Ron Ely, Iconic ‘Tarzan’ Star from the 1960s, Passes Away at 86

Ron Ely, the iconic actor known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s NBC series, has passed away at the age of 86. Ely’s daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed his death to The Associated Press, stating that he died on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California.

While not as renowned as Johnny Weissmuller, who famously played Tarzan in earlier films, Ron Ely helped sculpt the enduring image of the character, one that was later reimagined by Disney. Ely’s portrayal deviated from the often silent beast of the jungle; his Tarzan was an articulate, educated man returning to the wild.

Kirsten Ely expressed profound admiration for her father in an Instagram tribute: “He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went,” she wrote. “The impact he had on others is truly magical.”

Tragedy marked Ely’s life in 2019 when his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron Ely. The incident escalated with Cameron being shot by police. Ron Ely contested the prosecutor’s claims that the shooting was justified, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the events.

In the early 1980s, Ely’s life took a pivotal turn as he hosted the Miss America pageant, where he met Valerie, then a Miss Florida contestant. They married in 1984 and welcomed three children. Ely decided to retire from acting in 2001 to dedicate time to his family.

Reflecting on his choice to step away from Hollywood, Ely noted, “I wanted to be with the kids all through school.” Though he briefly returned to acting with a role in the 2014 film “Expecting Amish,” his focus remained on family.

Ely’s take on Tarzan included a notable twist—he performed his own stunts and worked closely with real animals on set. This commitment to authenticity led to memorable experiences, including a last-minute casting from a former football player who struggled with the animal co-stars.

Throughout his career, Ely also took on various roles, including the title character in the 1975 film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.” Beyond acting, he authored two mystery novels featuring detective Jake Sands.

A native of Hereford, Texas, Ely experienced both triumphs and sorrows throughout his life. He is survived by his two daughters, including Kirsten, and Kaitland Ely Sweet.