Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Denny Miller dead: Tarzan actor dies after long battle with ALS aged 80

The star played the iconic role in a 1959 remake of Tarzan, the Ape Man when he was just 24

Jenn Selby
Sunday 14 September 2014 06:32 EDT
Comments
Denny Miller in 1959 remake of Tarzan, the Ape Man
Denny Miller in 1959 remake of Tarzan, the Ape Man

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Denny Miller, who was the oldest living actor to have played the iconic role of Tarzan, has died aged 80.

The American star, who took on the character in Johnny Weissmuller's remake of Tarzan, the Ape Man in 1959 when he was just 24, had long been suffering from ALS.

His agent confirmed the news of his passing, aged 80, to Hollywood Reporter.

As well as playing Tarzan, Miller memorably appeared as Duke Shanon in TV series Wagon Train from 1961 to 1964, and guest starred in Western classic Have Gun, Will Travel, The Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island.

His credits total more than 20 films and 230 TV shows.

A 1959 poster of Tarzan starring Denny Miller and Joanna Barnes
A 1959 poster of Tarzan starring Denny Miller and Joanna Barnes

He also famously starred as the yellow jacket-clad Gorton's Fisherman in Gorton's seafood adverts for over a decade.

Later in life, he became a health advocate and an author with three novels under his belt.

The 2012 title Me Tarzan, You Train! focused on teaching readers how to get fit and control weight without pain.

He spent the later years of his life living in Las Vegas with his second wife, Nancy.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in