The Notable Entries: Cheetah in Tarzan's Adventures

Introduction

The character of Cheetah in Disney's film series Tarzan is a beloved and iconic element that has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. This article explores the role of Cheetah, a chimpanzee, in the Tarzan films and television series of the 1930s to 1960s, and contrasts this with the original novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, where a different character, Nkima the Monkey, plays a significant role.

The Chimpanzee in the Tarzan Films

In the Tarzan films produced by Walt Disney, a series of chimps have been portrayed as Cheeta, the ape sidekick to Tarzan. The role has been shared by several chimpanzees over the decades, with the character changing roles and trainers with each production. This article aims to highlight the chimps who played Cheeta, their origins, and their roles in the famous Tarzan series.

The Chimpanzees of Cheeta

Between the 1930s and 1960s, numerous chimpanzees were trained and used to portray Cheeta in various Tarzan films and TV series. The list below provides a brief overview of the major chimp actors:

Jiggs - Active from 1932 to 1934 Jacky II - Active from 1942 Cheetah-Mike a.k.a. Org - Claimed to be active from the 1930s to 1940s Jiggs Jr. a.k.a. Jiggs II - Active from the 1930s to 1940s Unknown 1 - Active in the 1930s Skippy - Active in the late 1930s Unknown 2 - Active from 1933 to 1943 Jacky III - Active from 1942 Chet - Active in 1943 Unknown 3 - Active from 1944 to 1945 Unknown 4 - Active from 1946 to 1949

From these entries, it is clear that the role of Cheeta has been a popular and enduring character in the Tarzan film series. Each chimp brought their unique traits and performances, contributing to the beloved character we know today.

Trained Chimpanzees and Their Owners

The chimps who portrayed Cheeta were trained by well-known performers and trainers. For example, David Holt, known as the "Tarzan of the Movies," trained and portrayed several chimps in the role. Many of these chimp actors have been credited with significant training and performance, making them an essential part of the Tarzan mythology.

The Role of Nkima in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Novels

While the character of Cheetah is prominent in Disney's Tarzan films, the original novel series by Edgar Rice Burroughs features Nkima, a monkey who is Tarzan's companion. Nkima is a fictional character in Burroughs' Tarzan novels, appearing as an important supporting character in several later books. The name Nkima comes from the Mbugu language, a regional dialect of Swahili, and is also derived from the Meru language nickname for Ugali, a popular dish made from maize flour. Nkima is often more mischievous and playful, bringing a different dynamic to the character of Tarzan's friend.

Adaptations and Evolution of the Character

The character of Nkima was also featured in the Tarzan comic strip and comic books, both in adaptations of the original novels and in storylines newly written for those media. Additionally, Nkima appeared in film appearances, including a notable role in the 1935 serial The New Adventures of Tarzan and the 1938 feature film Tarzan and the Green Goddess. In the 1976 to 1981 animation series Tarzan Lord of the Jungle, produced by Filmation, Nkima was a main character.

Modern Interpreters of the Character

Today, the character of Cheetah continues to be portrayed through various media, including recent live-action films and children's television series. The evolution of the character from the original Burroughs novels to the modern adaptations reflects the enduring appeal of Tarzan and his world. While the role of Cheetah has been played by many chimps over the years, the character remains a beloved and iconic part of Tarzan's legacy.

Conclusion

The character of Cheetah, portrayed by a series of chimpanzees, has been a central figure in the Tarzan film and television series. From the 1930s to the 1960s, various chimps have taken on the role, each bringing their unique traits and performances. While Nkima the Monkey is also an important character in the original Tarzan novels, the role of Cheetah has evolved and remains a beloved aspect of Tarzan's legacy.