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Buster Crabbe

📅 1908–1983 (Died at age 75)

Full Name: Clarence Linden Crabbe II

Stage Name: Buster Crabbe

Nickname: Flash Gordon

Born: February 7, 1908 – Oakland, California, USA

Died: April 23, 1983 – Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

IMDb Profile: Buster Crabbe on IMDb ↗

🎬 Movies featuring Buster Crabbe:

📘 Biography

Buster Crabbe was an American Olympic gold medalist swimmer turned film and television actor, widely known for portraying iconic action heroes in the 1930s and 1940s. With his athletic build and heroic looks, Crabbe became the face of serial adventure films.

He won a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1932 Summer Olympics, which helped launch his film career. He is best remembered for his starring roles as Flash Gordon, Tarzan, and Buck Rogers—making him the only actor to play all three legendary characters on screen.

Crabbe’s energetic performances made him a favorite among young audiences, and he continued acting in Westerns and adventure serials throughout the 1940s. In later years, he appeared on television and remained active in sports and business until his death.

📽️ Full Filmography

Some of Buster Crabbe’s most memorable films and serials include:

  • Flash Gordon (1936) – Played the title role in this groundbreaking science fiction serial.
  • Tarzan the Fearless (1933) – His first major role, stepping into the jungle hero’s shoes.
  • Buck Rogers (1939) – Another iconic space hero, continuing his serial fame.
  • Red River Range (1938) – A popular entry in the “Three Mesquiteers” Western series.
  • Sea Hound (1947) – Starred in this maritime adventure serial for Columbia Pictures.

Note: For a full list of appearances, visit Buster Crabbe’s IMDb filmography.