948) for Columbia Pictures. He made 13 Jungle Jim movies between 1948 and 1954. In the next year, he appeared as himself in three more jungle movies.

Also in 1955, Weissmuller began production of the Jungle Jim television adventure series for Screen Gems, a film subsidiary of Columbia Pictures. The show ran for 26 episodes. Reruns of the show played on network and syndicated TV for many years.

Personal Life

Johnny Weissmuller enjoyed close friendships with a number of other Hollywood leading men such as Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart, Raoul Walsh, Forrest Tucker, and John Wayne. The men enjoyed golfing together and racing speed boats. Some have referred to this group as the first "Rat Pack."

Weissmuller was less lucky in love. He married five times. His first wife was band and club singer Bobbe Arnst (married 1931 - divorced 1933). Johnny married her after a brief two week courtship. This was a time when his obligations to MGM were demanding, which may have been a destructive factor to the marriage.

The firey and temperamental actress Lupe Vélez was his second wife (married 1933 - divorced 1939). This marriage turned out to be a stormy one. Lupe didn't share Johnny's love for the water and watersports. Also, Lupe suffered from extreme mood swings and eventually, following their divorce, committed suicide while in a deep depression.

With his third wife, Beryl Scott (married 1939 - divorced 1948), he had three children, Johnny Scott Weissmuller (or Johnny Weissmuller, Jr., also an actor) (born September 23, 1940, died July 27, 2006), Wendy Anne Weissmuller (born June 1, 1942) and Heidi Elizabeth Weissmuller (July 31, 1944 – November 19, 1962). This marriage lasted longer than his first two but there were still the heavy pressures from the studios with which he had contracts. Beryl developed her own social circle surrounding her backgammon and bridge playing. In addition, the expense of keeping up the opulent lifestyle brought about financial problems. A combination of these factors brought an end to this marriage. Beryl assumed responsibility for the children's upbringing and was awarded a substantial child support settlement.

Johnny met and married Allene Gates (married 1948-divorced 1962) after his divorce from Beryl was finalized. Johnny Jr. lived with the couple for a time. He enjoyed close family time with the couple in a way he never experienced when his mother and dad were married. Unfortunately, when Johnny Sr. had no more regular work in the movie industry, the loss of regular work brought financial problems again. Johnny and Allene began struggling in their relationship and after repeated separations, eventually divorced.

Maria Bauman (married 1963 - his death 1984) came into Weissmuller's life just before the devastating loss of his youngest daughter, Heidi in a car accident. Johnny Jr. described the marriage as Weissmuller's worst. He did not trust the woman his father had married and in later years, didn't agree with the way she managed his care or affairs. None the less, Johnny Sr. and Maria were married until the time of his death. Of all Weissmuller's marriages, this one endured the longest.

Later Years

In the late 1950s, Weissmuller moved back to Chicago and started a swimming pool company. He also lent his name to other ventures, but did not have success in business. He retired in 1965 and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was Founding Chairman of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

In 1970, he attended the British Commonwealth Games in Jamaica where he was presented to Queen Elizabeth. He also made a cameo appearance with former co-star Maureen O'Sullivan in "The Phynx" (1970).

Weissmuller lived in Florida until the end of 1973, then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked as a greeter at the MGM Grand Hotel for a time. In 1974, he broke a hip and leg. While hospitalized for these injuries, he learned that in spite of his strength and lifelong daily regimen of swimming and exercise, he had a serious heart condition.

In 1976, he appeared for the last time in a motion picture playing a movie crewman who is fired by a movie mogul, played by Art Carney. The movie was "Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood." He also made his final public appearance that year, when he was inducted into the Body Building Guild Hall of Fame.

Weissmuller suffered a series of strokes in 1977. For a time in 1979, he was a patient in the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. Later he and his last wife, Maria, moved to Acapulco, Mexico.

Johnny Weissmuller died on January 20, 1984 of pulmonary edema at a retirement home in Acapulco. He is buried in the Valley of The Light Cemetery there.

His former co-star and movie son, Johnny Sheffield, said of him, "I can only say that working with Big John was one of the highlights of my life. He was a Star with a capital "S" and he gave off a special light and some of that light got into me. Knowing and being with Johnny Weissmuller during my formative years had a lasting influence on my life."

Johnny Weissmuller has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6541 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

Filmography

  • Glorifying the American Girl (1929) (Paramount) – Adonis
  • Crystal Champions (1929) (Paramount) – Himself
  • Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) (MGM) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan and His Mate (1934) (MGM) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan Escapes (1936) (MGM) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939) (MGM) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan's Secret Treasure (1941) (MGM) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan's New York Adventure (1942) (MGM) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan Triumphs (1943) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan's Desert Mystery (1943) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
  • Stage Door Canteen (1943) (United Artists) – Himself
  • Tarzan and the Amazons (1945) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
  • Swamp Fire (1946) (Paramount) – Johnny Duval
  • Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (1946) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan and the Huntress (1947) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
  • Tarzan and the Mermaids (1948) (RKO Pathé) – Tarzan
  • Jungle Jim (1948) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • The Lost Tribe (1949) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Mark of the Gorilla (1950) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Captive Girl (1950) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Pygmy Island (1950) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Fury of the Congo (1951) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Jungle Manhunt (1951) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Jungle Jim in the Forbidden Land (1952) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Voodoo Tiger (1952) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Savage Mutiny (1953) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Valley of Head Hunters (1953) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Killer Ape (1953) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Jungle Man-Eaters (1954) (Columbia) – Jungle Jim
  • Cannibal Attack (1954) (Columbia) – Himself
  • Jungle Moon Men (1955) (Columbia) – Himself
  • Devil Goddess (1955) (Columbia) – Himself
  • The Phynx (1970) (Warner Bros.) – Cameo
  • Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976) (Paramount) – Crewman

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Fury, David. Johnny Weissmuller, Twice the Hero. Minneapolis: Artist's Press 2000. ISBN 0924556021
  • Packer, Eleanor The Story of Johnny Weissmuller, The Tarzan of the Screen. Racine, Wisconsin: Whitman Publishing Co., 1934. ASIN B000L235UO
  • Weismuller, Johnny. Tarzan My Father. Toronto: ECW Press 2002. ISBN 1550225227

External links

All links retrieved April 13, 2023.

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Johnny_Weissmuller&oldid=1108626

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki