Ron Ely, Tarzan Star and Mentor, Dies at 86

Ron Ely, famed for his role in the 1960s NBC series 'Tarzan', passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86 in Los Alamos, California, as confirmed by his daughter Kirsten Casale Ely through an Instagram post. Ely was celebrated for his acting career, writing, coaching, mentoring, and family life, leaving a profound impact on many. His career highlights include performing his own stunts on 'Tarzan', appearing on shows like 'Wonder Woman', and hosting the Miss America pageant. Ely's later years were marked by tragedy when his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was murdered by their son Cameron in 2019, who was subsequently shot by police, leading to legal actions against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. Ron Ely had retired in 2001 to focus on his family, only briefly returning to acting in 2014. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.