Ron Ely, 1960s Tarzan Actor, Dies at 86

Ron Ely, 1960s Tarzan Actor, Dies at 86 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ron Ely, best known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s NBC series, has passed away at the age of 86. He played a sophisticated version of the jungle hero and performed his own stunts, marking a bold career. Ely also faced personal tragedy in 2019 when his wife, Valerie Lundeen, was murdered by their son, Cameron Ely, who was subsequently killed by police.

Ron Ely’s Life and Legacy: Quick Looks

• Ron Ely, celebrated for his role as Tarzan, died on September 29, 2024, at his Los Alamos, California home.
• Best known for starring in NBC’s Tarzan during the 1960s, Ely also performed his own stunts alongside dangerous animals.
• Ely was cast in the role unexpectedly after the first choice, Mike Henry, was injured during the pilot shoot.
• In 2019, Ely suffered personal tragedy when his wife Valerie was killed by their son Cameron, who was fatally shot by police.
• Ely retired from acting in 2001 to focus on raising his family, later briefly returning to acting in 2014.
• Beyond television, Ely authored two detective novels in the 1990s, adding another layer to his creative career.

Deep Look:

Ron Ely, the actor who became a household name in the 1960s for his portrayal of the legendary jungle hero Tarzan, passed away at the age of 86 on September 29, 2024. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, confirmed his death, which took place at his home in Los Alamos, California, a quiet, unincorporated community in Santa Barbara County. Ely’s death marks the end of an era for many fans who grew up watching his version of Tarzan, a character he helped further immortalize with his unique interpretation.

Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan in the NBC television series set him apart from previous iterations of the character. While Johnny Weismuller, the Olympic swimmer who played Tarzan in the 1930s and 1940s, was known for a more primal, monosyllabic version of the jungle hero, Ely’s Tarzan was a more sophisticated figure. This portrayal, which appealed to audiences of the time, presented Tarzan as an educated man who, having grown disillusioned with the modern world, decided to return to his roots in the African jungle.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ely’s performance was his decision to perform his own stunts, many of which involved working with wild animals, including tigers and chimpanzees. This added an element of danger to the show and further solidified Ely’s reputation as a dedicated and fearless actor. In interviews, Ely recalled how he was cast in the role of Tarzan at the last minute after the original actor, Mike Henry, was injured by a chimpanzee during the filming of the show’s pilot. Though Ely was initially hesitant to take on such an iconic role, fearing that it might typecast him for the rest of his career, he was ultimately convinced by his agent to accept the opportunity. The decision paid off, as his portrayal of the character became one of the most memorable in the franchise’s history.

In addition to Tarzan, Ely’s acting career included roles in various television shows and films. He starred as the titular character in the 1975 action film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, further showcasing his affinity for larger-than-life, heroic roles. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Ely ultimately stepped away from acting in 2001 to focus on his family. In a 2013 interview with London’s Daily Express, Ely shared that he wanted to be present for his children as they grew up, attending their sporting events and being an active part of their lives.

The decision to retire from acting followed Ely’s marriage to Valerie Lundeen Ely, a former Miss Florida, whom he met during his time as the host of the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s. The couple married in 1984 and had three children together. Ely often spoke of how much he cherished his family, and his decision to step away from Hollywood was a reflection of his commitment to them.

However, Ely’s later years were marred by an unimaginable personal tragedy. In October 2019, Ely’s wife Valerie was brutally murdered by their son, Cameron Ely, at the family’s home in Santa Barbara, California. According to authorities, Cameron, who was 30 years old at the time, fatally stabbed his mother during a violent confrontation. Police were called to the scene and, after a standoff, shot and killed Cameron, claiming he posed a threat. Ron Ely, who was at home during the incident, later challenged the official narrative surrounding his son’s death. Ely’s attorney, John Burris, questioned whether Cameron had truly been armed at the time of the police shooting, calling into question the justification for his killing. The tragedy brought renewed media attention to the Ely family, and the loss of both his wife and son cast a long shadow over the final years of Ely’s life.

Despite this personal anguish, Ron Ely remained an important figure in Hollywood history. His portrayal of Tarzan continued to resonate with fans, and his dedication to his family was evident throughout his life. In addition to his work as an actor, Ely also found success as a writer, penning two detective novels in the 1990s. His books, Night Shadows (1994) and East Beach (1995), featured a detective named Jake Sands and demonstrated Ely’s versatility as a storyteller.

Ely was born in Hereford, Texas, in 1938, and raised in Amarillo. He first married his high school sweetheart in 1959, but the marriage ended in divorce two years later. He is survived by two daughters, Kirsten Casale Ely and Kaitland Ely Sweet, who now carry on his legacy.

Ron Ely’s contributions to television, film, and literature left an enduring mark on popular culture. His portrayal of Tarzan remains one of the most beloved versions of the character, and his decision to perform his own stunts made him a true Hollywood action star. Beyond his professional accomplishments, his love and devotion to his family stood as a testament to the man behind the loincloth—a man who sought balance between career and home, leaving an indelible legacy in both.

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