Ron Ely, celebrated for his seminal role in the 1960s television series “Tarzan,” has died at the age of 86.
The actor passed away on September 29 at the home of one of his daughters near Santa Barbara, his death confirmed by his daughter, Kirsten Ely, on Instagram.
In a heartfelt statement, Kirsten remembered her father as a monumental figure both in the public eye and within the confines of their family. “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad,” she expressed. Kirsten depicted her father as a multifaceted individual, revered not only for his role as the jungle hero but also as a writer, coach, mentor, and a steadfast pillar within their family.
Ron Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan from 1966 to 1968 over 57 episodes on NBC brought a contemporary twist to the character, showcasing Tarzan as a sophisticated individual, distancing the character from the monosyllabic grunts associated with earlier depictions. His Tarzan retained the essential element of adventure while omitting the character Jane, and instead focusing on Tarzan’s interactions with his environment and the iconic chimpanzee sidekick, Cheetah.
Aside from his role as Tarzan, Ely had a rich television career that spanned over several decades, making appearances in shows like “Wonder Woman,” “The Love Boat,” and “Fantasy Island,” before taking a hiatus in the 90s to focus on raising his children.
Ron Ely’s later years were marked by personal tragedy with the death of his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, in 2019, and the consequent death of their son, Cameron, by law enforcement officers responding to the incident. Ely subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, which was ruled in favor of law enforcement in 2022.
Despite these tumultuous events, Ely’s legacy as an iconic television hero and beloved family man endures. His return to acting in the 2014 TV movie, “Expecting Amish,” marked a brief comeback that he cherished, having stepped away from the industry to prioritize his family. He reminisced about the joy he found in acting and expressed regret for ever leaving it behind.
Ron Ely leaves behind a legacy that transcends his role as Tarzan, remembered as a man of perseverance, dedication, and immense love. His daughter encapsulates his memory as a beacon of positive influence and joy, promising to carry forward the love and values he espoused until they meet again.
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