Ron Ely, the American actor famous for portraying Tarzan in the 1960s television series, has passed away at the age of 86.
His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared the news on Instagram, expressing her deep loss, stating: “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.”
Ely starred in Tarzan, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1968.
Known for his dedication to performing his own stunts, he endured several injuries, including broken bones, and was even attacked by animals on set.
After retiring from acting in 2001, Ely pursued a career as an author, publishing two mystery novels.
However, he briefly returned to acting in 2014 for the television film Expecting Amish, where he played an Amish elder.
In the 1980s, he made appearances in popular shows like The Love Boat and Wonder Woman alongside Lynda Carter.
Born in Texas in 1938, Ely married his high school sweetheart in 1959, though they divorced two years later.
He later found love again with Valerie, whom he met while hosting the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s.
The couple had three children.
Ely passed away at his home in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, California, on 29 September.
Reflecting on his legacy, Kirsten said, “My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader.”
She concluded her tribute with heartfelt words, “I knew him as my dad – and what a heaven-sent honour that has been. To me, he hung the moon.”
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