Who Is Sabu (actor)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sabu was born on January 27, 1924, which means he would have turned 101 years old in 2025, had he lived. He is best known for his roles in various British and Hollywood films, often portraying characters inspired by his Indian heritage. His breakout role came in the film "Elephant Boy" (1937), where he showcased his extraordinary talent at a young age. Sabu's career spanned the late 1930s to the early 1960s, leaving an enduring legacy celebrated in today's cinematic landscape.
| Occupation | Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1924 |
| Age | 39 Years |
| Birth Place | Karapura, Mysore, Kingdom of Mysore, British India (present-day Karnataka, India) |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 2 December, 1963 |
| Died Place | Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, United States |
Popularity
Sabu (actor)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sabu stood at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, with a weight that varied during his acting career but typically ranged around 150 pounds (68 kg). His athletic build and enchanting smile contributed to his charming screen presence. Specific measurements such as chest, waist, and hips remain undisclosed, but his physicality was ideal for the adventurous roles he often played.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sabu's personal life was relatively private, but he was married to actress Marilyn Cooper until his untimely death in 1963. The couple's relationship, which highlighted Sabu's ability to balance personal and professional life, remains an intriguing aspect of his history. There is no public record of any boyfriends or girlfriends as Sabu was mostly dedicated to his marriage and career, focusing on his craft and family life.
His father was a mahout (elephant keeper/trainer) and was Deccani. His mother was Assamese. While most reference books list his full name as "Sabu Dastagir" (which was the name he used legally), research by journalist Philip Leibfried suggests that his birth name was in fact Selar Sabu.
Net Worth and Salary
Although not definitively calculable in 2025, estimates suggest that Sabu's net worth at the height of his career could have reached several million dollars. His involvement in cinematic projects not only earned him fame but also substantial earnings. In today’s context, taking inflation into account and evaluating his contributions to the film industry, Sabu's legacy would likely reflect a net worth that resonates with his status as an influential figure in early cinema.
Career, Business and Investments
Sabu's remarkable career took flight during a time when Indian actors were beginning to make inroads into Western cinema. His performances in films such as "The Jungle Book" (1942) and "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940) are still celebrated for their adventurous spirit and engaging portrayals. Beyond acting, Sabu showed interest in various business ventures, although details of specific investments remain sparse. His legacy continues to inspire budding actors, particularly those who cherish cross-cultural narratives in filmmaking.
Sabu Dastagir (possibly born Selar Sabu; 27 January 1924 – 2 December 1963) was an Indian actor who later gained United States citizenship. Throughout his career he was credited under the name Sabu and is primarily known for his work in films during the 1930s–1940s in Britain and the United States. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Social Network
Although Sabu's active career was well before the digital age, his legacy lives on through social media and film fan communities. Various fan pages and tribute accounts celebrate his work and contributions across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The dialogue surrounding his influence on cinema and representation continues to thrive, connecting new generations of fans to his extraordinary artistry.
When he was 13, Sabu was discovered by documentary filmmaker Robert Flaherty, who cast him in the role of an elephant driver in the 1937 British film Elephant Boy. This was adapted from "Toomai of the Elephants", a story by Rudyard Kipling. In 1938 producer Alexander Korda commissioned A. E. W.
Mason to write The Drum as a starring vehicle for the young actor. Sabu is perhaps best known for his role as Abu in the 1940 fantasy adventure film The Thief of Bagdad. Director Michael Powell said that Sabu had a "wonderful grace" about him.
In 1942, Sabu played another role based on a Kipling story, namely Mowgli in Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, directed by Zoltan Korda, which was shot entirely in California. He starred alongside Maria Montez and Jon Hall in three films for Universal Pictures: Arabian Nights (1942), White Savage (1943) and Cobra Woman (1944).
Education
Details regarding Sabu's formal education are scant, but his rich experience in the film industry and life as a child actor offered him an unparalleled learning environment. He honed his skills on set, working alongside some of the biggest names in film history. This form of practical education is often regarded as highly beneficial, allowing Sabu to develop his natural talent into a celebrated career.
