Actor Ron Ely, best known for his role as Tarzan in the 1960s NBC series, passed away at the age of 86 in California. Ely’s daughter confirmed his death in September at his home. Despite being less known than previous Tarzan actors, Ely made his mark on the character.
In a tragic turn of events, Ely’s wife was killed by their son in 2019, leading to his own death by police. Despite the devastating loss, Ely remained a family man and devoted father to his three children. He retired from acting in 2001 to focus on his family but briefly returned to the screen in 2014.
Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan stood out for his educated bachelor character who had returned to the African jungle. He performed his own stunts on the show, often working closely with wild animals. Although hesitant to take on the iconic role, Ely was convinced by his agent that the show would be successful.
Aside from Tarzan, Ely also played the character in the 1975 film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze” and wrote a couple of mystery novels. He was a multi-talented individual with a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Survived by his daughters, Ron Ely’s legacy as an actor, writer, and family man will continue to be remembered and cherished by fans and loved ones alike.
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