Frank Merrill, a renowned gymnast, won an impressive 58 National, Southern California, and Los Angeles championships in gymnastics, specifically excelling in events such as Roman rings, high bars, and rope climbing. He held the title of national gymnastics champion from 1916 to 1918.
Before venturing into acting, Merrill worked as a stuntman, doubling for Elmo Lincoln in the 1921 film "Adventures of Tarzan". His initial starring role was in "Perils of the Jungle" for Weiss Brother Artclass Productions. However, his big break came when the director of that movie offered him the role of Tarzan after the original actor, Joe Bonono, fractured his leg and broke his contract.
Merrill is credited with inventing the vine-swinging techniques used in later Tarzan films and popularizing the Tarzan yell, which was even recorded on a record to accompany a "semi-sound" version of his second Tarzan movie. Unfortunately, his voice was deemed unsuitable for the advent of talkies, leading him to retire from the film industry.
Instead, Merrill dedicated his life to working with children, serving as both Park Commissioner and recreation director for the city of Los Angeles. Following his retirement in 1963, after a serious operation, he generously donated his services to the YMCA as a gymnastics instructor.
