(June 2, 1904 – January 20, 1984)
Johnny Weissmuller was a world-renowned American Olympic swimmer, water polo player, and iconic film actor, best remembered for his record-breaking achievements in the pool and his legendary portrayal of Tarzan on screen. Born Johann Peter Weißmüller in the Austro-Hungarian Empire (present-day Romania), Weissmuller immigrated to the U.S. as a child and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated athletes and entertainers of the 20th century.

As a competitive swimmer, Weissmuller dominated the sport in the 1920s. He won five Olympic gold medals and a bronze in water polo, set 67 world records, and was the first man to swim the 100-meter freestyle in under a minute. He retired from amateur competition undefeated.

Weissmuller made the leap to Hollywood in 1932, starring as Tarzan the Ape Man. His athleticism, charisma, and signature Tarzan yell made him the definitive Tarzan for generations. He starred in 12 Tarzan films and later headlined 16 Jungle Jim movies and a TV series.

In later years, he remained a pop culture icon, honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and remembered for his heroic real-life rescues and lasting impact on sports and film. Weissmuller passed away in 1984 in Acapulco, Mexico, where his famous Tarzan yell echoed one last time at his burial—just as he wished.