American sportsman and actor Larry ' Buster ' Crabbe ( 1908 - 1983 ) . He competed in the 1928 and 1932 Olympic games in the swimming events , winning a Bronze medal in 1928 for the 1500 metres freestyle and the Gold medal in 1932 for the 400 metres freestyle . He starred in films but had a successful career in television as well as being a successful businessman .