In brief
Ron Ely, famed for his role as Tarzan in the iconic NBC television series from 1966 to 1968, has died at the age of 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, honoring him as one of the greatest men she knew. Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan was marked by his commitment to performing his own stunts, which often resulted in injuries and close encounters with wildlife. After stepping away from the limelight in 2001, Ely channeled his creativity into writing, releasing two mystery novels. He made a return to acting with a 2014 television film, Expecting Amish, playing an Amish elder.
In addition to his famous role, Ely featured in popular shows in the 1980s, including the comedy series The Love Boat and the superhero classic Wonder Woman starring Lynda Carter. The Texas-born actor married his high school sweetheart in 1959, though the marriage ended two years later. His life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies, including his second wife Valerie Lundeen's tragic death in 2019 at the hands of their son, Cameron, who was subsequently killed by police. Although Ely filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the police, the court ruled that the officers acted in self-defense.Ron Ely passed away at his home in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, on September 29. In her touching tribute, his daughter described him as a hero—a talented actor, writer, coach, mentor, and beloved family man. She reflected on the honor of having him as her father, stating, “To me, he hung the moon.”
