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Ron Ely, remembered for his role as Tarzan on TV in the 1960s and who overcame a devastating personal crisis when his wife was killed by his son, died on October 23 at the age of 86. did.
his daughter acknowledged his death heartfelt compliment It began, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known, and I have lost my father.”
she continued. “My father was what people call a hero. He was an actor, author, coach, mentor, family man, and leader. He was a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. There was something truly magical about him, the influence he had on others that I had never seen in anyone else. That’s the way.”
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Ely was born June 21, 1938 in Hereford, Texas. He appeared in bit roles in films such as the iconic South Pacific (1958) before getting his big break playing Tarzan in the NBC TV version of the timeless tale. “Tarzan” aired on NBC from 1966 to 1968, and Ely, who did many of his own stunts, appeared bruised and battered during the show, suffering from multiple broken bones and a lion bite. Ta.
He later became the star of “Doc Savage: The Bronze Man,” which aired in 1975, and hosted Miss America in 1980 and 1981.
He was active in television from 1959 to the early 2000s, appearing in roles from “Father Knows Best” (1959) to “Fantasy Island” (1979-1984) and “The Love Boat” (1980-1981). He made guest appearances on everything from “Superboy.” (1991), in the latter of which he played the Man of Steel.
In the past 22 years, he has only had one acting credit in the TV movie “Expecting Amish” (2014).
After his career in front of the camera ended, Ely published mystery novels.
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Ely’s first marriage ended in divorce. He married Miss Florida USA Valerie Lundeen in 1984 and they have three children. Sadly, his wife was stabbed to death in 2019 at the Hope Ranch residential area in Santa Barbara, California. She and Eli lived there. The suspect’s son, Cameron, who was later found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy, was shot and killed by police who responded to the chaotic scene.
Eli has two children.
