Jane Porter (later Jane Clayton, Lady Greystoke) is a fictional character in Edgar Rice Burroughs's series of Tarzan novels and in adaptations of the saga to other media, particularly film. Jane, from Baltimore, Maryland, is the daughter of professor Archimedes Q. Porter. She becomes the love interest and later the wife of Tarzan, and subsequently the mother of their son Korak. She develops over the course of the series from a conventional damsel in distress, who must be rescued from various perils, to an educated, competent and capable adventuress in her own right, fully capable of defending herself and surviving on her own in the jungles of Africa.

In the novels

Jane first appeared in the initial Tarzan novel ''

Tarzan of the Apes ''Tarzan of the Apes'' is a 1912 story by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, and the first in the Tarzan series. It was first serialized in the pulp magazine '' The All-Story'' beginning October 1912 before being released as a novel in June ...

'' (1912) then later reappeared in: * ''

The Return of Tarzan ''The Return of Tarzan'' is a novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the second in his series of twenty-four books about the title character Tarzan. It was first published in the pulp magazine '' New Story Magazine'' in the issues for ...

'' (1913) * '' The Beasts of Tarzan'' (1914) * ''

The Son of Tarzan ''The Son of Tarzan'' is a novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the fourth in his series of twenty-four books about the title character Tarzan. It was written between January 21 and May 11, 1915, and first published in the magazine ' ...

'' (1914) * '' Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar'' (1916) * '' Tarzan the Untamed'' (1920) * '' Tarzan the Terrible'' (1921) * ''

Tarzan and the Golden Lion ''Tarzan and the Golden Lion'' is an adventure novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the ninth in his series of twenty-four books about the title character Tarzan. It was first published as a seven part serial in ''Argosy All-Story We ...

'' (1923) * '' Tarzan and the Ant Men'' (1924) * ''

Tarzan's Quest ''Tarzan's Quest'' is a novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the nineteenth in his series of twenty-four books about the title character Tarzan. Originally serialized in six parts, as ''Tarzan and the Immortal Men'', in ''The Blue Book ...

'' (1936) * '' Tarzan the Magnificent'' (1939) Jane also appeared in a minor role in the non-Tarzan novel ''

The Eternal Lover ''The Eternal Lover'' is a fantasy-adventure novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs. The story was begun in November 1913 under the working title ''Nu of the Niocene''. It was first run serially in two parts by ''All-Story Weekly''. The ...

'' (1925), the events of which take place chronologically between ''

'' and '' The Beasts of Tarzan''. Jane is described in ''Tarzan of the Apes'' as a beautiful, young woman, with long, blonde hair. She is between 18 and 20 years old in the novel. In addition, Porter is the narrator-protagonist in ''Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan'' by Robin Maxwell, a 2011 novel authorized by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. to commemorate the centennial celebration of Tarzan. Maxwell's novel is a free adaptation of the original story, contradicting it on numerous points of the story.

In other media

Film

Early Tarzan films portrayed Jane Porter and (occasionally) her father faithfully to the portrayal in the novels. The 1932 sound film '' Tarzan the Ape Man'' and its sequels changed the character's name to Jane Parker, portraying her as English rather than American and making her and Tarzan the adoptive parents of an orphan they named "Boy". In addition, the name of Jane's father in the first film is James Parker. Remakes of the 1932 film, ('' Tarzan, the Ape Man'' (1959) and '' Tarzan, the Ape Man'' (1981)) reprised this portrayal as well as that of her father. Maureen O'Sullivan, who portrayed Jane Parker with

Johnny Weissmuller Johnny Weissmuller (born Johann Peter Weißmüller; June 2, 1904 – January 20, 1984) was an American Olympic swimmer, water polo player and actor. He was known for having one of the best competitive swimming records of the 20th century. H ...

in the 1932 film and its first few sequels, was the most famous screen Jane. Tarzan the Ape Man

In recent Tarzan films, starting with '' Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes'' (1984), the character is again Jane Porter, and her father Archimedes Q. Porter, and both once again Americans (with the exception of Disney's 1999 animated '' Tarzan'', which again represents both as English). Jane Porter was once the ninth princess in the Disney Princess franchise but later removed. She permanently was replaced by Tiana from ''

The Princess and the Frog ''The Princess and the Frog'' is a 2009 American animated musical fantasy romantic comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The 49th Disney animated feature film, it is loosely based on the ...

''. Actresses who portrayed Jane on film include: * Enid Markey 1918 ( Elmo Lincoln as Tarzan) * Karla Schramm 1920 ( Gene Pollar as Tarzan; P. Dempsey Tabler as Tarzan) *

Louise Lorraine Louise Lorraine (born Louise Escovar; October 1, 1904 – February 2, 1981) was an American actress. Life and career Louise Lorraine was born Louise Escovar in San Francisco, California. One day, a photography salesman knocked on the door of t ...

1921 ( Elmo Lincoln as Tarzan) * Dorothy Dunbar 1927 ( James H. Pierce as Tarzan) * Natalie Kingston 1929 (

Frank Merrill Frank Dow Merrill (December 4, 1903 – December 11, 1955) was a United States Army general and is best remembered for his command of Merrill's Marauders, officially the 5307th Composite Unit (provisional), in the Burma Campaign of World War II ...

as Tarzan) * Maureen O'Sullivan 1932–1942 (

as Tarzan) * Brenda Joyce 1945–1949 (

as Tarzan;

Lex Barker Alexander Crichlow Barker Jr. (May 8, 1919 – May 11, 1973), known as Lex Barker, was an American actor. He was known for playing Tarzan for RKO Pictures between 1949 and 1953, and portraying leading characters from Karl May's novels, notably a ...

as Tarzan) *

Vanessa Brown Vanessa Brown (born Smylla Brind, March 24, 1928 – May 21, 1999) was an Austrian-born American actress who worked in radio, film, theater, and television. Early life Born in Vienna, Austria, to Jewish parents (Nah Brind, a language teacher, a ...

1950 (

as Tarzan) *

Virginia Huston Virginia Huston (April 24, 1925 – February 28, 1981) was an American actress. Early years Huston was born in Wisner, Nebraska, the daughter of Marcus and Mary Agnes Houston, and she had two brothers. Once she began her acting career, she cha ...

1951 (

as Tarzan) *

Dorothy Hart Dorothy Hart (April 4, 1922 – July 11, 2004) was an American actress, mostly in supporting roles. She portrayed Howard Duff's fiancée in the film ''The Naked City'' (1948). Early life Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Hart was the daughter of insura ...

1952 (

as Tarzan) * Joyce MacKenzie 1953 (

as Tarzan) * Eve Brent 1958 ( Gordon Scott as Tarzan) * Joanna Barnes 1959 ( Denny Miller as Tarzan) *

Bo Derek Bo Derek (born Mary Cathleen Collins, November 20, 1956) is an American actress and model. Her breakthrough film role was in the romantic comedy '' 10'' (1979). Her first husband John Derek directed her in '' Fantasies''; '' Tarzan, the Ape Man ...

1981 ( Miles O'Keeffe as Tarzan) *

Andie MacDowell Rosalie Anderson MacDowell (born April 21, 1958) is an American actress and former fashion model. MacDowell's known for her starring film roles in romantic comedies and dramas. MacDowell has modeled for Calvin Klein and has been a spokeswoman ...

1984 ( Christopher Lambert as Tarzan) *

Jane March Jane March Horwood (born 20 March 1973) is an English film actress and former model. Early life and education March was born Jane March Horwood in Edgware, London. Her father, Bernard Horwood, was a design and technology secondary school teac ...

1998 (

Casper Van Dien Casper Robert Van Dien Jr. (born December 18, 1968) is an American actor. He is best known for his lead role as Johnny Rico in the 1997 science-fiction action film ''Starship Troopers''. He has also appeared in a large number of television and ...

as Tarzan) *

Minnie Driver Amelia Fiona Jessica "Minnie" Driver (born 31 January 1970) is an English actress. She rose to prominence with her break-out role in 1995's '' Circle of Friends''. She went on to star in a wide range of films including the cult classic '' Grosse ...

1999 (voice – Disney's animated '' Tarzan'') (

Tony Goldwyn Anthony Howard Goldwyn (born May 20, 1960) is an American actor, singer, producer, director, and political activist. He made his debut appearing as Darren in the slasher film '' Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives'' (1986), and had his breakthr ...

as the voice of Tarzan) * Olivia d'Abo 2002, 2001–2003 (voice – Disney's

direct-to-video Direct-to-video or straight-to-video refers to the release of a film, TV series, short or special to the public immediately on home video formats rather than an initial theatrical release or television premiere. This distribution strategy wa ...

sequel A sequel is a work of literature, film, theatre, television, music or video game that continues the story of, or expands upon, some earlier work. In the common context of a narrative work of fiction, a sequel portrays events set in the same ...

, and the TV series) ( Michael T. Weiss as the voice of Tarzan) *

Spencer Locke Spencer Locke (born September 20, 1991) is an American actress known for her roles as Kylie in ''Cougar Town,'' Jenny Bennett in '' Monster House,'' Ione in '' Detention'', and K-Mart in the ''Resident Evil'' film series. Life and career Prior ...

2013 (voice – Constantin Film's CGI ''Tarzan'') (

Kellan Lutz Kellan Christopher Lutz (born March 15, 1985) is an American actor and model. He made his film debut in ''Stick It'' (2006), and is best known for playing Emmett Cullen in ''The Twilight Saga'' film series (2008–2012). He has since played Pos ...

as Tarzan) *

Margot Robbie Margot Elise Robbie (; born 2 July 1990) is an Australian actress and producer. Known for her work in both blockbuster and independent films, she has received several accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards, four Golden Glob ...

2016 (

Alexander Skarsgård Alexander Johan Hjalmar Skarsgård (; born August 25, 1976) is a Swedish actor. Born in Stockholm, he began acting at age seven but quit at 13. After serving in the Swedish military, Skarsgård returned to acting and gained his first role in th ...

as Tarzan) The Jane character is absent in: * ''

Tarzan Triumphs ''Tarzan Triumphs'' is a 1943 adventure film in which Tarzan fights the Nazi Germany, Nazis. Johnny Weissmuller had portrayed the Edgar Rice Burroughs character in six films with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but this was his first with the producer Sol ...

'' (1943) * '' Tarzan's Desert Mystery'' (1943) * '' Tarzan's Hidden Jungle'' (1955) * ''

Tarzan and the Lost Safari ''Tarzan and the Lost Safari'' is a 1957 action adventure film featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs' famous jungle hero Tarzan and starring Gordon Scott, Robert Beatty, Yolande Donlan and Betta St. John. Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone, it was the f ...

'' (1957) * ''

Tarzan's Greatest Adventure ''Tarzan's Greatest Adventure'' is a 1959 Eastmancolor adventure film directed by John Guillermin, produced by Sy Weintraub and Harvey Hayutin, and written by Les Crutchfield, based on the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. With a stro ...

'' (1959) * '' Tarzan the Magnificent'' (1960) * '' Tarzan Goes to India'' (1962) * '' Tarzan's Three Challenges'' (1963) * ''

Tarzan and the Valley of Gold ''Tarzan and the Valley of Gold'' is a 1966 Eastmancolor adventure film starring Mike Henry in his debut as Tarzan. The Panavision film, produced by Sy Weintraub, written by Clair Huffaker, and directed by Robert Day, is remembered for its v ...

'' (1966) * ''

Tarzan and the Great River ''Tarzan and the Great River'' is a 1967 adventure film starring Mike Henry in his second of three film appearances as Tarzan. The film was produced by Sy Weintraub and Steve Shagan, written by Bob Barbash (from a story by Barbash and Lewis Ree ...

'' (1967) * '' Tarzan and the Jungle Boy'' (1968)

Jane in all but name

Three Tarzan films presented female leads who became the partner of Tarzan, but who were not named Jane, for one reason or another. * ''

Tarzan the Mighty ''Tarzan the Mighty'' is a 1928 American action film serial directed by Jack Nelson and Ray Taylor. It was nominally based on the collection ''Jungle Tales of Tarzan'' by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The film is now considered to be lost. Cast * ...

'' (1928), starring

. Natalie Kingston portrays Mary Trevor, who becomes Tarzan's mate at film's end. A year later Kingston portrayed Jane to Merrill's Tarzan in '' Tarzan the Tiger''. * '' Tarzan the Fearless'' (1933), starring

Buster Crabbe Clarence Linden Crabbe II (; February 7, 1908 – April 23, 1983), known professionally as Buster Crabbe, was an American two-time Olympic swimmer and film and television actor. He won the 1932 Olympic gold medal for 400-meter freestyle swimmi ...

. Jacqueline Wells portrays Mary Brooks, who becomes Tarzan's mate at film's end. * ''

Tarzan's Revenge ''Tarzan's Revenge'' is a 1938 American adventure film starring Glenn Morris in his only outing as Tarzan. Eleanor Holm, a popular swimming star, co-starred as Eleanor Reed. The film was produced by Sol Lesser, written by Robert Lee Johnson an ...

'' (1938), starring Glenn Morris.

Eleanor Holm Eleanor G. Holm (December 6, 1913 – January 31, 2004) was an American competition swimmer and Olympic gold medalist. An Olympian in 1928 and 1932, she was expelled from the 1936 Summer Olympics team by Avery Brundage under controversial circu ...

portrays Eleanor Reed, who becomes Tarzan's mate at film's end. Producer

Sol Lesser Sol Lesser (February 17, 1890 – September 19, 1980) was an American film producer. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1961. Biography In 1913, while living in San F ...

nixed calling the character Jane as he felt that Holm was so popular for her swimming exploits that audiences would not accept her playing a character not named Eleanor.

Television

The Jane character has appeared sporadically in the seven (to date) television series featuring Tarzan, occasionally in offbeat portrayals when she does appear. She was entirely omitted in television series '' Tarzan'' (1966–68). In the Filmation animated series '' Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle'' (1976–80), she appeared once in the episode "Tarzan and Jane," in which she and her father were part of an archaeological expedition looking for the lost city of Cowloon; she was voiced by

Linda Gary Linda Gary (born Linda Gary Dewoskin, November 4, 1944 – October 5, 1995) was an American actress. Career Live-action appearances Gary worked as a voice-over artist in animation and also appeared in two live-action films, 1977's ''Joyride T ...

in this episode. In the TV movie '' Tarzan in Manhattan'' (1989) the character was reimagined as a New York cab driver, played by Kim Crosby, and in the French-Canadian-Mexican series ''

Tarzán ''Tarzán'' is a television series that aired in syndication from 1991–1994. In this version of the show, Tarzan (Wolf Larson) was portrayed as a blond environmentalist, with Jane (Lydie Denier) turned into a French ecologist. The series aired ...

'' (1991–94) as a French ecologist, played by

Lydie Denier Lydie Denier (born 15 April 1964) is a French-American model and actress. She has appeared in numerous TV series and films. Biography Early life She was born in Pontchâteau, France. Denier was raised in Martinique, attending school at the ...

. Jane was absent from '' Tarzan: The Epic Adventures'' (1996–1997), and Lydie Denier returned in the role of Olga de Coude; Jane was slated to appear in the unproduced second season, with Julie St. Claire cast in the role. Olivia d'Abo took the role in the Disney animated series '' The Legend of Tarzan'' (2000–2003), a follow-up to Disney's animated '' Tarzan'' film and its direct-to-video sequel '' Tarzan & Jane'' (2002). The 2003 series '' Tarzan'', set like ''Tarzan in Manhattan'' in New York City, casts

Sarah Wayne Callies Sarah Wayne Callies (born June 1, 1977) is an American actress. She is known for starring as Sara Tancredi in Fox's ''Prison Break'' and as Lori Grimes in AMC's '' The Walking Dead''. She has also starred as Katie Bowman in USA Network's ''Col ...

as detective Jane Porter. In the CGI 2017 series '' Tarzan and Jane'', Jane Porter is a teenage, big-city girl who becomes friends with a teenage Tarzan. Actresses who portrayed Jane on television include: *

1979 (voice, with Robert Ridgely as the voice of Tarzan) * Kim Crosby 1989 ( Joe Lara as Tarzan) *

1991–1994 (

Wolf Larson Wolf Larson (born Wolfgang von Wyszecki on December 22, 1959) is a German-Canadian Canadians (french: Canadiens) are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most ...

as Tarzan) * Olivia d'Abo 2000–2003 (voice, with Michael T. Weiss as the voice of Tarzan) *

2003 (

Travis Fimmel Travis Fimmel (born 15 July 1979) is an Australian actor and former model. He is known for his role as Ragnar Lothbrok in the History Channel television series ''Vikings'' (2013–2017),Prudom, LaurVikings On History: Travis Fimmel Previews The ...

as Tarzan) *

Rebecca Shoichet Rebecca Shoichet ( ; born February 16, 1975) is a Canadian voice actress and singer who has voiced in English dubs of Japanese anime and other shows for Ocean Productions in Vancouver. She took over Saffron Henderson's role of Sota Higurashi i ...

2017 (voice) ( Giles Panton as Tarzan)

Radio

* Joan Burroughs Pierce 1932–1934

Stage

Ethel Dwyer Ethel (also '' æthel'') is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name. Etymology and historic usage The word means ''æthel'' "noble". It is frequently attested as the first element in Anglo-Saxon names, b ...

1921 (Broadway) *

Jennifer Gambatese Jenn Gambatese (born September 10, 1975) is an American actress and singer. Gambatese has performed in the musical production of Disney's ''Tarzan'' as Jane. Gambatese also played Glinda on the first National Tour of '' Wicked''. Early life an ...

2006 (Disney's Broadway Musical)

Audio cassette

* 1999

(with Naia Kelly playing "narrator" Jane)

Video games

* Naia Kelly 2001–2002 (voice – ''Tarzan Untamed'' and '' Kingdom Hearts'') (Tony Goldwyn as the voice of Tarzan)

References

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Porter, Jane Tarzan characters Literary characters introduced in 1912 Fictional characters from Baltimore Fictional English people Fictional Central African people Fictional artists Fictional viscounts and viscountesses Fictional counts and countesses Fictional anthropologists Fictional explorers Fictional sole survivors Jungle girls Dynamite Entertainment characters Fantasy film characters Female characters in literature Female characters in comics Female characters in film