Ron Ely, the actor who swung into the hearts of millions as Tarzan in the 1960s TV series, passed away at 86 on September 29, 2023.
His daughter, Kirsten Ely, shared the news via Instagram, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a father she described as a “beacon of positivity, strength, and inspiration.” Ely died at the home of one of his daughters near Santa Barbara, California, marking the end of a life filled with remarkable success and profound tragedy, per TMZ.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kirsten Ely paid tribute to her father’s incredible legacy: “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known—and I have lost my dad.” She highlighted his diverse career as an actor, writer, mentor, and, above all, a family man, emphasizing the immense impact he had on those around him. “To me, he hung the moon,” she shared.
Ely’s portrayal of the legendary jungle hero Tarzan on NBC from 1966 to 1968 made him a household name and cemented his place in pop culture history. Unlike earlier portrayals of the character, Ely’s Tarzan was a sophisticated and articulate version of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic character, captivating audiences and adding new depth to the role.
But behind his onscreen success, Ely’s life was not without hardship. In 2019, he faced an unimaginable tragedy when his wife of over 30 years, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was killed in a domestic incident involving their son, Cameron Ely. Law enforcement officers fatally shot Cameron at the family’s Santa Barbara home, marking a tragic chapter in Ely’s life. He later filed a lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department for wrongful death, but in 2022, a federal jury ruled in favor of the officers involved.
Despite the personal losses he faced, Ely’s legacy remained one of resilience and strength. Kirsten Ely’s words reflect how her father’s love and guidance touched everyone he encountered, leaving a lasting impact: “Once you knew my father’s love, the world grew to be a brighter and more meaningful place.”
Ron Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan may be his most enduring legacy, but his family, his strength through adversity, and the love he gave to those closest to him are just as significant. Ely’s memory continues to shine brightly as fans and loved ones remember the man who brought a jungle legend to life.
How the 1960s Tarzan Series Inspired Disney’s Animated Classic
While Ron Ely’s Tarzan swung through television screens in the 1960s, his portrayal of the beloved jungle hero left an indelible mark on pop culture—and, years later, would influence one of Disney’s most celebrated animated films. Disney’s 1999 Tarzan, a vibrant and emotional retelling of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ tale, drew from Ely’s more modernized, thoughtful version of the character, blending adventure with deeper emotional arcs that echoed the beloved TV show.
A More Modern Hero
Ely’s Tarzan was markedly different from the primitive, monosyllabic versions that had come before. His portrayal of the jungle king presented a man who had lived in civilization and returned to the wild, bringing a new level of intelligence and introspection to the role. This evolution of Tarzan as an articulate, thoughtful hero is something Disney expanded upon in its animated version, where Tarzan is shown learning language, developing relationships, and navigating his identity with sensitivity and depth.
Connection to Animals
In the 1960s TV show, Ely’s Tarzan had a special bond with the animals of the jungle, particularly with Cheetah the chimpanzee. Disney’s Tarzan mirrored this dynamic, placing an even greater emphasis on his connection to the animal kingdom. The film introduced us to Tarzan’s adoptive family of gorillas, led by the nurturing Kala, and his bond with these creatures became a core element of the story—just as it had been for Ely’s jungle protector.
Action and Adventure
The 1960s Tarzan series was known for its action-packed scenes, with Ely performing many of his own stunts as he swung from vine to vine and took down jungle threats. Disney’s film, while animated, carried the same spirit of adventure, with the now-iconic vine-surfing sequences adding a thrilling visual dimension to the fast-paced action. Much like Ely’s TV portrayal, Disney’s Tarzan was a physically gifted hero, protecting his jungle home with unwavering bravery.
Heroic Protector
Ely’s Tarzan wasn’t just a jungle adventurer—he was a protector. The 1960s show often portrayed him standing up against poachers, invaders, and anyone threatening the balance of the natural world. Similarly, Disney’s Tarzan faces off against Clayton, a villain who seeks to exploit the jungle’s resources. This role of Tarzan as a heroic defender of his environment is a direct continuation of the legacy Ely established in his portrayal decades earlier.
Legacy and Influence
The 1960s Tarzan series laid the foundation for modern interpretations of the character. It brought nuance, complexity, and emotional depth to a figure who had, for many years, been portrayed as little more than a grunting jungle man. Disney took these elements and expanded on them, creating a fully realized world that balanced adventure with emotional storytelling. Phil Collins’ unforgettable soundtrack only deepened the emotional resonance of Disney’s Tarzan, but the roots of the character’s modern evolution can be traced back to Ron Ely’s groundbreaking portrayal.
While Disney’s Tarzan has become a cultural touchstone for a new generation, it’s clear that Ron Ely’s portrayal played a key role in shaping the character’s lasting legacy.
At this difficult time, all of us at Disney Dining extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ely family. Ron Ely’s contributions to film, television, and his family will never be forgotten. His spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched, both on-screen and off.
