Johann Peter Weißmüller

Johann Peter Weißmüller (Known as "Johnny Weissmuller")

["swimmer", "five-time Olympic champion", "Tarzan actor"]

Born Jun 02, 1904

Freidorf, Timișoara, Hungary

Passed Away Jan 20, 1984 Acapulco, Mexico

Lifespan 79 years old

7 views

Notice / Correction

"The only thing I ever did was swim fast and yell in a loincloth."

Archival Overview

Austro-Hungarian-born American swimmer who won five Olympic gold medals, never lost an individual freestyle race, and starred as Hollywood's Tarzan.

Biographical Record

Johann Peter 'Johnny' Weissmuller (1904–1984) was one of the most dominant swimmers in history. Weissmuller won five Olympic gold medals across the 1924 Paris and 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, along with a bronze in water polo. He was the first human being to swim the 100-meter freestyle in under one minute (58.6 seconds).

Weissmuller set 67 world records and retired undefeated in freestyle competition. Turning to cinema, he portrayed Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan the Ape Man in twelve classic Hollywood films, creating Tarzan's immortal jungle yell.

Key Life Milestones

July 9, 1922

First Sub-Minute 100-Meter Freestyle

Became the first person in history to swim 100 meters freestyle in under a minute, clocking 58.6 seconds in Alameda.

July 20, 1924

Triple Olympic Gold at Paris 1924

Won three gold medals (100m, 400m freestyle, 4x200m relay) and a bronze in water polo at the Paris Summer Olympics.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

Select a sentiment or reaction (optional):

Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

Your Name / Title *

Your Email (Private, for anti-abuse)

Tribute Message *

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Johann Peter Weißmüller.

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Panteón Jardines del Tiempo
Acapulco, Mexico

                         GPS: 16.8531, -99.8236                    

View on Memory Atlas

Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.

Read Governance Policy →