Ron Ely, Iconic '60s Tarzan Actor, Dies at 86 Leaving Behind a Complex Legacy

Ron Ely, the actor famous for playing the title role in the 1960s NBC series Tarzan, has died at age 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed his death, stating that he passed away on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California.

Ely stood out in Hollywood for his tall, athletic build, which made him the perfect fit for the jungle hero, Tarzan. While he may not have been as famous as Johnny Weissmuller, another well-known Tarzan actor, Ely helped shape the modern image of the iconic character. His portrayal of the shirtless, heroic figure influenced later versions, including Disney’s animated take on Tarzan. Kirsten Ely reflected on her father’s life in a touching Instagram post, describing him as a man of many talents who had a positive impact on countless people. She wrote, "He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went."

However, Ron Ely's life was also marked by deep tragedy. In 2019, his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was tragically killed by their son, Cameron Ely, in a stabbing incident. Cameron was then shot and killed by police responding to the scene. Ron Ely publicly questioned the police's actions, raising concerns about whether the use of force was justified.

Despite this heartbreak, Ely had a successful and varied career. He hosted the Miss America pageant and starred in several films, such as Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze. However, Ely eventually stepped away from acting in 2001, choosing to focus on his family. In a past interview, he explained his decision by saying, “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. Ely's legacy is one of strength, resilience, and devotion to family, leaving a lasting impression on Hollywood and on those who knew him.

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