Ron Ely, who rose to fame as TV’s ‘Tarzan’ in the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 86. Ely’s daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed that he died on September 29 at his residence in Los Alamos, California. Best known for his portrayal of the iconic jungle hero, Ron Ely brought the character of Tarzan to life on the NBC series, captivating audiences with his strong physique and charismatic presence.
While not as prominent as Johnny Weismuller, who portrayed Tarzan in earlier films, Ely’s interpretation of the character left a lasting impact. Beyond his acting career, Ely was described by his daughter as a multifaceted individual, encompassing roles as an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader. His daughter reflected on his positive influence and the magical aura he exuded, touching the lives of those around him.
In a tragic turn of events in 2019, Ely faced the loss of his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, who was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron Ely, at their home in Santa Barbara. Ron Ely contested the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, questioning the justification for the use of lethal force. Despite these challenges, Ely remained dedicated to his family, marrying Valerie in 1984 after meeting her at the Miss America pageant, where he was hosting.
Taking a step back from acting in the early 2000s to focus on his family, Ron Ely cherished the time spent with his children, prioritising their upbringing and involvement in their lives. Reflecting on his career, Ely shared his aspirations to return to acting, a passion that resurfaced in projects such as the 2014 TV movie “Expecting Amish.” His portrayal of Tarzan was unique in that the character was depicted as an educated individual disenchanted with civilisation, who retreated to the African jungle of his upbringing.
Beyond his role as Tarzan, Ely’s career included diverse roles such as playing the titular character in the 1975 action film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.” Additionally, he explored writing, penning two mystery novels featuring detective Jake Sands. Born in Hereford, Texas, and raised in Amarillo, Ely’s life journey encompassed various experiences, including marriage, divorce, and lasting connections with his surviving family members.
Ron Ely’s legacy as ‘Tarzan’ endures, symbolising a chapter of television history that captured the imagination of viewers worldwide. His contributions to entertainment, coupled with his personal resilience in the face of adversity, leave a profound mark on those who knew him and the audiences who admired his work.