Jane, Tarzan and Cheeta

This month marks the 71^st birthday of one of the most recognized stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, Cheeta the chimp. Already a star at age 2, the Guinness Book of Records' oldest living chimpanzee made a name for himself in no less than twelve of the Johnny Weissmuller/Maureen O'Sullivan Tarzan movies, playing the part of Tarzan's loyal companion to primate perfection.

Cheeta, now residing in sunny Palm Springs, CA, has led an extraordinary life - especially by chimp standards. Between swinging from trees and adventuring around the jungle throughout the '30s and '40s, Cheeta also allegedly enjoyed biting Maureen O'Sullivan! Sadly, he was almost put to sleep after the death of his trainer Tony Gentry, who feared he would be sent to a research lab. Gentry's nephew adopted him, however, saving him from both harrowing fates and rearing him to his ripe age.

Cheeta's talents aren't even limited to the screen. He reportedly spends his time playing with toys, watching old movies, eating burgers, leafing through magazines, and, yes, painting and playing the piano. He has a star on the Palm Springs Star Walk, and visitors to the California resort town are known to clamor outside his home for even the slightest chimp-glimpse. Happy Birthday, Cheeta!