Johnny Sheffield, right, played “Boy” in the Tarzan movies opposite Johnny Weissmuller. (Photo via Wikipedia/public domain)

The Lone Ranger had Tonto. Abbott had Costello. And Tarzan had “Boy.” For fans of 1930s and ’40s cinema, that “Boy” was Johnny Sheffield — the fearless, wide-eyed child actor who swung through the jungle on screen and later built a quiet, enduring life in Chula Vista.

Born John Matthew Sheffield Cassan on April 11, 1931, in Pasadena, Sheffield was immersed in the arts from an early age. His father, British actor Reginald Sheffield, and his mother, art lecturer Louise Van Loon, nurtured his talents. By seven, he was performing on Broadway in On Borrowed Time, a debut that foreshadowed a remarkable Hollywood career.

The late actorJohnny Sheffield’s parents. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Lancaster)

At age eight, MGM cast him as “Boy” in Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939) alongside Olympic champion Johnny Weissmuller. Sheffield, who barely knew how to swim, was guided personally by Weissmuller through demanding water scenes that became a trademark of the series. Over the next eight years, Sheffield appeared in eight Tarzan films, including Tarzan Triumphs (1943) and Tarzan and the Huntress (1947).

Reflecting on their partnership, Weissmuller later said, “He was a natural on set, fearless in the water, and always ready to jump into a scene. Made my job a lot easier.”

After Tarzan, Sheffield took on the lead in Monogram Pictures’ Bomba the Jungle Boy, starring in 12 adventure films from 1949 to 1955. The role allowed him to grow from child actor to young adult leading man, carrying a franchise during Hollywood’s golden age.

Johnny Sheffield, as he got older in various studio photos above and below in the Bomba films. (Photos courtesy of Elaine Lancaster)

By his mid-twenties, Sheffield retired from acting. He earned a business degree from UCLA, married Patricia Berg in 1959, and raised three children: Patrick, Stuart, and Regina. He worked in real estate, construction, and even lobster importing, quietly shaping a life in Chula Vista far removed from Hollywood’s spotlight.

Elaine Lancaster, Sheffield’s daughter-in-law, has lived on the family property for 19 years with Stuart and their son, Draygon Wylde Sheffield-Cassan, who she says is “a dead ringer for his late granddad.”

She reflected on Sheffield’s final years: “He just wanted to look forward to being a granddad. And of course, he did get to see and enjoy his grandson Draygon for the last couple of years. Draygon shares a striking resemblance to his grandfather, including the iconic curly, golden hair.”

The late actor’s family, daughter-in-law, Elaine Lancaster (left), son Stuart Lancaster (center), and (right) grandson Draygon Wylde Sheffield (right).

Home Sweet Home
Speaking of the family home — a Tudor-style property with a basement, expansive pool, and carefully maintained landscaping — is one that reflects Johnny’s hands-on nature. “We all have our little niche around here,” Lancaster explained. “Stu takes care of everything from roofing to plumbing to electronics. I handle trimming the hedges. We all share in the lawn and pool maintenance.” Sheffield purchased the home in the 1970s and oversaw major renovations, including leveling the backyard and installing an Olympic-sized pool. Lancaster noted, “When the city came around to make it a historic site, one of the choices was the person who had done the most to instill the historic value. That was dad — Johnny Sheffield.”

The home in Chula Vista that the late actor built and where his family still resides. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Lancaster)

Chula Vista historian Sandra Scheller, who lives nearby, added perspective on the family’s presence in the community. “I’m close with Stuart, Elaine, and Regina. They live about 10 houses from me,” she said. “Stuart is married to Elaine, and they have a son. Stuart and Regina’s brother, Patrick, passed away.”

She also described the family’s personal pursuits. “Stuart is always getting old classic cars. It’s great watching him give these cars a second life. Regina loves dancing traditional folk dances. The kids are very close and work on the home constantly. The home has a huge pool, probably the biggest in Chula Vista.”

Son Stu Sheffield enjoys motorcycles, restoring cars, and taking care of the home in Chula Vista, along with the rest of the family. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Lancaster)

Daughter Regina Sheffield loves to dance, according to the family. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Lancaster)

All in the Family
Scheller reflected on Sheffield’s Hollywood roots: “His father was also an actor, so it ran in his blood. They grew up in Malibu and enjoyed the Hollywood life.” She sees that same creative energy continuing in his children through hobbies and family traditions.

An award given to the late actor Johnny Sheffield. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Lancaster)

Lancaster shared a mix of humor and poignancy recalling Sheffield’s final days: “He was last into the palm tree … we’re not sure if he had a heart attack and he fell, or he fell and he had a heart attack … just like his original … it was the same in his first round on the stage in On Borrowed Time, when he fell out of a tree.”

She also remembered his personality: “He had this odd sense of humor … very private about his fame, but proud of his family and the property he maintained.” Sheffield cherished his fan club, carefully responding to letters over the years and nurturing a connection with admirers.

Fondly Remembered
Johnny Sheffield passed away on Oct. 15, 2010, at age 79. While he will always be remembered by movie fans as Tarzan’s loyal companion and the adventurous Bomba, his Chula Vista legacy is rooted in family, community, and a home maintained with love and care.

“The kids still live in the Sheffield home,” Scheller said. “They do a wonderful job keeping both Johnny’s and Patricia’s memories alive…”

From the bright lights of Broadway to the jungle of Hollywood and the calm streets of Chula Vista, Johnny Sheffield’s story is a testament to the enduring power of family, community, and a life well-lived.

I bet you’re ready to watch one of his films, right?

Johnny Sheffield memorabilia at the Sheffield home above and below. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Lancaster)

Johnny Sheffield Filmography

Tarzan Series (1939–1947)

Sheffield portrayed “Boy,” Tarzan’s adopted son, in eight films, co-starring with Johnny Weissmuller:

Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939)

Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941)

Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)

Tarzan Triumphs (1943)

Tarzan’s Desert Mystery (1943)

Tarzan and the Amazons (1945)

Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (1946)

Tarzan and the Huntress (1947)

Bomba, the Jungle Boy Series (1949–1955)

Following his Tarzan roles, Sheffield starred as Bomba in 12 adventure films produced by Monogram Pictures:

Bomba, the Jungle Boy (1949)

Bomba on Panther Island (1949)

The Lost Volcano (1950)

Bomba and the Hidden City (1950)

The Lion Hunters (1951)

Bomba and the Elephant Stampede (1951)

African Treasure (1952)

Bomba and the Jungle Girl (1952)

Safari Drums (1953)

Killer Leopard (1954)

The Golden Idol (1954)

Lord of the Jungle (1955)

Other Notable Films

In addition to his roles in the Tarzan and Bomba series, Sheffield appeared in several other films:

Babes in Arms (1939)

Knute Rockne, All-American (1940)

Little Orvie (1940)

Million Dollar Baby (1941)

Roughly Speaking (1945)

Lucky Cisco Kid (1940)

Alvie Grayson (1941)

Tommy Lawrence (1940)

Bobs (1939)

Sources:

IMDb

Film Talk

ERBzine

Interview/insights from Chula Vista historian Sandra Scheller

Family

Debbie L. Sklar is a long-time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age, visit here.

READ NEXT