The character of Tarzan has been an enduring icon in popular culture since the early 20th century. Originally created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan became famous through books, comics, radio shows, and most notably, films. Johnny Weissmuller is arguably the most iconic actor to play Tarzan, starring in a series of films from 1932 to 1948. His portrayal cemented the jungle hero in public imagination, with his athletic physique, jungle calls, and adventurous spirit. However, after Weissmuller’s tenure as Tarzan ended, other actors took up the mantle, each bringing their own style and interpretation to this legendary role. Understanding who played Tarzan after Johnny Weissmuller provides insight into the evolution of this character across decades and the ways Hollywood continued to reinvent him for new audiences.
Johnny Weissmuller Setting the Standard
Johnny Weissmuller, an Olympic swimmer before becoming an actor, brought athleticism and charm to the role of Tarzan. He starred in a total of twelve Tarzan films produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), beginning with Tarzan the Ape Man in 1932. Weissmuller’s Tarzan was characterized by physical strength, a deep connection to the jungle, and the famous Tarzan yell that became his signature. His popularity was immense, and for many, he became the definitive Tarzan, making the role both iconic and challenging for future actors to follow.
The End of Weissmuller’s Era
By the late 1940s, Johnny Weissmuller’s contract with MGM ended, and he decided to step away from the role. While he remained a cultural icon, the studio faced the challenge of finding a new actor who could maintain the appeal of Tarzan while bringing something fresh to the character. This transition marked the beginning of a new era, where different actors would interpret Tarzan in varied ways, reflecting changing tastes, film styles, and cinematic trends.
Lex Barker The First Successor
After Weissmuller, the first actor to officially take on the role of Tarzan in the post-Weissmuller era was Lex Barker. Barker, an American actor, starred in five Tarzan films produced by RKO Pictures from 1949 to 1953. He brought a slightly more refined and sophisticated presence to the character compared to Weissmuller’s raw athleticism. Barker’s films included titles like Tarzan’s Magic Fountain and Tarzan and the She-Devil, in which his Tarzan was more articulate and sometimes spoke in complete sentences, reflecting a shift in storytelling and character development.
Lex Barker’s Interpretation
- Barker’s Tarzan was more educated and polished, often speaking full sentences instead of the minimalistic dialogue used by Weissmuller.
- He retained physical prowess but placed more emphasis on moral decisions and narrative-driven adventure.
- Lex Barker’s portrayal bridged the gap between the early 1930s jungle adventure films and the evolving family-oriented Tarzan stories of the 1950s.
Gordon Scott The 1950s and 1960s Tarzan
Following Lex Barker, Gordon Scott became the next prominent actor to portray Tarzan. Scott, a former model and bodybuilder, starred in a series of Tarzan films from 1955 to 1960. His version of Tarzan was closer to Weissmuller in terms of physicality and adventure, but Scott also brought a charismatic and approachable persona that appealed to both younger and older audiences. His films included Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle and Tarzan and the Leopard Woman.
Gordon Scott’s Contribution
- Reinforced the athletic and adventurous qualities of Tarzan, reminiscent of Weissmuller’s original portrayal.
- Balanced physical action with character development, allowing for deeper storylines.
- Helped maintain Tarzan’s popularity during the transition to color films and more modern cinematic techniques.
Other Notable Actors as Tarzan
Over the decades, several other actors also played Tarzan in films, television series, and made-for-TV movies, each offering a unique take
Jock Mahoney
- Starred in two Tarzan films in the early 1960s, Tarzan Goes to India (1962) and Tarzan’s Three Challenges (1963).
- Mahoney’s version emphasized physical daring and exotic locations, showcasing international adventure elements.
Mike Henry
- Played Tarzan in a series of films during the late 1960s, including Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966).
- Brought a rugged, hands-on approach to the character, blending modern action with traditional jungle hero traits.
Ron Ely
- Starred in the popular 1966-1968 television series Tarzan, which introduced the character to a new generation.
- Ely’s portrayal emphasized intelligence, moral integrity, and action-oriented heroism, making Tarzan more relatable for contemporary viewers.
The Evolution of Tarzan Post-Weissmuller
After Weissmuller, the character of Tarzan underwent various changes depending on the medium and audience expectations. Each actor who played Tarzan contributed to the evolution of the role, whether by emphasizing intellect, physicality, charm, or moral lessons. Hollywood and television producers experimented with Tarzan’s speech, costume, and storylines, adapting him to suit changing tastes. While Weissmuller set the foundation, actors like Lex Barker, Gordon Scott, and Ron Ely ensured Tarzan remained relevant and compelling for new audiences.
Key Changes in Tarzan’s Portrayal
- Dialogue Transitioned from limited speech to more articulate and expressive communication.
- Character Depth Later portrayals introduced more emotional and moral complexity.
- Physicality Maintained strong emphasis on fitness and action but adapted stunts to evolving film technology.
- Story Context Expanded adventures outside the jungle to international locations and varied narratives.
Legacy of Johnny Weissmuller’s Successors
While Johnny Weissmuller remains the most iconic Tarzan, his successors ensured that the character endured and evolved. Lex Barker introduced a more verbal and thoughtful hero, Gordon Scott brought renewed energy and charisma, and Ron Ely made Tarzan accessible to television audiences. Later interpretations, including animated and CGI versions, continue to honor the legacy established by Weissmuller while reflecting modern storytelling and production values.
Continued Popularity
- The Tarzan character has appeared in numerous adaptations, including Disney’s animated film and live-action reboots.
- The legacy of actors post-Weissmuller shows the flexibility and timeless appeal of the character.
- Fans continue to celebrate the contributions of each actor, acknowledging how they shaped Tarzan for different generations.
After Johnny Weissmuller’s legendary portrayal of Tarzan, a succession of actors took on the role, each bringing a unique perspective to the character. Lex Barker maintained the adventurous spirit while making Tarzan more articulate, Gordon Scott reinforced physicality and charisma, Jock Mahoney and Mike Henry brought rugged action, and Ron Ely made the character accessible to television audiences. Together, these actors preserved and evolved Tarzan’s legacy, ensuring the jungle hero remained a beloved and enduring figure in popular culture for decades to come. The history of Tarzan after Weissmuller reflects both the changing nature of entertainment and the timeless appeal of a hero who bridges human civilization and the wild, thrilling world of the jungle.