Ron Ely, the actor renowned for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s TV series, has passed away at the age of 86.
His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram post, stating, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.” Ely, who was beloved for his iconic role as the vine-swinging jungle hero, starred in Tarzan, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1968. During his time on the show, he performed his own stunts, suffering several injuries, including broken bones and animal attacks, cementing his commitment to the role.
After stepping away from acting in 2001, Ely pursued a new career as a writer, penning two mystery novels. He made a brief return to the screen in 2014, taking on the role of an Amish elder in the TV movie Expecting Amish. Throughout the 1980s, Ely appeared in several popular TV shows, including The Love Boat and Wonder Woman alongside Lynda Carter.
Born in Texas in 1938, Ely’s personal life was marked by his marriage to his high school sweetheart in 1959, though they divorced two years later. He later married Valerie, whom he met while hosting the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s. The couple had three children together and enjoyed a long-lasting relationship.
Ely passed away at his home in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, California, on September 29. In her Instagram tribute, his daughter reflected on the legacy he leaves behind, saying: “My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader.”
She concluded with a heartfelt sentiment: “I knew him as my dad – and what a heaven-sent honor that has been. To me, he hung the moon.”
SOURCE: BBC
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