Who Is Buster Crabbe? Age, Biography and Wiki
Buster Crabbe was born on February 7, 1908, and he lived until April 23, 1983. If Buster were alive today in 2025, he would be 117 years old. He is remembered for his exceptional achievements as an American swimmer, particularly winning a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1932 Summer Olympics. Crabbe later transitioned into a successful acting career, becoming famous for his roles in adventure films and serials during the 1930s and 1940s. His legacy continues to inspire not only athletes but also aspiring actors.
| Occupation | Business |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 7, 1908 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 23 April, 1983 |
| Died Place | Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. |
Popularity
Buster Crabbe's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Buster Crabbe was known for his athletic build and striking presence on screen. Standing at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighing around 180 lbs (82 kg) during his peak, Crabbe maintained a finely sculpted physique, a result of his swimming background. His well-defined body measurements contributed to his on-screen charisma and appeal, which were instrumental in his successful transition to Hollywood.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Buster Crabbe was married to his wife, a talented dancer and actress named Margaret "Margo" Dovey, in 1933. They shared a loving relationship, having three children together. Despite the demands of his career, Crabbe was a dedicated family man. While there were occasional rumors about his relationships during the height of his fame, he remained devoted to his family throughout his life. Currently, discussing his dating or relationship status in 2025 holds little relevance as Crabbe passed away in 1983. However, his enduring legacy within his family continues to thrive, with his descendants maintaining his memory.
Though he followed other pursuits, he never stopped acting. But his career in the 1950s, and later, was limited to low-budget films, including westerns such as Gunfighters of Abilene (1960) co-starring Barton MacLane, Arizona Raiders (1965) co-starring Audie Murphy, and The Bounty Killer (1965) co-starring Dan Duryea and Rod Cameron.
Crabbe appeared as the father of a young swimmer in the comedy Swim Team (1979), and as a sheriff in the low-budget horror film Alien Dead (1980), followed by The Comeback Trail (1982), one year before his death.
Crabbe also appeared in television commercials for Hormel Chili, Icy Hot, and the Magic Mold Bodyshirt, an upper body male girdle of sorts, which purportedly helped in weight loss. Through Icy Hot, he was actively involved in arthritis education.
Despite his numerous film and television appearances, he is best remembered today as one of the original cinema action heroes of the 1930s and 1940s.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1983, Buster Crabbe's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant amount for that era. If he were alive in 2025, his net worth would have likely appreciated due to licensing of his film work and memorabilia. Crabbe’s involvement in swimming events and coaching later in life also contributed to his income. Today, his name remains synonymous with both swimming excellence and classic cinema.
Career, Business and Investments
Buster Crabbe's career began with his success in competitive swimming, which opened doors to Hollywood in the early 1930s. He starred in over 100 films, including well-known serials such as "Flash Gordon" and "Buck Rogers." His charm, athleticism, and screen presence made him a beloved figure in American cinema. In addition to acting, Crabbe ventured into business, launching several successful enterprises related to swimming and fitness. His investment in physical fitness and wellness remains relevant, as these industries have grown tremendously over the years.
Clarence Linden "Buster" Crabbe II (February 7, 1908 – April 23, 1983) was an American two-time Olympic swimmer and film and television actor. He won the 1932 Olympic gold medal for 400-meter freestyle swimming event, which launched his career on the silver screen and later television.
He starred in a variety of popular feature films and movie serials released between 1933 and the 1950s, portraying the top three syndicated comic-strip heroes of the 1930s: Tarzan, Flash Gordon, and Buck Rogers. In 1983 Crabbe died of a heart attack in Arizona.
Social Networks
While Buster Crabbe was not part of the modern social media landscape, one can only imagine how he would utilize platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook in 2025 to engage with his fans and share insights from his life as an athlete and actor. His presence in the digital realm would likely celebrate his Olympic achievements and film legacy, inspiring new generations.
Education
Buster Crabbe attended the University of Southern California, where he developed his swimming prowess and also studied physical education. His education helped him excel as an athlete and had a significant impact on his subsequent success in acting. Crabbe's background laid the foundation for his later endeavors and emphasized the importance of education in achieving one's passions.
He had a brother, Edward Clinton Simmons Crabbe Jr. (1909–1972). Crabbe grew up in Hawaii and graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu. He then attended the University of Southern California, where he was the school's first All-American swimmer (1931) and a 1931 NCAA freestyle titlist. He also became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity before graduating from USC in 1931.
