Iconic TV Tarzan Actor Ron Ely Dies at 86

Ron Ely, best known for his portrayal of the jungle hero in the 1960s TV series "Tarzan," passed away at the age of 86.

The actor's daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed to the Associated Press that her father died on September 29 at his residence in Los Alamos, California, located in Santa Barbara County. Ely, while not as renowned as Johnny Weissmuller—the Olympic swimmer who portrayed Tarzan in the 1930s and 1940s—left his own lasting mark on the character, helping cement its iconic image, which would later be popularized by Disney.

In a heartfelt tribute, Kirsten Ely described her father as "an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader." She shared that his influence was immense and widespread, stating, “The impact he had on others is something I have never witnessed in any other person—there was something truly magical about him."

Unfortunately, Ely also made headlines in 2019 under tragic circumstances when his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was fatally stabbed at their Santa Barbara home by their son, Cameron Ely. Cameron, 30 at the time, was shot and killed by police shortly after. Ron Ely, present during the horrific incident, publicly challenged the justification for his son's shooting. In 2020, his attorney, John Burris, raised questions about the legitimacy of the police’s actions, arguing, “If he didn’t have a gun or weapon, what was the basis for shooting him?”

Ely’s personal life had moments of joy as well. In the early 1980s, he hosted the Miss America pageant, where he met Valerie, a former Miss Florida. They married in 1984 and had three children together. After retiring from acting in 2001, Ely devoted himself to his family, stating in a 2013 interview with London’s Daily Express, "I had a young family and decided to stop acting and work from home as an author. That way, I could be with the kids during their school years and attend their sports games and events."

Although mostly associated with the Tarzan role, Ely did briefly return to acting for the 2014 TV movie Expecting Amish.

Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan stood out because his character, unlike the usual depiction, didn’t rely on simple grunts. Instead, his Tarzan was an educated man who, tired of civilization, chose to return to the wild jungles of Africa.

Ely’s journey as Tarzan was filled with challenges, particularly when he had to work closely with wild animals like tigers and chimpanzees. “I did all my own stunts," Ely said in interviews, recalling the unpredictability of working with these creatures. The actor stepped into the role when the show’s original choice, former football player Mike Henry, quit after a chimp attacked him during filming. Ely admitted he was initially hesitant to take the part, stating, “You do Tarzan and you are stamped for life. Was I ever right!" Yet, his agent convinced him to accept the role, which would take him to Brazil to shoot the series' first episode.

Apart from Tarzan, Ely starred as the lead character in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze and held smaller roles in other TV shows and movies, including the 1958 musical South Pacific.

Ely also found success as an author, publishing two mystery novels featuring detective Jake Sands: Night Shadows (1994) and East Beach (1995).

Born in Hereford, Texas, and raised in Amarillo, Ely was first married in 1959 to his high school sweetheart. However, their marriage ended in divorce just two years later.

Ron Ely is survived by his daughters, Kirsten Casale Ely and Kaitland Ely Sweet, who continue to carry on his legacy.