Yes, I have to write about my Tarzan. For me it is the one and only Johnny Weissmuller. He was a Hungarian-born German/ American athlete and actor who was swimming’s very first Superstar! In the 1920s, he won five Olympic gold medals, including the 400 freestyle and bronze in water polo. He set 51 World records and was swimming’s first honoree in the Hall of Fame in 1965. He starred as Tarzan in 12 films from 1932 to 1948 and created the character’s iconic yell. And yes, I watch these movies over and over and over again, and every time they are on!

Elmo Lincoln: He was the first movie Tarzan in the silent film “Tarzan of the Apes,” released in 1918. I have never seen it, but I did know he was the first Tarzan.

Buster Crabbe: He was also an Olympic swimmer who won gold in 1932 in the 400-meter freestyle, a feat that led to his career in film and television. He also starred as Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers.

Lex Barker: He took over the role from Johnny Weissmuller and starred in five feature films as the jungle hero. I have seen a few of his films.

Gordon Scott: He played Tarzan in five feature films between 1955 and 1960. He was discovered while he was a lifeguard in Las Vegas. Can’t say, as I have seen all of his films.

Jock Mahoney: I have not seen his two movies as Tarzan, but it is notable that he worked in various capacities on several other Tarzan productions, since he was also a stuntman.

Mike Henry: He starred in a Tarzan film trilogy in the 1960s. He was a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams in the late 1950s through the early 1960s. I know him best from “The Green Berets,” and as Junior in the “Smokey and the Bandit” film trilogy.

Ron Ely: He portrayed Tarzan in the 1966-1968 television series and the film Tarzan. And yes. I tuned in every week.

Christopher Lambert: He starred in the movie “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” in 1984. I saw this one in the theatre. He also played my immortal 16th-century Scottish warrior, Connor MacLeod, in the cult classic film “Highlander.” And I am (im)patiently waiting for the reboot with Henry Cavill as MacLeod, with my Russell Crowe also in the movie, and Lambert in a cameo role. “In the end, there can be only one!” 

Joe Lara: He starred in a 1989 TV movie, “Tarzan in Manhattan,” and in the syndicated television series in 1996-1997. I watched some of the series.

Travis Fimmel: He played Tarzan in the WB television series in 2003. It should be noted that Lucy Lawless was his aunt, and Leighton Meester was Jane’s sister.

Alexander Skarsgard: He portrayed Tarzan in the 2016 films, “The Legend of Tarzan.” His all-star cast included Samuel L. Jackson, Margo Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, and Christoph Waltz.

Miles O’Keeffe: He portrayed Tarzan in the 1981 film “Tarzan, the Ape Man,” starring Bo Derek as Jane Parker, with her husband, John Derek, as director.

Can anybody do the Tarzan yell? I know Carol Burnett can!