The 7 Most Iconic Tarzan Actors: From Olympic Gold To Latest Hollywood Rumors (Updated 2025)

The enduring legend of Tarzan, the jungle hero created by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making the role one of the most sought-after and physically demanding in Hollywood history. As of December 15, 2025, the conversation around the King of the Apes is buzzing with both sad farewells and exciting, fresh speculation about the character's future on the big screen.

This article dives deep into the lives of the most famous actors who have swung through the vines, from the iconic Olympic swimmer who defined the role to the TV star we recently lost, and the A-list actor currently rumored to take up the loincloth in a bold new cinematic reimagining. The legacy of Tarzan is a tapestry woven with athleticism, adventure, and the timeless call of the wild.

The Definitive Biography of the First Screen Superstar: Johnny Weissmuller

When discussing Tarzan actors, the name Johnny Weissmuller stands alone. He is not just an actor who played the role; he is the benchmark against which all others are measured, thanks to his defining run in the 1930s and 1940s.

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• Full Name: János (Johann) Péter Weissmüller
• Born: June 2, 1904, in Freidorf, Kingdom of Hungary (now Romania)
• Died: January 20, 1984, in Acapulco, Mexico
• Nationality: Austro-Hungarian (by birth), American (by naturalization)
• Career Highlight (Pre-Tarzan): Weissmuller was a world-class competitive swimmer and water polo player. He won five Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal, held 67 world records, and was the first person to swim the 100-meter freestyle in under a minute.
• Tarzan Films: He starred in 12 Tarzan feature films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and RKO Pictures, starting with Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) and ending with Tarzan and the Mermaids (1948).
• Defining Legacy: He is credited with popularizing the famous Tarzan yell (though its origin is debated) and establishing the character's definitive screen persona.

Weissmuller's transition from the pool to the jungle was seamless, leveraging his phenomenal physique and swimming prowess. His non-verbal, athletic portrayal cemented the character's image for generations and made him one of Hollywood's first true action superstars. After his Tarzan run, he went on to play the jungle hero "Jungle Jim" in 16 films and a subsequent television series, further solidifying his status as a king of the jungle genre.

A Fond Farewell: Remembering Ron Ely and Other Jungle Legends

The Tarzan franchise spans over a century, which means its history is also marked by the passing of its stars. The most recent and significant news in the Tarzan community is the death of one of its most beloved actors.

Ron Ely: The 1960s Television Tarzan

Ron Ely, the tall, musclebound actor who brought the King of the Apes to television in the 1960s, passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86. Ely's portrayal in the NBC series Tarzan (1966–1968) was notable for attempting to make the character more articulate and educated, closer to the original Edgar Rice Burroughs novels, though the show still relied heavily on action and adventure. His passing marks the end of an era for the classic TV iteration of the character.

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Other Notable Tarzan Actors Who Have Passed

The extensive history of the character includes over 20 actors in live-action film and television. Other notable figures who have passed away include:

• Elmo Lincoln: The very first screen Tarzan, starring in the 1918 silent film Tarzan of the Apes.
• Lex Barker: Who took over the role from Weissmuller in five films, starting with Tarzan's Magic Fountain (1949).
• Gordon Scott: An American bodybuilder who played the role in six films from 1955 to 1960, transitioning the character from the primal yell to a more sophisticated adventurer.

The Modern Era: From Greystoke to New Hollywood Rumors

The character of Tarzan, or Lord Greystoke, has been constantly reinvented to fit the sensibilities of modern cinema. The most recent live-action attempts have focused on deepening the story, exploring the character's duality as a man of the jungle and an English nobleman.

Christopher Lambert: The Intellectual Tarzan

In 1984, the film Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes offered a more serious, literary adaptation. The role was played by Christopher Lambert, known for his work in Highlander. Lambert's portrayal focused heavily on the cultural clash and the difficulty of Tarzan's return to civilization, earning critical praise for its fidelity to the Edgar Rice Burroughs source material.

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Alexander Skarsgård: The Cinematic Blockbuster Tarzan

The most recent major theatrical release was The Legend of Tarzan (2016), starring Alexander Skarsgård. The film acted as a sequel, showing Tarzan (John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke) already living a civilized life with Jane Porter in London before being called back to the Congo. Skarsgård's commitment to the physically demanding role, alongside co-stars like Margot Robbie, brought a modern, blockbuster sensibility to the classic tale.

The Latest Buzz: Is Chris Hemsworth The Next Tarzan?

The most current and persistent rumor in Hollywood suggests that a new Tarzan film is in development, with speculation swirling around Chris Hemsworth, the star best known for playing Thor. This rumored project is often linked to a streaming service or a major studio aiming for a fresh, high-budget take on the jungle hero. While many concept trailers and fan-made posters have surfaced online, sometimes pairing Hemsworth with actresses like Blake Lively or Florence Pugh, it is important to note that these are currently unconfirmed rumors and speculation, not official announcements. However, the buzz highlights the ongoing demand for a new, exciting cinematic version of the King of the Jungle.

The Tarzan Actors List: A Legacy of Athleticism and Star Power

The role of Tarzan has historically been given to actors with significant athletic backgrounds, a tradition started by the Olympic champion, Johnny Weissmuller. This focus on physical prowess has been a consistent theme throughout the franchise's history.

Key Actors and Their Defining Projects

The following list highlights some of the most prominent actors who have swung across the screen, embodying the noble savage of the jungle:

The Classic Era (1918–1960s):

• Elmo Lincoln (First screen Tarzan, 1918)
• Frank Merrill (Silent film serials, 1928–1929)
• Herman Brix / Bruce Bennett (Serial The New Adventures of Tarzan, 11935)
• Lex Barker (Five films, 1949–1953)
• Gordon Scott (Six films, 1955–1960)
• Jock Mahoney (Two films, 1962–1963)
• Mike Henry (Three films, 1966–1968)
• Ron Ely (TV series, 1966–1968)

The Modern Era (1980s–Present):

• Christopher Lambert (Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, 1984)
• Joe Lara (TV series Tarzan: The Epic Adventures, 1996–1997)
• Casper Van Dien (Tarzan and the Lost City, 1998)
• Kellan Lutz (Animated film voice, Tarzan, 2013)
• Alexander Skarsgård (The Legend of Tarzan, 2016)

The lineage of Tarzan actors is a fascinating study in Hollywood casting, demonstrating a consistent preference for physically imposing leading men. From the primal yell of Weissmuller to the dramatic depth of Lambert and the modern action heroics of Skarsgård, each actor has left an indelible mark on the character, ensuring that the call of the jungle continues to echo in popular culture.