Ron Ely, Iconic Tarzan Star, Passes Away at 86
Ron Ely, celebrated for his role as Tarzan, has died at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of impactful performances and cherished memories.
Ron Ely, the actor renowned for his portrayal of Tarzan in the iconic 1960s television series, has passed away at the age of 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared the news on Instagram, stating, "The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known - and I have lost my dad." Ely starred in "Tarzan" on NBC from 1966 to 1968, during which he faced numerous injuries and animal encounters while performing thrilling stunts. After stepping back from acting in 2001, he embraced a new path as an author, penning two mystery novels. Ely briefly returned to the screen in 2014 with "Expecting Amish," where he portrayed an Amish elder. The 1980s saw Ely on prominent shows including the beloved "The Love Boat" and "Wonder Woman," alongside Lynda Carter. Born in Texas in 1938, he wed his high school sweetheart in 1959 but divorced two years later. Ely also hosted the Miss America pageant in the early '80s, meeting his wife Valerie during that time, with whom he shared three children. His daughter expressed in a heartfelt tribute, "My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader." Ely passed away at home in Los Alamos, California, on September 29.
Ron Ely, celebrated for his role as Tarzan, has died at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of impactful performances and cherished memories.
Ron Ely, the actor renowned for his portrayal of Tarzan in the iconic 1960s television series, has passed away at the age of 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared the news on Instagram, stating, "The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known - and I have lost my dad." Ely starred in "Tarzan" on NBC from 1966 to 1968, during which he faced numerous injuries and animal encounters while performing thrilling stunts. After stepping back from acting in 2001, he embraced a new path as an author, penning two mystery novels. Ely briefly returned to the screen in 2014 with "Expecting Amish," where he portrayed an Amish elder. The 1980s saw Ely on prominent shows including the beloved "The Love Boat" and "Wonder Woman," alongside Lynda Carter. Born in Texas in 1938, he wed his high school sweetheart in 1959 but divorced two years later. Ely also hosted the Miss America pageant in the early '80s, meeting his wife Valerie during that time, with whom he shared three children. His daughter expressed in a heartfelt tribute, "My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader." Ely passed away at home in Los Alamos, California, on September 29.
