URGENT UPDATE: New revelations confirm that legendary swimmer Jim Cook from Cooks Hill Life Saving and Surf Club was once offered the iconic role of Tarzan in the late 1920s, a role he ultimately turned down. This astonishing twist in cinematic history sheds light on the remarkable life of a local hero whose legacy has been overshadowed by Hollywood.
The offer came during a time when Cook was a celebrated athlete, having won the Australian Junior Surf Championship in 1926. As surf historian John Mayo OAM recounts, Cook’s impressive physique and outgoing personality made him an ideal candidate to follow in the footsteps of the original Tarzan, Elmo Lincoln, who starred in the silent film “Tarzan of the Apes” in 1918.
However, Cook chose to decline the role for personal reasons, believing there were limited opportunities for a swimmer in feature films. His decision leaves fans wondering how different the Tarzan franchise might have been had he accepted the offer.
Mayo elaborated on Cook’s legacy, stating, “He was not only an outstanding swimmer but also an inspiration to others.” Cook’s tale is intertwined with the Cooks Hill club’s history, which has produced numerous heroes, including those who served in World War I.
In a poignant reminder of the club’s past, the Bar Beach War Memorial honors nine former lifesavers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. Mayo highlighted that an astonishing 90 percent of the club’s members enlisted to fight, a statistic that underscores the depth of camaraderie and commitment within the community.
The memorial, which was unveiled in June 1918, is unique for its freestanding nature and has been relocated multiple times, currently sitting above Bar Beach since 2015. Mayo passionately describes it as “a significant piece of our city infrastructure,” emphasizing its role in remembering the club members who served their country.
As interest in Cook’s story grows, fans of cinema and history alike are encouraged to share this astonishing revelation. The intersection of sports and film history in Cooks Hill serves as a powerful narrative that resonates with both local and global audiences.
Watch for further developments as the community honors its heroes and reflects on the untold stories of those who shaped its legacy.
