Gordon Scott
He swung onto the screen as a brawny, thoughtful Tarzan for the atomic age, bringing a new physicality and depth to the jungle lord.
1926–2007 (age 81)·American actor·Birthday: August 3·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Gordon Scott was a lifeguard turned movie star, plucked from a Las Vegas pool to become the eleventh actor to portray Edgar Rice Burroughs's iconic ape man. His physique was perfect for the role—a former soldier and lifeguard, he possessed a heroic, muscular build that defined the post-war vision of Tarzan. But Scott brought more than just a impressive chest to the part; his performances, especially in later films like 'Tarzan's Greatest Adventure,' injected a newfound gravity and intelligence into the character, moving beyond mere yells and vine-swinging. He portrayed a Tarzan who was a leader, a problem-solver, and a man caught between two worlds. After his run in the jungle, he found a second career in European sword-and-sandal epics, trading his loincloth for a gladiator's skirt but never quite escaping the shadow of the role that made him famous.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Gordon was born in 1926, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Gordon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1926
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Gordon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1926Born
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1931Started school
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1939Became a teenager
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1942Could drive
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1944Could vote
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1947Turned 21
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1956Turned 30
Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $10,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Heartbreak Hotel" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: Around the World in 80 Days
1966Turned 40
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1976Turned 50
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1986Turned 60
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1996Turned 70
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 80
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2007Died at 81
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
Key Achievements
- Starred as Tarzan in five feature films from 1955 to 1960, including the first Tarzan movie filmed in color ('Tarzan and the Lost Safari').
- His portrayal in 'Tarzan's Greatest Adventure' is widely considered one of the most mature and nuanced interpretations of the character.
- Successfully transitioned to a career in Italian and European adventure films after leaving the Tarzan series.
Did You Know?
He was a decorated U.S. Army MP who served in the Pacific theater during World War II.
His discovery story is Hollywood legend: he was working as a Las Vegas lifeguard when a producer's wife spotted him and recommended him for the Tarzan role.
He performed many of his own stunts, including working closely with wild animals on set.
“I just wanted to be the best Tarzan I could be.”
