When a beloved television icon passes away, it affects people on a very deep level. We often watch these individuals in shows so much that we feel as if we know them personally.
Unfortunately, we have bad news to share because Ron Ely has passed away. In the 1960s, he was a television icon as he swung on jungle vines in the role of Tarzan on that TV series.
Ron passed away at the age of 86 and his daughter released a statement, saying that he passed away on September 29 peacefully at his home. His family was by his side when he passed away.
Kirsten, his daughter, posted a tribute on Instagram, expressing her sadness over the loss. She said: “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.”
She posted a number of pictures of them sharing special moments with each other, and she called her father ‘someone that people called a hero.’ She went on to describe him as being a ‘mentor, family man, and leader.’
She wrote: “My father’s life story was one of relentless perseverance, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved.”
Ron started acting in the 1950s but he became famous when he starred in the role of Tarzan in 1966. He continued in that role between 1966 and 1968 for 57 episodes.
Aside from acting on Tarzan, he also acted in a number of other shows as well. This included Wonder Woman, LA Law, the Friend Who Walked the West, and the Love Boat.
In his later life, he published two novels that highlighted his creative abilities along with his acting.
Unfortunately, his life did suffer a number of setbacks. This included when his son, Cameron, stabbed his mother to death in 2019. Cameron then tried to escape arrest and was shot by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies.
Ron then went on to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department the next year. He claimed that Cameron was trying to surrender when the officers opened fire, discharging some 20 rounds at him.
The documents went on to say that the five officers also neglected to provide the necessary medical aid to Ron’s wife in a timely manner. She was found dead with a number of stab wounds.
Ron, who was present when the incident occurred identified Cameron as the main suspect, and the police went after him. They searched the residence and took extra precautions because Ron told them that Cameron had a gun.
When they caught up with Cameron, he was walking toward them making a motion as if he was pulling a gun. Four deputies then discharged 24 rounds, wounding Cameron fatally. When they were able to approach him using a ballistic shield, they found out that he didn’t have a weapon and none of the deputies were injured.
Ron has passed away at the age of 86. He is survived by his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland. May he rest in peace.
