Ron Ely, TV’s Iconic ‘Tarzan,’ Passes Away at 86

Ron Ely, best known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s NBC series, has died at the age of 86. Ely passed away on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared the news, describing her father as a “hero” and a “magical” influence on those around him. While Ely may not have achieved the fame of earlier Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller, he helped shape the modern image of the character, known for its shirtless and loincloth-wearing aesthetics. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic television.

Career Highlights

Ely’s Tarzan was unique; unlike the character’s typical portrayal as a monosyllabic figure, Ely’s version was an educated man returning to the jungle after growing disillusioned with civilization. He performed many of his own stunts and faced challenges during production, including an incident involving a chimpanzee that ultimately led to him being cast for the role. Beyond Tarzan, Ely appeared in the 1975 film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze” and had smaller roles in various TV shows and films, including “South Pacific.” He also authored two mystery novels featuring detective Jake Sands.

Personal Tragedy

In 2019, Ely’s life took a tragic turn when his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron Ely, who was subsequently shot by police. This incident brought Ely back into the headlines for distressing reasons, particularly as he questioned the police’s justification for shooting his son. Ely’s marriage to Valerie began after they met during the Miss America pageant in the 1980s, and they had three children together. After retiring from acting in 2001 to focus on his family, Ely expressed interest in returning to the screen before his passing. He is survived by his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland Ely Sweet.