In brief
Ron Ely, best known for his role as Tarzan, dies peacefully at his home, leaving behind a rich legacy of entertainment and personal triumphs.
Ron Ely, the renowned actor who captured hearts in the 1960s as Tarzan, has passed away at the age of 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared the news via 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 on NBC, which aired from 1966 to 1968, featured him undertaking daring stunts that often led to injuries, including broken bones and animal encounters. Following his retirement from acting, Ely turned his creativity towards writing, publishing two mystery novels, and later made a cameo in the 2014 film, Expecting Amish, where he played an Amish elder.In addition to Tarzan, Ely graced several other notable television series during the 1980s, such as the beloved comedy The Love Boat and the superhero classic Wonder Woman alongside Lynda Carter. Born in Texas in 1938, Ely's personal life included a short marriage to his high school sweetheart and a second marriage to Valerie Lundeen, with whom he had three children. Tragically, in 2019, Lundeen was fatally attacked by their son, Cameron, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Cameron's death at the hands of law enforcement.Despite personal tragedies, Ely's dedication to his family remained strong. In her heartfelt Instagram tribute, his daughter remembered her father not only as a celebrated figure but more significantly as a loving dad. She expressed her profound admiration, stating, "To me, he hung the moon." Ron Ely breathed his last at his residence in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara County, on September 29. His passing marks the end of an era for a man who was not only an actor but a mentor, leader, and cherished family man.
