biography
| name: |
Weissmuller, Johnny
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| |
popular name of (Peter) John (originally Jonas) Weissmuller
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pronunciation:
[wiyzmuhler]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1904–84)
|
| biography:
| Swimmer and film-star, born in Freidorf, W Romania. His family emigrated to the USA in 1908. In 1922 he made history by becoming the first person to swim 100 m in under one minute, and he won the 100 m freestyle at the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, and the 400 m in 1928. After turning professional in 1932, he became a swimsuit model for a clothing firm. His name is most widely known for his starring role in 12 Tarzan films, made between 1932 and 1948. He is credited with inventing the King of the Jungle's celebrated yodelling call (actually a combination of recorded animal cries). |
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