Beloved TV star Ron Ely, famous for his role as Tarzan, has passed away, leaving fans of the classic adventure series feeling saddened and heartbroken.
Ron Ely, the actor who brought the wild and adventurous character Tarzan to life in the 1960s TV show, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, surrounded by his family.
His daughter, Kirsten, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing her sadness at the loss of her father. She described him as one of the greatest men the world has ever known and expressed the deep impact he had on those around him.
Ron Ely’s acting career began in the late 1950s, but it was his role as Tarzan that made him famous. He captivated audiences with his portrayal of the jungle hero in 57 episodes from 1966 to 1968. Despite his success as Tarzan, Ron showcased his talent in various other projects, including “Wonder Woman,” the 1975 movie “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze,” and TV shows like “L.A. Law,” “The Love Boat,” and “The Friend Who Walked the West.” He also continued to work on projects related to the “Tarzan” legacy and even published two novels.
Unfortunately, Ron Ely faced a tragedy in his personal life in 2019 when his son, Cameron, fatally stabbed his mother, Valerie, Ron’s wife. Cameron, who was reportedly suffering from early-stage CTE, was shot by police after trying to escape. Ron filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the sheriff’s department, claiming that Cameron was trying to surrender when officers opened fire. This heartbreaking event forever changed Ron’s life.
In the years following this tragedy, Ron Ely faced the difficulties of losing his family. His passing at the age of 86 leaves behind his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland. Despite the challenges he faced, Ron Ely’s role as the iconic jungle hero Tarzan left a lasting impact on television and secured his place as a household name.
