Ron Ely, famous for playing Tarzan in the original TV series, has d!ed at the age of 86.
His daughter, Kirsten Ely, announced his d3ath on social media, sharing her sadness.
He passed away on September 29 at her home near Santa Barbara, California.
In an emotional Instagram post, Kirsten honored her father, saying, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.” She described him as more than just an actor, calling him a hero, mentor, coach, and leader.
She noted, “He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went” and mentioned that his impact on others was something she had never seen in anyone else, calling him truly magical.
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Ely was born in northern Texas and became famous in the 1960s as Tarzan in the NBC series that ran from 1966 to 1968.
He also appeared in shows like “The Aquanauts” and films such as “The Night of the Grizzly” and “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze” (1975). Besides acting, Ely hosted the Miss America pageants in 1980 and 1981 and the game show “Face the Music.”
Kirsten shared personal stories about her father, expressing how proud she was to be his daughter. “To me, he hung the moon,” she said.
She also found comfort in knowing he is now with her mother and brother, though their absence is deeply felt. “My greatest comfort is knowing that my dad is with my momma and my brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it’s etched into my soul.”
Ron Ely’s career lasted many decades, but to his daughter and those close to him, he is remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and love he shared with everyone.
