Jock Mahoney

Biography

Jacques Joseph O'Mahoney, better known as Jock Mahoney, was an American actor and stuntman who made significant contributions to the film and television industries. Born on February 7, 1919, Mahoney gained fame through his roles in two prominent Western TV series, *The Range Rider* and *Yancy Derringer*. He also portrayed Tarzan in two feature films and was involved with several other Tarzan productions, occasionally credited as Jack O'Mahoney or Jock O'Mahoney.

Mahoney began his collegiate journey at the University of Iowa, excelling in swimming and diving, but left to serve in the United States Marine Corps when World War II erupted. He served as a pilot, flight instructor, and war correspondent. After returning to civilian life, he initially worked as a horse breeder before transitioning to a successful career as a stuntman, doubling for renowned actors such as Gregory Peck and John Wayne. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Mahoney appeared in numerous Columbia Pictures productions, including several short comedies featuring the Three Stooges.

In 1950, he began starring in adventure serials, which led to the creation of *The Range Rider*, where he teamed up with cowboy star Gene Autry. Mahoney's television career continued with *Yancy Derringer* in 1958, where his character's adventures were set against a post-Civil War backdrop.

In 1962, he became the 13th actor to take on the role of Tarzan in *Tarzan Goes to India*, followed by *Tarzan's Three Challenges* in Thailand. Sadly, health issues from filming led to a hiatus that lasted a year and a half. Mahoney enjoyed a resurgence in the 1980s with guest appearances on shows such as *B.J. and the Bear* and *The Fall Guy*. He passed away from a stroke on December 14, 1989, two days after