Ron Ely, best known for playing Tarzan in the 1960s TV series, passed away on September 29, 2023, at the age of 86. According to his death certificate, Ely died from end-stage heart disease.
The news came shortly after his daughter, Kirsten Ely, announced his passing in an emotional Instagram post on October 23, where she expressed the pain of losing her father, describing him as a hero and a man of great positive influence.
Born in Los Angeles in 1938, Ely began his career in film and television in the 1950s but gained worldwide fame in 1966 when he was cast as Tarzan in NBC’s TV series, a modern reimagining of the famous character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Ron Ely?s career
Ely starred in the series for its three-season run, which ended in 1968. Although the show was not a massive success, Ely became an iconic figure in 1960s television.
Throughout his career, Ely appeared in numerous TV shows such as Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, and Fantasy Island, and starred in films like Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze in 1975.
However, it was his role as Tarzan that left an indelible mark on pop culture. Ely was also known as a writer, coach, and leader, admired for his integrity and positive influence on others.
The tough life of Ron Ely
Ely’s life was not without tragedy. In 2019, his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was murdered in their Santa Barbara, California home. Valerie was stabbed to death, and in the ensuing chaos, Ely’s son, Cameron, was shot and killed by police after responding to a call about a family disturbance.
The police claimed Cameron had killed his mother, and Ely filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. The jury, however, ruled in favor of the police, concluding that the use of lethal force was justified.
Despite the dark chapters in his personal life, Ron Ely will always be remembered as a man of great character and as an icon of television. His legacy will live on through his work on screen and the positive impact he had on those who knew him.