Ron Ely, who portrayed the intelligent Tarzan in the eponymous series, is dead at 86. He died at his daughter Kirsten’s home in California on September 29, 2024, though she didn’t announce his death until October.
“The world has lost one of the greatest men,” she shared on Instagram. Kirsten went on to describe her father’s impact when he was alive without mentioning the cause of his death.
Remembering Ron Ely as Tarzan
There’s no media report about his state of health before his death as Ron stayed out of the public glare since his son, Cameron, reportedly stabbed his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely.
Despite the challenges, Kirsten says Ron’s “story was one of relentless perseverance” and “unending dedication” to the people around him. His daughter’s “greatest comfort” is the assurance that Ron is with his wife and son. The late actor is survived by Kaitland and Kirsten Ely.
What is Ron Ely known for?
Ron Ely was known for his brilliant performance in the 1966 -1968 Tarzan, which he nearly missed had his agent not convinced him that it was a “quality” series. “I met with [producers] on a Monday, and when they offered me the role, I thought, ‘No way do I want to step into that bear trap,” Ron stated. “You do Tarzan and you are stamped for life.” Ironically, he was indeed “stamped for life” as the Tarzan became the highlight of his career.
Even though technological advancement hasn’t really been adopted in movies, unlike today, Roy made sure that the movie stayed real as he performed all his stunts in the series. However, his health paid for it, as he suffered a series of injuries on the set and sustained fractures to his shoulder bone.
Ron Ely is an American actor and author, best known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s television series “Tarzan.” Born on June 21, 1938, in Hereford, Texas, he grew up in a military family and moved around a lot during his childhood. Ely attended the University of Texas at Austin and later served in the U.S. Navy.
His big break came in 1966 when he was cast as Tarzan in the TV series, which ran until 1968. Ely’s portrayal was notable for its athleticism and charm, and he became iconic for the role. He also starred in several Tarzan movies during this time.
After his Tarzan fame, Ely appeared in various television shows and films, including “The Love Boat,” “The Night of the Grizzly,” and “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.” In addition to acting, he has written several novels, including a series of mystery novels.
Ely’s career has spanned decades, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of classic television. His portrayal of Tarzan continues to be remembered fondly by fans of the character.
Besides his iconic role as Tarzan in the 1960s TV series, Ron Ely appeared in various other TV shows and films throughout his career. Some of the TV shows he starred in include “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island.” In addition to his television work, he also appeared in movies like “The Night of the Grizzly” and “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.” Ron Ely’s versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a range of roles beyond his famous portrayal of Tarzan.