1. Cheeta Wasn’t Just One Chimp—He Was Several!
There wasn’t just one Cheeta in the Tarzan films — multiple chimps played the role, each selected for different skills like tree climbing or comedic timing. The most famous was Jiggs IV, who lived the longest and became the face fans remembered. Chimps age quickly, so as one outgrew the part, another took over. Despite the swaps, Cheeta’s playful personality stayed consistent on screen, making it easy for audiences to believe in Tarzan’s loyal sidekick — even if that loyalty came from several different stars.
Source: Wikipedia
2. He Was a Prankster on Set (and Sometimes a Menace)
Cheeta wasn’t just a scene-stealer — he was a full-blown on-set prankster. Known for throwing food, stealing props, and even biting co-stars, he kept the Tarzan cast on their toes. Johnny Weissmuller often had to wrangle Cheeta’s wild energy, but directors loved it because it brought the character to life. In one legendary incident, Cheeta locked a crew member in a supply closet for hours. With antics like that, filming was never boring — and audiences were none the wiser that Tarzan’s loyal sidekick was also the set’s biggest troublemaker.
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3. He Was a Record-Breaking Superstar
Cheeta didn’t just star in movies — he made history. Listed by Guinness as the oldest chimpanzee in captivity, he lived into his 70s, nearly doubling the typical wild lifespan. Even in retirement, he stayed in the spotlight, receiving fan mail and painting colorful artwork that was sold to support animal charities. His unexpected second act as a chimpanzee artist wasn’t just a novelty — it raised awareness for conservation and added another surprising twist to the life of one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable animal stars.
Source: BBC
4. He Had a Taste for the Finer Things (Including Coca-Cola)
Cheeta didn’t exactly retire quietly. The former Tarzan star had a taste for the high life — sipping Coca-Cola straight from the bottle, enjoying music and TV, and even charming female chimps at his Florida sanctuary. He wasn’t just living out his days; he was living like a celebrity. His caretakers recalled his fondness for junk food and even a mischievous moment when he stole a pack of cigarettes. Cheeta’s love for human luxuries wasn’t just quirky — it showed how deeply he’d adapted to fame, making him one of Hollywood’s most unusual and unforgettable animal icons.
Source: BBC
5. He Outlived Almost Everyone from the Tarzan Films
Cheeta outlived nearly everyone from the Tarzan films, including star Johnny Weissmuller, who died in 1984. As directors, co-stars, and fans passed on, Cheeta remained—thriving well into his 70s at a Florida primate sanctuary. His remarkable longevity became legendary, making him one of the last living links to Hollywood’s golden age. Fans were often shocked to learn he was still alive, with rumors of his death surfacing every few years. But Cheeta kept going, refusing to fade quietly. His life became a symbol of endurance, and a reminder that some stars truly shine for decades.
Source: The Independent
6. His Final Years Were Spent in a Retirement Home (With a Twist)
When Cheeta retired from Hollywood, he settled into a primate sanctuary in Palm Springs, Florida—a comfortable haven for former showbiz animals. But Cheeta wasn’t just any resident. Fans visited him regularly, he had his own fan club, and his caretakers joked he was more famous in retirement than most actors. The sanctuary became his final stage, and he remained a beloved figure until his death in 2011. Though the Tarzan films are now vintage classics, Cheeta’s playful spirit and record-setting legacy continue to capture hearts and keep his name alive.
