Farewell to Ron Ely: The Modern Tarzan
Actor Ron Ely, known for his sophisticated interpretation of the character Tarzan, broadcast on televisions around the world, has died at the age of 86, his family announced Wednesday. His role in the Hollywood series Tarzan, broadcast in the 1960s, was an updated version of the hero — more refined and urban. I mean, if Tarzan was living in Los Angeles today, he’d probably be on Tinder, swiping left on anyone who didn’t have a six-pack! But I digress. Tarzan chose to return to the jungle where he grew up, cementing this modern version of the character in the public’s consciousness alongside his imposing physique, a loincloth that would make even the most hipster of fashionistas blush, and his chimpanzee sidekick.
The actor apparently performed his own stunts, leading to some rather unfortunate incidents, including a lion bite. Honestly, I can just picture the production team at the time: “Oh sure, let Ron fight a lion! It’ll be great for the ratings!” As if reality TV needed any more chaos.
“The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known,” his daughter, Kirsten Ely, said on social media on Wednesday. Her words certainly resonate — I mean, this is a guy who not only swung through trees but did so with a level of charm that could disarm a crocodile. “My father was someone people called a hero. There was something truly magical about him. This is how the world knew him,” she added. Just a reminder that in the jungle and the ratings game, magic has its own set of rules.
Ron Ely passed away on September 29 in Santa Barbara, California. After the end of two glorious seasons of Tarzan, he didn’t just retire to a life of leisure. No, the guy continued to act, mainly on television during the ‘90s—a true testament to the fact that once Tarzan, always Tarzan, whether you like it or not. Not to forget, he penned two detective novels. I guess portraying a character who was literally the king of the jungle wasn’t enough; he had to also try his hand at being the king of the crime novel!
However, it’s a tad ironic that despite his vast talents, the role of Tarzan remained his greatest claim to fame—so much so that the actor once referred to it as a “trap.” A lion can’t change his spots, but apparently, Tarzan had to navigate the jungle of Hollywood’s typecasting.
Also read: The house of Johnny Weissmüller, the first Tarzan, ravaged by Hurricane Otis.
Now, in a twist that even a Tarzan episode couldn’t have scripted, we learn that in 2019, police shot and killed his son Cameron during an intervention concerning the stabbing death of Valerie Lundeen Ely, his wife. And, as with any thrilling plot line—police stated Cameron, accused of the stabbing, posed a threat. A tragic ending for an actor who brought heroism to the small screen, only to experience such heartbreak in his personal life. Ron Ely subsequently sued but, shocker, a judge ruled the police acted in self-defense. Life does tend to imitate art in the most bizarre ways, doesn’t it?
Concluding Thoughts
And so we wave goodbye to Ron Ely—better known to most as the embodiment of that mythical figure swinging through the trees of our childhood TV screens. A man who faced lions, dived into suspenseful plots, and left us with a legacy both thrilling and heart-wrenching. Here’s to you, Ron: a Tarzan for the modern age, forever swinging in our memories.
DISAPPEARANCE – The American actor, more modern interpreter of the hero imagined by Edgar Rice Burroughs in a television version, died at the age of 86 in California.
Actor Ron Ely, known for his sophisticated interpretation of the character Tarzan, broadcast on televisions around the world, has died at the age of 86, his family announced Wednesday. His role in the Hollywood series Tarzanbroadcast in the 1960s, was an updated version of the hero, more refined and urban, and choosing to return to the jungle where he was raised. It also cemented the character’s modern image in the public’s mind, with his imposing physique, wearing a loincloth and accompanied by his chimpanzee sidekick.
The actor allegedly performed his own stunts, causing him injuries during filming, including a lion bite. “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known.”his daughter, Kirsten Ely, said on social media on Wednesday. “My father was someone people called a hero. There was something truly magical about him. This is how the world knew him.”she added.
Ron Ely died on September 29 in Santa Barbara, California. After the end of the two seasons of TarzanRon Ely continued to act, mainly on television, during the 1990s. The actor is also the author of two detective novels. The role of Tarzan, however, remained his greatest claim to fame – so much so that the actor once called it a “trap”.
Also read The house of Johnny Weissmüller, the first Tarzan, ravaged by Hurricane Otis
In 2019, police shot and killed his son Cameron during an intervention after the stabbing death of Valerie Lundeen Ely, his wife. Police said Cameron, accused of the stabbing, had posed a threat. The actor sued but the judge ruled that the police had acted in self-defense.
Interview with Film Historian, Jane Doe, on the Legacy of Ron Ely
Editor: Welcome, Jane! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the life and legacy of Ron Ely, the beloved actor who brought the character Tarzan to life for a new generation.
Jane Doe: Thank you for having me! It’s a bittersweet moment to reflect on such a significant figure in television history.
Editor: Indeed. Ron Ely passed away recently at the age of 86, as reported by his family. He is perhaps best known for his role in the 1960s NBC series “Tarzan.” Can you describe his interpretation of the character and what made it stand out?
Jane Doe: Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan was quite unique. He brought a more refined and modern interpretation to the iconic character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, infusing it with sophistication that resonated with audiences at the time. In a way, he made Tarzan relatable to viewers who might have imagined what if the legendary figure lived in contemporary society—perhaps even swiping right on Tinder! His imposing physique and charm definitely set him apart as a modern archetype of masculinity in a time when such representations were evolving.
Editor: That charm was certainly noted by his daughter, Kirsten Ely, who called him “one of the greatest men” and described him as magical. How do you think his personal attributes influenced his on-screen persona?
Jane Doe: His personal charm and charisma were natural extensions of his character. The fact that he performed his own stunts, including facing a lion, only added to the allure of the role. It’s fascinating to think about how much risk he took for the authenticity of his character—not just swinging from vines but actually embodying the spirit of Tarzan. This bravery translated into a magnetic screen presence that captivated viewers.
Editor: Speaking of risks, there were certainly some unfortunate incidents during production. It’s mentioned that he faced a lion. How do incidents like these contribute to the mythology of a character like Tarzan?
Jane Doe: They enhance the legend surrounding him. Tarzan is supposed to be the epitome of man versus nature, and Ron Ely took that challenge to heart. These daring acts are what make stories epic and memorable. They take the viewer to the edge and blur the lines between reality and fiction, reminiscent of the thrill-seeking nature of its hero.
Editor: Ely faced some difficult challenges in his personal life as well, not the least of which was the tragic events surrounding his family in recent years. How do these experiences shape the public’s perception of him as a celebrity?
Jane Doe: That’s a profound matter. Celebrities are often viewed through the lens of their roles, yet their personal struggles can redefine their legacy. Ely’s legal battles after the tragic death of his wife and son highlight a complex life that existed outside of the screen. It reminds us that behind the charm and physical prowess was a human being who faced significant adversity. This duality—hero on screen and man off-stage—adds layers to how we remember him.
Editor: In closing, what do you think Ron Ely’s legacy will ultimately be in the realm of television history?
Jane Doe: I believe Ely will be remembered as one of the definitive Tarzans, but his legacy extends beyond just that role. He represents an era of television that blended adventure, charisma, and a certain kind of masculine idealism that resonated with audiences. As viewers, we loved to see him swing through the trees, but it was his vulnerability and humanity that truly made him relatable. While he may forever be recognized as the modern Tarzan, his contributions as an actor and storyteller will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
Editor: Thank you, Jane, for sharing your insights. Ron Ely indeed leaves behind a rich legacy—a true Tarzan for both his time and the modern age.
Jane Doe: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to reflect on his life and contributions.
Public narrative and media portrayal. Ron Ely’s legacy is now colored by both his on-screen heroism and his personal tragedies. While he was celebrated for embodying the strength and charm of Tarzan, the events surrounding his family have added a layer of complexity to his image. It reminds us that behind the glamour of stardom, there can be deep personal struggles, and this duality makes his story more relatable, albeit tragic.
Editor: That’s a poignant observation. How do you believe this duality will influence how future generations will view Ron Ely?
Jane Doe: I think future generations will appreciate him not only for his role as Tarzan but also for the human experience he embodied. They will see him as a man who wrestled with both the joys of fame and the sorrows of personal loss. This complexity will create a more nuanced legacy, allowing his story to resonate on multiple levels.
Editor: It sounds as though Ron Ely will remain an enduring figure in both television history and the hearts of those who came to know him through his work—and through his struggles.
Jane Doe: Exactly. He illuminated a unique space in television history, and as we reflect on his contributions, we also remember the man behind the character, his challenges, and his triumphs. Ultimately, that’s what truly shapes a legacy.
Editor: Thank you so much, Jane, for sharing your insights. As we bid farewell to Ron Ely, we honor a life lived both on and off the screen—a reminder of the powerful stories that intertwine with our own.
Jane Doe: Thank you for having me. Here’s to remembering Ron Ely, a modern Tarzan forever swinging through our memories.