Ron Ely, the beloved actor best known for portraying Tarzan in the 1960s television series, has passed away at the age of 86. Ely died on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, California.
Ely’s daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, paid tribute to her father in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known—and I have lost my dad.”
A Hero on Screen and in Life
Ely became a household name in the 1960s for his role as Tarzan, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1968. The actor, known for doing his own stunts, sustained several injuries during filming and was reportedly attacked by animals on set. His dedication to realism made him a standout in the role, cementing his status as a TV hero.
After leaving the acting world in 2001, Ely pursued writing and published two mystery novels. He briefly returned to the screen in 2014, appearing in the TV movie Expecting Amish. In the 1980s, Ely was a familiar face on shows like The Love Boat and Wonder Woman.
Personal Life and Tragedy
Born in Texas in 1938, Ely married his high school sweetheart in 1959, but the couple divorced two years later. He went on to marry Valerie Lundeen, a former Miss Florida, in the early 1980s after they met while he was hosting the Miss America pageant.
The couple had three children, but tragedy struck in 2019 when their son, Cameron, stabbed Valerie to death. Cameron was later shot and killed by police at the family home in what officers deemed a self-defense situation. Ely later filed a wrongful death lawsuit, but the court ruled in favor of the officers.
A Fond Farewell
In her Instagram tribute, Kirsten Ely described her father as “a hero” not just on the screen but in life. “He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader,” she wrote. “To me, he hung the moon.”
Ron Ely’s legacy endures as the man who brought one of the most iconic characters, Tarzan, to life for a generation of TV viewers. He will be remembered for his courage, both on and off the screen.
