Ely's portrayal of Tarzan wasn't just another rehash of the loincloth-clad wild man. His Tarzan was suave, sophisticated, and, dare we say, a bit of a hunk. From 1966 to 1968, for two thrilling seasons, he showed us a Tarzan who could charm the animals of the jungle and the audience alike.
- Ron Ely has died at 86
- He was best know as the iconic "Tarzan"
- He passed in his own home
Like No Other
But it wasn't all swinging from trees and charming the wildlife. Ely faced his share of dangers, including two lion bites and a couple of broken shoulders. Yet, he pressed on, doing most of his stunts himself because, in his words, "That character is such a trap, nobody gets out alive."
Ely played "Tarzan" for two seasons, from 1966 to 1968. But he did it differently than audiences were used to seeing. This version of the character, who's based on a 1912 story by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, was about a man who had been raised in the jungle but left and returned more sophisticated.
Ely's career wasn't confined to the jungles of 'Tarzan'. He graced the small screen in classics like 'The Many Lives of Doby Gillis' and 'Father Knows Best', and even donned the superhero cape as "Clark Savage Jr." in 'Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze'. His versatility shone through in every role, from comic book heroes to modern TV series like 'L.A. Law' and 'Superboy.'
"Now Doc Savage comes along, and I just had to say: Is this a joke? Another iconic superhero? I'd just got out of the fire, and now you're putting me back in?" Ely said to NJ.com in April 2012. "It was unexpected that I would go that route again. I thought I had learned my lesson."
Despite his on-screen heroics, Ely's real-life was touched by tragedy. In 2019, his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was tragically killed, an event that shocked and saddened fans worldwide. Yet, through it all, Ely remained a figure of strength and resilience, remembered by his daughter as "one of the greatest men it has ever known."
Ron Ely leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the jungle. His portrayal of Tarzan and his extensive career in television and movies have cemented his place as a Hollywood icon. But more than that, he was a mentor, a family man, and a source of positive influence, whose impact, as Kiki Ely puts it, was "truly magical."
"The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known - and I have lost my dad," Kiki Ely wrote. "My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person - there was something truly magical about him."
Also interesting:
A big loss for fans
"Can't Buy Me Love" was the highlight of her career
As we say goodbye to a man who was much more than Tarzan, we remember the adventures, the courage, and the heart of Ron Ely. The jungle may be silent tonight, but the legend of Ron Ely will live on forever.
