Gordon Scott: Former Tarzan Actor Dies at 80

Gordon Scott was an American actor who played Tarzan in five films. Born Gordon Merrill Werschkul on August 3, 1926, in Portland, Oregon, he worked as a lifeguard before being cast in the role.

Scott played the Ape Man from 1955 to 1960, succeeding Lex Barker. His films included Tarzan and the Lost Safari and Tarzan's Greatest Adventure. He then starred in Italian sword-and-sandal epics, including Hercules films, and later in spaghetti westerns.

He married actress Vera Miles, his co-star in Tarzan's Hidden Jungle, in 1956, and they had a son, Michael. Scott died in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 30, 2007, at age 80, of complications following multiple heart surgeries.

Achievements: Played Tarzan in five films (1955-1960).

Birth: August 3, 1926 - Portland, Oregon.

Profession: Actor.

Interesting Facts: He was hired for the role after a lifeguard stint at a resort.