Ruben Studdard
American singer
Johnny Weissmuller was an American Olympic swimmer and actor who dominated the 20th century competitive swimming scene. He later went on to play the iconic role of Tarzan in a series of films, cementing his legacy as a true Renaissance man of his era.
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About the Johnny Weissmuller
Johnny Weissmullerwas an American Olympic swimmer, water polo player and actor. He was known for having one of the best competitive-swimming records of the 20th century. He set world records alongside winning five gold medals in the Olympics. He won the 100m freestyle and the 4 x 200 m relay team event in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris and the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. Weissmuller also won gold in the 400m freestyle, as well as a bronze medal in the water polo competition in Paris.
Following his retirement from swimming, Weissmuller played Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan in twelve feature films from 1932 to 1948; six were produced by MGM, and six additional films by RKO. Weissmuller went on to star in sixteen Jungle Jim movies over an eight-year period, then filmed 26 additional half-hour episodes of the Jungle Jim TV series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Johnny Weissmuller was an American Olympic swimmer, water polo player, and actor. He was known for setting numerous world records and winning multiple gold medals in the Olympics during the 1920s.
Johnny Weissmuller won gold medals in the 100m freestyle and 4x200m relay at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics. He also won gold in the 400m freestyle and a bronze in water polo at the 1924 Olympics.
After retiring from swimming, Johnny Weissmuller played the role of Tarzan in twelve feature films from 1932 to 1948. He also starred in sixteen Jungle Jim movies and a Jungle Jim TV series over an eight-year period.
Johnny Weissmuller won a total of five gold medals in the Olympics, setting numerous world records along the way.
Johnny Weissmuller was an accomplished swimmer and water polo player. He won multiple gold medals in swimming events at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics.
Johnny Weissmuller was born on June 2, 1904 in Frenchtown, Pennsylvania.
Johnny Weissmuller played the role of Tarzan in twelve feature films from 1932 to 1948, cementing his legacy as the iconic portrayal of the character.
17 Quotes by Johnny Weissmuller
- 1.
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.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 2.
Swimming gave me my start, but my pal Tarzan did the real work. He set me up nicely.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 3.
How can a guy climb trees, say Me Tarzan, You Jane, and make a million?
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 4.
The director sent for me for Tarzan. I climbed the tree and walked out on a limb. The next day I was told I was an actor.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 5.
I could make good time because I was so long and skinny, shooting through the water like a stick.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 6.
I never lost a freestyle race. Never. Not even in the YMCA.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 7.
When people don’t know me any more or want my autograph, then I’ll think about retiring.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 8.
Can you imagine – a blond Tarzan?
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 9.
No marriage can stand up under the strain of incessant association.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 10.
With but few exceptions, it is always the underdog who wins through sheer willpower.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 11.
Throughout my career I swam for form. Speed came as a result of it.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 12.
All the guys called the Olympic Village a high-class Boy Scout camp.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 13.
Treat your body well, and it’ll see you through for many years.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 14.
I need freedom to be happy.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 15.
I learned to yodel pretty well. It took me a few months, but I eventually perfected it.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 16.
The William Morris Agency handled me. In that business, you’re only as good as your last picture.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)
- 17.
We didn’t have the lane ropes, we had to get up higher in the water to avoid the little waves.
Johnny WeissmullerAmerican swimmer, water polo player, and actor (1904-1984)