Johnny Weissmuller
Johnny Weissmuller was a legendary athlete and actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Tarzan in numerous films. Born on June 2, 1904, in Austria-Hungary, he was an accomplished swimmer who won multiple Olympic gold medals. His athletic prowess and distinctive Tarzan yell endeared him to audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a Hollywood legend.
Biography
| Birth Name | Johann Peter Weißmüller |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | June 2, 1904 |
| Death Date | January 20, 1984 |
| Professions | Olympic Swimmer, Water Polo Player, Actor |
| Olympic Achievements | Five gold medals, multiple world records |
| Swimming Gold Medals | 1924 Summer Olympics (100m freestyle, 4 × 200 m relay), 1928 Summer Olympics (100m freestyle, 4 × 200 m relay) |
| Other Olympic Medals | Gold in 400m freestyle, Bronze in water polo |
| Acting Career | Played Tarzan in twelve feature films and starred in sixteen Jungle Jim movies |
Early Life
Johnny Weissmuller was born on June 2, 1904, in Freidorf, near Timisoara, in what was then the Kingdom of Hungary. At the age of seven, his family moved to the United States, settling in Chicago, Illinois. It was in Chicago where Weissmuller developed a passion for swimming and eventually became a star athlete at Lane Technical College Prep High School. His exceptional swimming skills led him to win multiple Olympic gold medals and break numerous world records, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
Family
| Family Member | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Parents | Peter Weissmüller Elizabeth Kersch | Peter Weissmüller was a farmer and Elizabeth Kersch was a homemaker. They raised their family in the Austro-Hungarian Empire before immigrating to the United States. Their hard work and dedication provided a solid foundation for their children. |
| Siblings | Otho Weissmüller Peter Weissmüller Jr. Fern Weissmüller | Otho, Peter Jr., and Fern were Johnny’s siblings. They shared a close-knit family bond and were supportive of each other. Their upbringing instilled values of unity and perseverance, which later influenced Johnny’s success in his career. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Chest | 44 in (112 cm) |
| Waist | 32 in (81 cm) |
| Biceps | 16 in (41 cm) |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Current Relationship
Previous Relationships
| Name | Relationship Type | Marriage Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobbe Arnst | Wife | 1938 – 1948 | Bobbe Arnst was Johnny Weissmuller’s second wife. They got married in 1938 and divorced in 1948. |
| Allene Gates | Wife | 1948 – 1962 | Allene Gates was Johnny Weissmuller’s third wife. They got married in 1948 and divorced in 1962. |
| Beryl Scott | Wife | 1963 – 1968 | Beryl Scott was Johnny Weissmuller’s fourth wife. They got married in 1963 and divorced in 1968. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
How He Became Famous
Johnny Weissmuller became famous for his success as an Olympic swimmer and later as an actor playing the iconic role of Tarzan in films.
Career And Popular Works
Weissmuller’s career started as a competitive swimmer, winning multiple Olympic gold medals and setting numerous world records. He then transitioned into acting and gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1930s and 1940s, starring in several popular Tarzan films.
Awards
As an Olympic swimmer, Weissmuller won 5 gold medals and one bronze medal. In his acting career, he received recognition for his portrayal of Tarzan and became an enduring symbol of the character.
Controversies
Weissmuller faced controversies in his personal life, including multiple marriages and divorces. Additionally, there were disputes over his portrayal of Tarzan and his compensation for the role. Some critics also questioned the cultural representations in the Tarzan films during that era.
Faq
Johnny Weissmuller was an American competition swimmer and actor. He is best known for his role as Tarzan in films of the 1930s and 1940s.
Weissmuller won five Olympic gold medals in swimming and set 67 world records. He was the first swimmer to break the one-minute barrier for the 100-meter freestyle.
Weissmuller began playing the role of Tarzan in the 1932 film “Tarzan the Ape Man,” which was a major success and led to him portraying the character in several more films.
Yes, Weissmuller continued to act in other roles after his portrayal of Tarzan. He also starred in a series of Jungle Jim movies and made various television appearances.
Weissmuller’s portrayal of Tarzan is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential interpretations of the character, contributing to the enduring popularity of the Tarzan franchise.