Denny Miller, who was the oldest living actor to have played the iconic role of Tarzan, passed away on September 9, 2014 at the age of 80. He died at his home in Las Vegas after a long battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His agent confirmed the news of his death to Hollywood Reporter.
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A Versatile Career in Hollywood
Miller was born on April 25, 1934 in Bloomington, Indiana. He was a basketball player for the UCLA Bruins at UCLA, where his father was a physical education instructor. In his senior year, while he was working as a furniture mover to pay for school, Miller was discovered on Sunset Boulevard by a Hollywood agent who signed him with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. His screen test was directed by George Cukor.
Miller became the first blond Tarzan in Tarzan, the Ape Man (1959), a cheapie/quickie which lifted most of its footage from earlier Johnny Weissmuller movies. Miller had been recommended by someone else considered for the role, William Smith, later a star of the NBC Laredo western series. MGM had Miller under contract for twenty months; in that time, he worked only eight weeks as Tarzan.
Miller did guest spots on a number of television series, such as Northwest Passage and Overland Trail. In 1960, he appeared as Wilkie, the son of a powerful rancher, in the “License to Kill” episode of Laramie. He also appeared on Have Gun, Will Travel and an episode of The Rifleman as a dimwitted gunfighter named Reuben Miles.
From 1961 to 1964, Miller was a regular on Wagon Train in the role of the scout, Duke Shannon. After the cancellation of Wagon Train in 1965, Miller starred as Mike McCluskey on the NBC sitcom Mona McCluskey.
He also famously starred as the yellow jacket-clad Gorton’s Fisherman in Gorton’s seafood adverts for over a decade. He memorably appeared on Gilligan’s Island as Tongo, a surfer who falls in love with Ginger, and on Charlie’s Angels as a bodyguard who gets killed by a poisoned dart.
His credits total more than 20 films and 230 TV shows.
A Health Advocate and an Author
Later in life, Miller 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.
A Legacy of Strength and Adventure
Miller was one of the few actors who played Tarzan, the legendary character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. He joined the ranks of other famous Tarzans such as Johnny Weissmuller, Lex Barker, Gordon Scott, Ron Ely and Christopher Lambert.
He brought his own charm and athleticism to the role, portraying Tarzan as a noble and brave hero who protects his jungle home and his beloved Jane from various threats.
He also showed his versatility and talent in other genres and roles, from westerns to comedies to dramas. He was a familiar and beloved face on TV screens for many generations.
He will be remembered as a man who lived a full and adventurous life, both on and off screen.
Funeral Denny Miller Cause of Death: How to Pay Your Respects
According to Dignity Memorial, Miller’s funeral service was held on January 23, 2023 at Ontario Community Church in Ontario, Ohio. He was buried at Mansfield Memorial Park Cemetery.
His family requested that donations be made to ALS Association or Hospice of Southern Nevada in lieu of flowers.
You can also leave your condolences and tributes online at Dignity Memorial’s website or share your memories and photos of Miller on social media using the hashtag #RIPDennyMiller.
