Johnny Weissmuller was an American swimmer and actor, best known for his role as Tarzan in a series of films during the 1930s and 1940s. He won five Olympic gold medals in swimming and set numerous world records before transitioning to a successful acting career. His portrayal of Tarzan became iconic, characterized by his athletic physique and distinctive yell. Weissmuller's first Tarzan film, "Tarzan the Ape Man," was released in 1932, and he went on to star in a total of 12 Tarzan movies. His performances helped popularize the character and solidified his status as a cultural icon in American cinema.