Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 192-193. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.
Crabbe did not test for the title role of his most famous film, Flash Gordon (1936/I); 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 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 part right away. It turned out that MacRae had seen several of Crabbe's previous films and thought he would be perfect for it, 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 a deal could be worked out with Paramount would Crabbe do the part, Crabbe said OK, a deal was arranged and Crabbe became Flash Gordon.
Father of Cullen Crabbe.
First cousin four times removed of Confederate General James Longstreet (1821-1904).
Graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Grandson Nick Holt head defensive football coach 2006 at University of Southern California where Buster Crabbe graduated in 1931.
Guest of Honor at "Multicon 70" science-fiction convention (Oklahoma City, USA, June 18-21, 1970)
His daughter Sande died of anorexia.
In 1971, Crabbe broke the world swimming record for the over sixties in the 400 meters free style.
Is the only actor who has played Tarzan, Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon - the top 3 pulp fiction heroes of the 1930s.
Son of Edward Clinton Crabbe and wife Agnes Lucy McNamara.
Was on the 1928 and 1932 US Olympic swimming teams. Won 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.