Who is Ron Ely, the Actor Behind Tarzan?

Ron Ely, famed for playing Tarzan in the 1960s, passed away at 86 on September 29 in Los Alamos, California. Ron Ely, famed for playing Tarzan in the 1960s, passed away at 86 on September 29 in Los Alamos, California.

His daughter, Kirsten, shared the news and praised him as a mentor and positive influence in many lives. His daughter, Kirsten, shared the news and praised him as a mentor and positive influence in many lives.

Ely helped shape the enduring image of Tarzan, following the earlier portrayal by Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller. Ely helped shape the enduring image of Tarzan, following the earlier portrayal by Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller.

In 2019, tragedy struck when Ely's wife, Valerie, was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron, who was subsequently killed by police. In 2019, tragedy struck when Ely's wife, Valerie, was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron, who was subsequently killed by police.

Ely disputed the justification of his son’s shooting, questioning the circumstances surrounding it. Ely disputed the justification of his son’s shooting, questioning the circumstances surrounding it.

He hosted the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s, where he met and married Valerie, a former Miss Florida, in 1984. He hosted the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s, where he met and married Valerie, a former Miss Florida, in 1984.

Ely retired from acting in 2001 to focus on his family, aiming to support his children during their school years. Ely retired from acting in 2001 to focus on his family, aiming to support his children during their school years.

Unlike other portrayals, Ely’s Tarzan was articulate, showcasing a more educated character who rejected civilization. Unlike other portrayals, Ely’s Tarzan was articulate, showcasing a more educated character who rejected civilization.

1. Ely performed his own stunts in the Tarzan series, showcasing remarkable bravery as he worked closely with wild animals like tigers and chimpanzees, enhancing the show's authenticity. 1. Ely performed his own stunts in the Tarzan series, showcasing remarkable bravery as he worked closely with wild animals like tigers and chimpanzees, enhancing the show's authenticity.

1. Besides acting, he authored mystery novels and is survived by his daughters, including Kirsten and Kaitland. 1. Besides acting, he authored mystery novels and is survived by his daughters, including Kirsten and Kaitland.