Manuel Padilla Jr. (July 13, 1955 â January 29, 2008) was an American child actor who began appearing in films at age 8. He is best remembered for playing Jai on the 1960s Tarzan television series starring Ron Ely. He also co-starred with Mike Henry in two mid-1960's "Tarzan" feature films. As a young adult, he appeared in American Graffiti (1973) as well as its 1979 sequel. He also appeared in episodes of Rawhide, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Happy Days and The Flying Nun. His last role was a small part in Brian De Palma's 1983 film Scarface.
Manuel Padilla Jr. died from colon cancer on January 29, 2008, at age 52.