Ron Ely, Star of 1960s 'Tarzan', Passes Away at 86

Ron Ely, the beloved actor known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the hit 1960s television series, has passed away at the age of 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared her grief on Instagram, expressing that the world has lost a remarkable individual, and she has lost her father. Ely starred in the popular NBC series from 1966 to 1968, during which he undertook numerous stunts, resulting in various injuries and even close encounters with wildlife. Following his retirement from acting in 2001, he turned to writing, publishing two mystery novels, continuing to engage his creative talents. In 2014, he made a brief return to acting with a role in the film "Expecting Amish," portraying an Amish elder.

Ely's career also included appearances in notable television series such as "The Love Boat" and "Wonder Woman," where he showcased his versatility. Born in Texas in 1938, Ely's early life saw him marry his high school sweetheart in 1959; however, the couple divorced shortly after. He became the host of the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s, where he met his second wife, Valerie, and together they had three children. Ely passed away on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, California. His daughter fondly recounted his legacy, calling him a hero in every sense, while remembering him as a loving father who "hung the moon."