Renowned American actor, Ron Ely, who is best known for his iconic role as Tarzan in the 1960s television series, has passed away at the age of 86.
Ely’s daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, took to Instagram to share the sad news, describing her father as one of the greatest men the world has ever known.
During his time portraying the legendary Tarzan character on the NBC television network from 1966 to 1968, Ely endured numerous injuries and even had encounters with wild animals while performing his own stunts.
Despite the challenges, he left a lasting impact on audiences with his portrayal of the jungle hero.
After retiring from acting in 2001, Ely delved into writing and authored two mystery novels. He made a brief return to acting in 2014 for the television film, Expecting Amish, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Aside from his role as Tarzan, Ely also appeared in popular television shows such as The Love Boat and Wonder Woman in the 1980s, further solidifying his status as a respected actor in the industry.
Born in Texas in 1938, Ely had a tumultuous personal life, marrying his high school sweetheart in 1959 before going through a divorce two years later. He later found love again and married his wife, Valerie, with whom he had three children.
Ely’s daughter shared her heartfelt tribute to her father on Instagram, highlighting his impact as an actor, writer, mentor, and family man.
