Frank Merrill was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Tarzan films and works as a stuntman. Born Otto Poll on March 21, 1893, he became renowned for his athletic skills and contributions to early cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Frank Merrill was married to Elsie C. Langbein from 1914 until her death in 1965. Before starting his acting career, he worked as a police officer in New Jersey. Merrill was also a gifted gymnast, winning multiple championships and becoming a national champion from 1916 to 1918. He was known for his height, standing at 6 feet (1.83 m), which helped him in his film roles.
Career Highlights
Merrill’s acting career began with stunt work, including doubling for Elmo Lincoln in the 1921 film “Adventures of Tarzan.” He became famous as the fifth actor to portray Tarzan, creating vine-swinging techniques later used in the series and the iconic Tarzan yell. Due to concerns about his voice for sound films, he moved away from acting to work with children as a Park Commissioner and recreation director in Los Angeles.
Death and Legacy
Frank Merrill passed away on February 12, 1966, in Los Angeles, California. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood. His innovative contributions to the Tarzan films and his dedication to athletics and youth programs left a lasting impact on both the film industry and the community.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Tarzan the Tiger | 1929-12-08 | Tarzan / Lord Greystoke |
| The Adventures of Tarzan | 1921-12-01 | Arab Guard |
| The Trailer | 1925-02-21 | The Trailer |
| Tarzan the Mighty | 1928-10-29 | Tarzan |
| The White Gorilla | 1945-07-12 | Ed Bradford |
| Savages of the Sea | 1925-02-17 | Silent Saunders |
| The Little Wild Girl | 1928-08-01 | Tavish McBride |
| Perils of the Jungle | 1927-07-01 | Rod Bedford |