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 became the eleventh actor to portray Edgar Rice Burroughs's ape man after being plucked from a Las Vegas pool. A former soldier and lifeguard, his heroic, muscular build defined the post-war vision of Tarzan. His performances, especially in later films like 'Tarzan's Greatest Adventure,' injected newfound gravity and intelligence into the character. He portrayed a Tarzan who was a leader, a problem-solver, and a man caught between two worlds. After his run in the jungle, Scott found a second career in European sword-and-sandal epics, trading his loincloth for a gladiator's skirt.
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.
