Johnny Weissmuller
Windber, Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Champion swimmer and motion picture hero. Best known as star of a dozen "Tarzan" films produced for MGM and RKO, 1932-1948. He earlier won fame as a swimmer: developed the "American crawl," set 67 world records, and won five gold medals in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics. He lived in Windber as a child before his family moved to Chicago; returned here for special visits in later years.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Before he swung through the jungle as Hollywood's Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller was one of the greatest swimmers who ever lived, refining the 'American crawl,' setting 67 world records, and winning five Olympic gold medals in 1924 and 1928. He spent part of his childhood in Windber before his family moved to Chicago, and he returned for occasional visits in later life. His dozen Tarzan films for MGM and RKO between 1932 and 1948 made him a global star.
Why it matters
Weissmuller's leap from Olympic champion to movie icon embodies the rise of the celebrity athlete and Hollywood's power to turn American sports heroes into worldwide legends.
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Related people
- ¡ Johnny Weissmuller
Themes & tags
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