Net Worth Ranker
What Was Johnny Weissmuller’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 1984, adjusted for inflation, Johnny Weissmuller had a net worth of approximately $2 million. This fortune was amassed through his careers as a competitive swimmer and, more significantly, as an actor, most famously known for his portrayal of Tarzan in a series of films that captivated audiences during the 1930s and 1940s.
Weissmuller’s financial standing was not solely dependent on his acting income. He was also one of the fastest swimmers in the world and won five Olympic gold medals in swimming and a bronze medal in water polo. He set more than 50 world records and won more than 50 U.S. national championships. These accomplishments, while not directly translating into immediate cash earnings like today’s endorsements, significantly boosted his fame and marketability, which played a crucial role in landing his iconic role as Tarzan.
Johnny Weissmuller’s Earnings and Career Highlights
Johnny’s acting career was the cornerstone of his wealth. He estimated that his total earnings from acting amounted to around $2 million, roughly $20 million before taxes and divorces and after adjusting for inflation. He starred in 12 Tarzan films, starting with “Tarzan the Ape Man” in 1932. While specific contract details from that era are scarce, it’s safe to assume that his salary increased as the series progressed and his star power grew.
After his Tarzan days, Weissmuller transitioned to the role of Jungle Jim, a character he portrayed in several films and a TV series of the same name, which aired 26 episodes from 1955 to 1956. The earnings from “Jungle Jim” added to his overall income, though likely not on the same scale as his Tarzan films. The television series, while popular, was a low-budget production, so his salary was modest.
Beyond acting, Weissmuller capitalized on his fame through endorsements and licensing deals. He lent his name to health food products, cocktail lounges, and even a swimming pool construction company. While the exact financial details of these ventures are unavailable, they undoubtedly contributed to his overall income stream.
His early swimming career, while primarily driven by passion and athletic achievement, paved the way for his future success. He joined the Illinois Athletic Club, one of America’s best swim teams. In August 1921 he won all four Amateur Athletic Union races he entered. In September 2021, Johnny set world records in the 100m and 150yd events. In July 1922, he broke Duke Kahanamoku’s 100-meter freestyle record with a time of 58.6 seconds. At the 1924 Summer Olympics, he won gold medals in the 100 m freestyle, 400 m freestyle, and 4×200 m freestyle and a bronze medal in the team water polo event. At the 1928 Summer Olympics, Weissmuller won gold medals in the 100 m freestyle and 4×200 m freestyle. In 1927, Johnny set a world record in the 100-yard freestyle (51.0 seconds). During his swimming career, he won 52 national championships and set more than 60 world records. Though his swimming career did not provide direct income, the prestige and recognition he gained were essential to the launch of his Hollywood career.
Johnny Weissmuller’s Personal Life and Legacy
Johnny Weissmuller’s personal life, while not directly tied to his net worth, influenced his financial decisions and estate planning. He was married five times: to singer Bobbe Arnst (1931-1933), actress Lupe Vélez (1933-1939), Beryl Scott (1939-1948), Allene Gates (1948-1962), and Maria Gertrude Baumann (1963-1984). Divorces, especially in that era, could significantly impact one’s wealth due to settlement agreements.
Johnny and Beryl had three children together, Johnny Jr., Wendy, and Heidi, and sadly, Heidi died in a car accident as a teenager. Weissmuller saved the lives of many people, including 11 people who were in danger of drowning after a 1927 boat accident. His family and heroic acts shaped his personal brand and contributed to his public image, reinforcing his appeal as a celebrity.
In his later years, Weissmuller faced health challenges. In the mid-1970s, he broke his leg and his hip, and when he was in the hospital, he learned that he was suffering from a serious heart condition. Weissmuller had a few strokes in 1977, and in 1979, he spent several weeks at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. These medical issues likely incurred significant expenses, impacting his overall financial well-being.
Weissmuller passed away on January 20, 1984, at the age of 79 from pulmonary edema. He was laid to rest at the Valley of the Light Cemetery outside Acapulco, Valle de La Luz. A recording of his Tarzan yell played as Weissmuller’s coffin was lowered into his burial plot. President Ronald Reagan and Senator Ted Kennedy arranged for a 21-gun salute to take place at Johnny’s funeral. In 1960, Johnny received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Television category. In 1965, he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame; he was also the founding chairman. In 1973, Weissmuller was honored with the George Eastman Award for “distinguished contribution to the art of film.” The Paris swimming pool and hotel complex Piscine Molitor was built in tribute to Johnny in the late 1920s.
