Star of Tarzan films and Westerns, known for his rugged good looks and charming on-screen presence.
Lex Barker, the dashing American actor, is best known for swinging into the hearts of millions as the iconic Tarzan in RKO Pictures' series of films from 1949 to 1953. His rugged charm and athleticism made him an instant sensation, solidifying his status as one of the most popular actors in German-speaking cinema.
Born Alexander Crichlow Barker Jr. on May 8, 1919, in Rye, New York, Lex was the second child of Alexander Crichlow Barker Sr., a wealthy Canadian-born building contractor and stockbroker, and his American wife, Marion Thornton Beals. With English and Spanish ancestry, Lex was a direct descendant of the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, and Sir William Henry Crichlow, the historical governor-general of Barbados.
Raised in New York City and Port Chester, New York, Lex attended the Fessenden School and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy. He was an accomplished American football player and oboe enthusiast. Lex's educational pursuits continued at Princeton University, but he soon dropped out to join a theatrical stock company, much to his family's dismay.
Lex's foray into the world of acting began on Broadway, where he landed a small role in Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor in 1938. He also appeared in Orson Welles' ill-fated production of Five Kings, which unfortunately never made it to New York City.
However, it was his portrayal of Tarzan that catapulted Lex to international fame. His rugged charm and physical prowess made him the perfect candidate to don the iconic loincloth. The series, which included Tarzan's Magic Fountain, Tarzan and the Slave Girl, and Tarzan's Peril, solidified Lex's status as a Hollywood heartthrob.
In addition to his work as Tarzan, Lex also starred in a series of films based on Karl May's novels, notably as Old Shatterhand. These films, produced by the West German studio Constantin Film, further cemented his status as a leading man in German-speaking cinema.
During World War II, Lex enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1941, ten months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He rose to the rank of major during the war and was wounded in action in Sicily, earning him two Purple Hearts.
After the war, Lex returned to the United States and continued his acting career, eventually settling in Germany, where he became a beloved fixture in the country's film industry.
Lex Barker's iconic portrayal of Tarzan has left an indelible mark on popular culture. His rugged charm and athleticism inspired a generation of actors, including Rock Hudson and Clint Eastwood.
Today, Lex's legacy continues to be celebrated by film enthusiasts around the world. His contributions to the Tarzan franchise remain unmatched, and his influence can still be seen in modern adaptations of the character.
Lex Barker passed away on May 11, 1973, but his memory lives on as a testament to the power of classic Hollywood cinema.
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