Los Angeles, CA – Ron Ely, the actor known for playing the titular character in the 1960s TV show Tarzan, has died, aged 86, on September 29, 2024. His daughter Kirsten Ely posted a sentimental message on social media to announce he had passed away: “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known — and I have lost my dad.” Ely died at his residence in Los Alamos, a small town near Santa Barbara, California.
Born Ronald Pierce Ely in Amarillo, Texas, in 1938, Ron Ely showed a very early interest in acting and, soon enough, moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood. He immediately started picking up small parts, but it wasn’t long before his rough-hewn good looks and athletic build caught the eye of casting directors. The big break for Ely came when he landed the role of Tarzan in the NBC-TV series that ran through 1966-1968. His portrayal of the “ape man” was far more polished and articulate than earlier movie versions. He played the heroic role of the one who has acclimatized to civilization yet chose the jungle as his home. The show gained international attention and catapulted Ely into household-name status.
A Career Defined by Action and Danger
Ron Ely’s Tarzan is remembered, if not for the exciting adventure in the jungles, at least for Ely doing all his stunts. It was dangerous work in which Ely broke numerous bones, pulled various muscles, and was even bitten by the lions a couple of times. His willingness to put himself through this kind of punishment lent the show an air of realism and won him many fans.
However, despite the fame, Ely felt typecast and cramped by the Tarzan character. He once said in 2014, “That character is such a trap, nobody gets out alive.” To get other roles as an actor, he had to go for European productions after his Tarzan days. He later returned to American television guesting in several shows: The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Wonder Woman. He also hosted the Miss America pageant from 1980 to 1981 and led the game show Face the Music for a short period.
Later Years and Personal Tragedies
By the early 1990s, Ely had pretty much stopped acting altogether to focus on his family, including his 1984 wedding to former beauty queen Valerie Lundeen and the rearing of three children together. In this October, his life took a dark turn as tragedy befell the family. Valerie Lundeen Ely was found dead inside their Santa Barbara residence, with their son, Cameron Ely, being the main suspect. During his subsequent confrontation with police, Cameron was shot and killed.
Ron Ely then filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, alleging he was unarmed at the time and that excessive force had been used by the officers. The court later ruled it was self-defense for the deputies at the scene, and thus the case was closed. The dual loss of his wife and son was a profound blow that marked the final years of Ely’s life.
A Multifaceted Talent
Ely’s talents were not confined to acting. He was also a published author, writing two mystery novels in the mid-1990s, Night Shadows (1994) and East Beach (1995). These books showcased his passion for storytelling and his knack for suspense. He briefly returned to acting in 2014 for the TV film Expecting Amish, demonstrating his enduring love for the craft.
Throughout his career, Ron Ely’s contributions to the entertainment industry were diverse. Although Tarzan was his most famous role, his body of work extended to multiple genres, including action, drama, and family entertainment. He inspired many with his willingness to push physical limits for his roles and his resilience in the face of personal hardship.
Legacy and Tributes
Following his death, Ely’s daughter Kirsten paid tribute, saying her father lived his life in “relentless perseverance, unending dedication and joy.” She also pointed out how he continued to inspire even after he was no longer in the limelight
Joining fans’ condolences are actors who have remembered his iconic roles and how he brought the classic character to life. His Tarzan series was an adventurous spirit combined with Ely’s commanding presence that dug deep into the popular culture, making him one of those memorable TV heroes of the 1960s.
Remembering Ron Ely
Ron Ely’s death is the end of an era to anyone who either grew up watching his Tarzan or followed his career through the decades. His life was not without moments of sorrow, but his contributions to the world of entertainment and the bravery he showed both on- and off-screen will be remembered for a lifetime.
As the world remembers Ron Ely, it makes his life one of testimony to the strength of the human spirit, that of adventure, love, and resilience which has echoed down generations.
