Tarzan Star Ron Ely Passes Away at 86
Ron Ely, the iconic star of the 1960s "Tarzan" television series, has passed away at the age of 86.
- Ron Ely was best known for his iconic portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s television series
- Ely's death marks the end of an era for fans of the Tarzan character
- Ely was a family man, married twice, and had three children
Ron Ely, the iconic star of the 1960s “Tarzan” television series, has passed away at the age of 86.
His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, saying, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.”
Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan aired on NBC from 1966 to 1968, during which he endured serious injuries and even animal attacks while performing his own stunts.
After stepping back from acting in 2001, he turned to writing and published two mystery novels. He made a brief return to the screen in 2014 with the film “Expecting Amish,” playing an Amish elder.
In the 1980s, Ely also appeared in popular series like “The Love Boat” and “Wonder Woman,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Born in Texas in 1938, Ely married his high school sweetheart in 1959, but the marriage ended two years later.
He hosted the Miss America pageant in the early ’80s, where he met his second wife, Valerie Lundeen. Tragically, Lundeen was murdered by their son in 2019, leading to a complex legal battle.
Ely passed away at his home in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, California, on September 29. In her tribute, Kirsten wrote, “My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader. To me, he hung the moon.”
