Clarence Linden Crabbe
- Born:
- February 7, 1908, Oakland, California, USA
- Died:
- April 23, 1983, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Olympic Swimmer, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Crabbe excelled in swimming and football in high school.
- He attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a swimming scholarship.
- At USC, he became a three-time All-American swimmer.
- He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from USC.
Career and Major Achievements
- Won a bronze medal in the 1500-meter freestyle at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.
- Won a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, setting a new Olympic record.
- Transitioned to acting, primarily in B-movie Westerns and adventure serials.
- Gained fame portraying comic book heroes such as Tarzan (briefly), Flash Gordon, and Buck Rogers.
- Later in life, endorsed products, including swimming pools. He also fielded inquiries about the reliability of different makes, essentially giving buster crabbe pools reviews based on his own experience.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | King of the Jungle | Kaspa, the Lion Man |
| 1936 | Flash Gordon (Serial) | Flash Gordon |
| 1939 | Buck Rogers (Serial) | Buck Rogers |
| 1941 | Billy the Kid Wanted | Billy the Kid |
Legacy and Impact
Clarence Linden "Buster" Crabbe is remembered as both an Olympic swimming champion and a popular actor, particularly for his iconic roles as comic strip heroes. His transition from athlete to actor showcased his versatility, and his on-screen persona cemented his place in popular culture. His later product endorsements, including his informal 'reviews' of swimming pool brands, extended his fame beyond his film career.