Ron Ely, the actor who brought the legendary character Tarzan to life in the 1960s TV series, has passed away at age 86. Ely died on September 29, 2023, at his home in Los Alamos, California, surrounded by family. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed the news in an Instagram post, calling him “an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader.”
Ely became famous for his portrayal of Tarzan on NBC from 1966 to 1968, performing his own dangerous stunts and working closely with wild animals. While he wasn’t as widely recognized as Johnny Weismuller, who played Tarzan in the 1930s films, Ely made his own mark on the role, bringing a more educated and articulate version of the character to the screen. His dedication to the role came at a cost—he suffered injuries on set and dealt with unpredictable animals.
Born in Hereford, Texas, and raised in Amarillo, Ely’s early acting career included roles in films like South Pacific and the action film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze. In the 1980s, he hosted the Miss America pageant, where he met his future wife, Valerie Lundeen, a former Miss Florida. The couple married in 1984 and had three children.
Tragically, Ely’s later life was marked by personal heartbreak. In 2019, his wife Valerie was murdered by their son, Cameron Ely, in a shocking incident at the family home. Cameron was later shot and killed by police, leading Ron Ely to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the authorities, though it was ultimately dismissed.
Ely retired from acting in 2001 to focus on writing and spending time with his family, authoring two mystery novels. He briefly returned to the screen in 2014 for the TV movie Expecting Amish.
Kirsten Ely, in her tribute to her father, said, “He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. To me, he hung the moon.”
Ely is survived by his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland Ely Sweet. His life, marked by adventure, loss, and enduring love, leaves a lasting legacy both on and off screen.
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