Trivia

He was the only actor who has played Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers and Tarzan - the top three pulp heroes of the 1930s.

In 1971, Crabbe broke the world swimming record for the over-sixties in the 400-meter free style.

Crabbe did not test for the title role of his most famous film Flash Gordon (1936); in fact, he thought the idea was too far out for movie audiences to accept and would be a box-office flop. However, he was a huge fan of the comic strip and was curious to see who would be cast, so he went to the tryouts and stood in the back of the room watching the testing. The series' producer, Henry MacRae, saw him, came over and offered him the role right away. It turned out that MacRae had seen several of Crabbe's films and thought he would be perfect for the role, but the series was being made by Universal and Crabbe was under contract to Paramount, and MacRae did not think Paramount would loan him out. MacRae asked him if he would do the role if a deal could be worked out with Paramount. Crabbe said okay, a deal was arranged, and Crabbe became Flash Gordon.

Was on the 1928 and 1932 United States Olympic swimming teams. Won a gold medal in the 400 Meter Swimming Freestyle at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Also won a bronze medal in the 1500 Meter Freestyle at Amsterdam.

Father of Cullen Crabbe; His daughter Caren Lynn "Sande" Crabbe (born July 14, 1936) died of anorexia at her maternal grandparents' home in Pacific Palisades on April 10, 1957. At the time of her death, she weighed only 60 pounds.

He died ten days after his 50th wedding anniversary.

He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California, on February 8, 1960.

The self-described "King of the Serials," he starred in nine sound serials, more than any other actor: Tarzan the Fearless (1933), Flash Gordon (1936), Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars (1938), Red Barry (1938), Buck Rogers (1939), Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940), The Sea Hound (1947), Pirates of the High Seas (1950) and King of the Congo (1952). Only William Desmond starred in more serials (ten) but all of them were silent.

Attended and graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii (1927).

Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1965.

Grandson Nick Holt was head defensive football coach at the University of Southern California, where Crabbe graduated in 1931.

In the 1970s, he was the commercial spokesperson for Continental Airlines.

Guest of Honor at "Multicon 70" science fiction convention (Oklahoma City, USA, June 18-21, 1970).

He bleached his hair and changed his name to Buster then became 'Flash Gordon'.

After watching the 1980 movie of "Flash Gordon," Buster Crabbe admitted to disliking it.

He died only three days before his Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940) co-star Shirley Deane.

Along with Charles Middleton and Frank Shannon, he is one of only three actors to appear in all three "Flash Gordon" serials: Flash Gordon (1936), Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars (1938) and Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940).

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 192-193. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.

First cousin four times removed of Confederate General James Longstreet (1821-1904).

Son of Edward Clinton Crabbe and wife Agnes Lucy McNamara.

Buster was a guest celebrity on Beat the clock.