Ron Ely, the tall and musclebound actor who famously embodied the iconic role of Tarzan in the beloved 1960s NBC series, has sadly passed away at the age of 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared the heartbreaking news with The Associated Press, revealing that he died on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California, a quaint unincorporated community nestled in Santa Barbara County.
A Legacy in the Jungle
While Ron Ely may not have achieved the same level of fame as Johnny Weissmuller—an Olympic swimmer who famously portrayed Tarzan in the classic films of the 1930s and 1940s—Ely undeniably helped shape the modern image of the shirtless, loincloth-wearing character that has continued to captivate audiences, especially with Disney’s adaptations.
Kirsten Ely took to Instagram to pay tribute to her father, stating, “He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person—there was something truly magical about him.” Such heartfelt words echo the profound influence Ely had on those who crossed his path, marking him as a figure of admiration and respect in both personal and professional circles.
A Tragic Turn
In 2019, Ely's life took a tragic turn that thrust him back into the headlines. His 62-year-old wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was fatally stabbed at their Santa Barbara home by their son, Cameron Ely, who was just 30 years old at the time. The incident escalated when Cameron was shot and killed by the police shortly after the attack. Ron Ely was home during this harrowing event, and he publicly challenged the prosecutor’s account that his son’s shooting was justified. “If he didn’t have a gun or he didn’t have a weapon, what was the basis of shooting him?” his attorney, John Burris, questioned in 2020. “They may have very well thought he was involved in some other activity involving the mom. But that’s not a basis to shoot and kill him. You have to have a lawful basis to do that.”
This tragic family saga highlighted the often unspoken complexities behind the public persona of a beloved actor like Ely, showcasing how a life in the spotlight can be juxtaposed with unimaginable personal strife.
The Rise to Fame
Ely’s path to fame began in the early 1980s when he took on the role of host for the Miss America pageant, where he met Valerie, who held the title of Miss Florida. The two married in 1984, and together they raised three children. As Ely's family grew, he made the significant decision to step back from acting, retiring in 2001 to devote more time to his loved ones. He explained in a 2013 interview with London’s Daily Express, “Late in life, I had a young family. I decided to stop acting and work at home as an author so I could be with the kids all through school and attend their sports games and things.”
Despite stepping away from the limelight, Ely’s love for acting lingered. He returned briefly to the screen in the 2014 TV movie “Expecting Amish,” showcasing that the spark of performance never truly dimmed for him.
The Unique Portrayal of Tarzan
What set Ron Ely's portrayal of Tarzan apart was his distinct approach to the character. Instead of the monosyllabic grunts often associated with Tarzan, originally created by the legendary novelist Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ely depicted him as an educated bachelor who had grown weary of civilization and returned to the African jungle of his upbringing. This nuanced take on the character provided a refreshing perspective that resonated with audiences.
Ely was known for his dedication to authenticity, doing many of his own stunts and working closely with the wild animals that played a significant role in the series. “They first tried to cast a former American football player called Mike Henry, but he didn’t like chimpanzees, and from the moment he got on set, things went south in a hurry,” Ely reminisced in the same 2013 interview.
He recounted the chaotic moment when a chimp attacked Henry, resulting in an injury that opened the door for Ely to take on the role just days later. “I met with them on a Monday, and when they offered me the role, I thought: ‘No way do I want to step into that bear trap. You do Tarzan, and you are stamped for life.’ Was I ever right! But my agent convinced me it was a quality show and was going to work. So on Friday, I was on a plane to Brazil to shoot the first episode.”
Career Beyond Tarzan
Ely's career was not limited to the jungle. In addition to his iconic role as Tarzan, he also starred in the 1975 action film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.” Beyond that, he made numerous appearances in TV shows and films, including a role in the 1958 movie musical “South Pacific.” Ely also dabbled in writing, publishing two mystery novels featuring a detective named Jake Sands: “Night Shadows” in 1994 and “East Beach” in 1995.
Born in Hereford, Texas, and raised in Amarillo, Ely's journey from a small-town boy to a Hollywood star is a testament to his talent and determination. He married his high school sweetheart in 1959, but that union ended in divorce two years later. Ely’s personal life, much like his career, was marked by both triumph and heartache.
Family and Final Years
In addition to Kirsten Casale Ely, Ron Ely is survived by another daughter, Kaitland Ely Sweet, ensuring that his legacy will continue through his family.
As we remember Ron Ely, we celebrate not only his contributions to film and television but also the rich tapestry of his life, filled with highs and lows, love and loss. He may have left us, but the influence he had on the entertainment industry and the lives he touched will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
In his own words, Ely once reflected on the challenges of fame and the significance of family, reminding us all of the importance of balance and the bonds that truly matter in life. As fans and admirers, we can honor his memory by cherishing the joy he brought to our screens and the impact he had on those who knew him best.
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