The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Ron Ely, the iconic actor best known for his portrayal of the legendary character Tarzan in the 1960s NBC television series. Ely passed away on September 29th at the age of 86, leaving behind a remarkable career and a personal life marked by immense tragedy.
A Legendary Tarzan Performance
In 1966, Ron Ely made his debut as the title character in the NBC series “Tarzan.” While he may not have achieved the same level of fame as previous Tarzan actors like Johnny Weissmuller, Ely’s performance left an indelible mark on the character and the pop culture landscape.
“He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader,” Ely’s daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, wrote in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. “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.”
Indeed, Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan marked a significant departure from the grunting, primal portrayals of the character that preceded it. Instead, he depicted an educated, sophisticated man who had grown weary of civilization and returned to the African jungle of his upbringing. Ely’s charismatic performance and physicality made him a natural fit for the role, and he quickly became a beloved figure among fans of the show.
A Tragic Family Saga
Unfortunately, the immense personal tragedy that befell Ely’s family in recent years has overshadowed his legacy. In 2019, their 30-year-old son, Cameron Ely, fatally stabbed Valerie Lundeen Ely, Ely’s 62-year-old wife, in their California home. Soon after, responding police officers shot and killed Cameron.
“My greatest comfort is knowing that my dad is with my momma and my brother,” Kirsten Ely wrote in her tribute. “It is also the source of my deepest sorrow, as I miss them all profoundly, deeply ingrained in my soul.”
Ely’s later years have been clouded by the devastating incident, as he grappled with the unimaginable loss of his wife and son. Following the incident, Ely contested the coroner’s decision to justify his son’s shooting, contending that Cameron did not pose a threat to the officers.
“If he didn’t have a gun or a weapon, what was the basis for shooting him?” asked John Burris, the elder Ely’s attorney, in 2020. John Burris, the elder Ely’s attorney, made this statement in 2020. “They might have believed he was involved in some other activity with his mother.” But that’s not a basis to shoot and kill him.”
A Life of Varied Accomplishments
Beyond his iconic turn as Tarzan, Ron Ely enjoyed a varied and accomplished career in the entertainment industry. He starred in the 1975 action film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze” and made guest appearances on a number of popular television shows, including “Wonder Woman,” “Fantasy Island,” and “The Love Boat.”
Ely also took a turn as host of the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s, where he met his second wife, Valerie Lundeen, a former Miss Florida. The couple went on to have three children together, and Ely retired from acting in 2001 to focus on his family.
“Late in life, I had a young family. I decided to stop acting and work at home as an author; that way I could be with the kids all through school and be able to attend their sports games and things,” Ely told the Daily Express in 2013.
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of this talented and multi-faceted actor, it’s evident that the tremendous personal tragedy that befell his family in the twilight of his life will forever intertwine with Ron Ely’s legacy. But for those who grew up watching him as the iconic Tarzan, his memory will continue to endure as a symbol of strength, grace, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
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