Actor Ron Ely, famous as the iconic Tarzan of the 1960s NBC series, died at age 86 on September 29, 2023. He died at his Los Angeles, California, residence. People praised him for bringing to life the legendary jungle character, his extensive influence in pop culture over many decades, and his versatility and acting range.
Early lives and career beginnings
Ron Ely was born in Hereford, Texas, and grew up in Amarillo. His tall, muscular frame and chiseled good looks catapulted him into Hollywood. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart; the marriage, however, ended in 1961. His acting was modest, beginning with small film roles; some of his earliest roles were in the 1958 musical South Pacific.
Ron Ely is, however, best known for Tarzan. His first appearance as Tarzan was on September 5, 1966. The role of a lifetime catapulted him to stardom.
In 1966, Ron Ely portrayed Tarzan, an iconic character who had previously been portrayed by Johnny Weissmuller in the early films. Unlike Weissmuller’s monosyllabic portrayal, Ely’s Tarzan is a well-spoken, intelligent man who has left civilization for life in the jungle—this was a unique take and helped refresh the character, making Ely’s version stand out.
Naturally, the journey was not without its challenges. Ely performed many of his stunts and worked with wild animals, like tigers and chimpanzees. Because he spoke about the dangers of filming with these animals, he honors the authenticity that made his portrayal of Tarzan so fascinating.
Ely recalled how he got the role after the first actor cast, Mike Henry, was injured by a chimpanzee during filming. His agent eventually persuaded him to accept the role, despite his initial resistance to the typecast. This decision led to a career-defining moment in a lifetime.
Personal life and family tragedy
Ely was an actor, but also a family man. He married Valerie Lundeen, former Miss Florida, in 1984 while emceeing the Miss America pageant. They had three children, and he cut back from acting in 2001 to focus on his family. He said he wanted to be there for his children as they grew up, attending their school events and their sports games.
In 2019, tragedy struck the Ely household after Cameron Ely killed his mother, Valerie. Mentally ill, Cameron stabbed his mother in the back before the police shot him dead. Ron Ely, present at home during the shooting, filed a lawsuit against the police, claiming they had shot his unarmed son to death.
Though his passing was brutal, Ely remained a strong pillar for the children whom he was leaving. His survivors include daughters Kirsten Casale Ely and Kaitland. Ely Sweet.
A Life Outside Tarzan
Ely also lived a very diverse life beyond Tarzan. He hosted the Miss America Pageant in 1980 and 1981, taking the reins from the legendary Bert Parks. And he even hosted the game show Face the Music.
In 1975, Ely starred as a lead in the action film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze. In spite of the box office failure of the movie itself, the performance was memorable.
Ely didn’t stop there in his writing career. He wrote two mystery novels in the middle of the 1990s: Night Shadows (1994) and East Beach (1995), both starring a detective named Jake Sands. Ely relished having a new alternative creative pursuit as a writer. To quote him, “It’s definitely given me an outlet to channel my storytelling in a different way.”
A Legacy Beyond Tarzan
The most enduring pop cultural icon associated with Ron Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan is his ability to bring grace and charm to the role, a contrast to the character’s jutting brawn and grunts. His take on Tarzan would seem to be attractive because of a man between the jungle and civilization. Ely’s physicality and charm have defined the character for a new generation and helped make him a household name.
Despite retiring from the movies to prioritize his family, Ely’s legacy endures in both television and film. Viewers of old TV shows never forget his rough yet elegant version of Tarzan or his other acting career.
Final years and death
In his old age, Ron Ely lived a quiet life away from the spotlight; only after his retirement did he become heavily involved with his family, his writing, his closeness to his children, and mentoring young actors.
On 29 September 2023, Ely’s death marked the end of an era for fans of classic television. Kirsten, his daughter, announced his death, describing him as “a mentor, leader, and family man.” She speaks to the aftereffects he evokes on each person he encounters, saying that the “truly magical” qualities make him stand out from others.
In Loving Memory of Ron Ely
Although Ron Ely may not have come anywhere near to the level of fame of some Hollywood contemporaries, he was part of an old-school legacy that lives on. His final performances as Tarzan consistently embody a robust version of the character, and his contributions as a writer and mentor demonstrate his versatility as a freelancer committed to his craft. For the enthusiasts and viewers who remember 1960s television shows, Ely is the man who portrayed the jungle hero in a heart, strength, and intelligence manner.
