Ron Ely, the tall, athletic actor best known for portraying the titular character in the 1960s NBC series Tarzan, passed away at age 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed his death to The Associated Press, noting that he died on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California.
Though perhaps less renowned than Johnny Weissmuller, Ely made a significant impact on the portrayal of Tarzan, shaping the modern image of the iconic, shirtless jungle hero that later influenced Disney’s adaptation. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kirsten described her father as a man of many talents who touched countless lives, saying, "He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went."
Ely's life was marred by tragedy in 2019 when his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron Ely. Cameron was later killed by police, a decision that Ron Ely publicly questioned, challenging the justification for their actions.
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During his long career, Ely also hosted the Miss America pageant and starred in various films, including Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze. He retired from acting in 2001 to dedicate himself to his family, once stating, "Later in life, I had a young family... I wanted to be there for the kids."
Born in Hereford, Texas, Ely was briefly married in 1959 before divorcing. He is survived by his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland Ely Sweet. His legacy is one of strength, grace, and devotion to family, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood history.
