‘Tarzan’ Star Ron Ely Passes Away: What We Know

‘Tarzan’ Star Ron Ely Dies: Details

Fans of the renowned adventure series are in sorrow for Ron Ely, a beloved TV icon who famously swung through the jungle as Tarzan.

Actor Ron Ely, who played the untamed and daring character of “Tarzan” in the 1960s television series, died at the age of 86.

Ely passed away quietly at home on September 29 with his loved ones by his side, according to a statement from his daughter.

His daughter Kirsten sent a very moving ode to her father on Instagram, writing, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.”

In addition to treasured pictures of their unique times together, Kirsten paid tribute to her father, calling him “someone that people called a hero.” He was a “mentor, family man, and leader,” she said, highlighting the significant influence he had on others in his immediate vicinity.

Kirsten thought about how her father had the ability to spread a “powerful wave of positive influence” wherever he went, and she had never seen anybody else have that kind of impact.

“My father’s life story was one of relentless perseverance, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved,” she said.

The fact that her father is now reunited with her mother, Valerie, and brother, Cameron, gives Kirsten comfort as she works through her loss. “I am doing my best to walk this path of loss with the strength and grace that I know he would want for me,” she said.

Ron started acting professionally in the late 1950s, but it wasn’t until 1966 that he played the title character in the television series “Tarzan” that he really shot to prominence. From 1966 to 1968, he enthralled viewers with his portrayal of the mythical jungle hero in 57 episodes.

Beyond “Tarzan,” the actor demonstrated his acting prowess in a number of other films, such as “Wonder Woman,” the action-adventure film from 1975, “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze,” “L.A. Law,” “The Love Boat,” and “The Friend Who Walked the West.”

Through a number of related ventures throughout his career, he demonstrated his continued commitment to the “Tarzan” legacy. Ron also dabbled in writing in his final years, releasing two novels that demonstrated his inventiveness.

In 2019, Ron’s life took a terrible turn when his wife, Valerie, was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron, who was supposedly suffering from the early stages of CTE. When Cameron tried to place the blame on Ron and was shot many times by Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies while trying to avoid arrest, the situation became more heated.

Ron filed a federal wrongful death claim against the sheriff’s department the next year after the unfortunate incident. According to the court records, officers fired more than 20 bullets at Cameron as he was trying to surrender.

The court filings also claimed that Valerie, who was discovered dead from several stab wounds, was not promptly given medical attention by the five responding cops.

According to a police report, Ron, who was there when the event occurred, named Cameron as the major suspect, and responding cops sought him out after finding Valerie, 62, inside their house.

After searching the house and the surrounding area, officers found Cameron outside. He made gestures as though pulling a weapon, told the cops he had a pistol, and moved toward the deputies. Cameron was fatally wounded as four deputies fired a total of 24 shots in retaliation.

Deputies utilized a ballistic shield to approach him when it was safe to do so, but they discovered he was unarmed. Although Ron was not physically hurt, he was transported to the hospital as a precaution. Thankfully, none of the deputies were hurt in the altercation.

Ron Ely continued to deal with the difficulties resulting from the death of his family in the years that followed this terrible incident.

Kirsten and Kaitland, the actor’s daughters, are his surviving family members. He died at the age of 86. His portrayal of the legendary jungle hero made a lasting impression on television, guaranteeing his status as a household celebrity for the duration of his career.