Johnny Sheffield, right, played “Boy” in the “Tarzan” movies opposite Johnny Weissmuller. (Courtesy)
Batman had Robin. Fred had Barney. Hollywood had Johnny Sheffield, the kid who became the jungle’s most memorable sidekick. From playing “Boy” alongside Johnny Weissmuller in the Tarzan films to starring in the Bomba series, Sheffield’s life stretched from silver-screen adventure to quiet but lasting contributions in Chula Vista.
Sheffield was born Jon Matthew Sheffield Cassan on April 11, 1931, in Pasadena. The son of British actor Reginald Sheffield and arts lecturer Louise Van Loon, he started on stage at age seven, appearing in the Broadway play On Borrowed Time. His first taste of performance set the stage for a Hollywood career that would captivate audiences worldwide.
His breakthrough came at eight when MGM cast him as “Boy” in Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939). Though he barely knew how to swim,
Weissmuller coached him through a critical test, ensuring he could manage the demanding jungle scenes. Over the next eight years, Sheffield appeared in eight Tarzan films, including Tarzan Triumphs (1943) and Tarzan and the Huntress (1947), earning a place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved child actors.
After Tarzan, Sheffield transitioned to the lead in Monogram Pictures’ Bomba series, starring in 12 adventure films from 1949 to 1955.
Weissmuller later said of him, “He was a natural on set, fearless in the water, and always ready to jump into a scene. Made my job a lot easier.” The Bomba films allowed Sheffield to develop his craft and carry a series as a young adult, further cementing his cinematic legacy.
Sheffield retired from acting at 24, earned a business degree from UCLA, and married Patricia Berg in 1959. The couple raised three children: Patrick, Stuart (Stu), and Regina. He pursued real estate, construction, and even lobster importing, quietly contributing to the Chula Vista community while keeping his family life at the forefront.
Elaine Lancaster, Sheffield’s daughter-in-law, has lived on the family property for 19 years with Stu and their 17-year-old son, Draygon Wylde Sheffield-Cassan ( dead ringer for his late grandad). She reflected on Johnny’s later years and his role as a grandfather: “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 Sheffield family home reflects Johnny’s hands-on approach and care. Lancaster described it as a Tudor-style property with a basement, expansive pool, and meticulous landscaping. “We all have our little niche around here. 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,” she said.
Johnny Sheffield purchased the home in the 1970s and oversaw major renovations, including leveling the backyard and installing an Olympic-sized pool. “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,” Lancaster said.
Chula Vista historian Sandra Scheller, who lives nearby, shared her perspective on the Sheffield family and Johnny’s enduring influence.
“I am close with Stuart, Elaine, and Regina. They live about 10 houses from me. Stuart is married to Elaine, and they have a son. Stuart and Regina’s brother, Patrick, passed away.”
She recalled how the siblings maintain the property and their personal passions: “Stuart is always getting old classic cars. It’s great watching him give these cars a second life. Regina loves dancing traditional folk dances.” Scheller added, “The kids are very close and work on the home constantly. The home has a huge pool, probably the biggest in Chula Vista.”
Reflecting on the late star’s lasting influence, Scheller said, “His father was also an actor, so it ran in his blood, plus they grew up in Malibu and enjoyed the Hollywood life.”
She noted that Johnny Sheffield’s legacy is evident in the family’s commitment to one another and their ongoing stewardship of the property.
Lancaster also recalled his final days with a mix of humor and poignancy. “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.”
Sheffield passed away on Oct. 15, 2010, at age 79, leaving a legacy on and off the screen.
Though Johnny Sheffield had once been a Hollywood child star, he remained private in later years, devoted to his family and community.
Lancaster described his personality as droll and thoughtful: “He had this odd sense of humor … very private about his fame, but proud of his family and the property he maintained.”
Sheffield also treasured his fan club, carefully responding to letters over the years and nurturing a connection with admirers.
Johnny Sheffield’s story is a reminder that childhood fame is only one chapter. His lasting impact comes from the lives he touched, the family he nurtured, and the community he helped shape.
Please follow and like us:
