Ron Ely, an iconic figure in the entertainment world, captivated audiences with his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s and continued to impress with roles such as Doc Savage. Born on June 21, 1938, in Hereford, Texas, Ely’s career spanned decades, earning him a spot among Hollywood’s most beloved actors. Sadly, Ely passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy in television and film.
While his career earned him fame, Ely’s personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. His son, Cameron Ely, was involved in a heartbreaking incident in 2019 that profoundly affected the family. Despite these challenges, Ron Ely’s contributions to the entertainment industry remain a testament to his enduring talent and dedication.
Key Takeaways
- Ron Ely gained fame for his role as Tarzan in the NBC series from 1966 to 1968.
- He starred as Doc Savage in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.
- Ely passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86, with a net worth estimated at $3 million.
- He was married twice, with his second wife, Valerie Lundeen, tragically killed by their son, Cameron Ely, in 2019.
- Ron Ely’s legacy includes his contributions to both acting and writing.
Ron Ely’s Tarzan – A New Kind of Jungle Hero
Ron Ely’s role as Tarzan in the NBC series from 1966 to 1968 set him apart from earlier portrayals of the character. Unlike the wild and untamed Tarzan of past adaptations, Ely’s Tarzan was intelligent, articulate, and had been exposed to modern society. This version of the jungle hero returned to the wilderness voluntarily, choosing to live among animals once again after experiencing civilization.
Ely’s portrayal was not just about Tarzan’s intellect—he also performed most of his own stunts, which added to the realism of the show. However, this came with physical risks, as Ely often sustained injuries on set. His dedication to the role made his version of Tarzan a fan favorite.
Ron Ely’s Acting Career – Beyond Tarzan
While Ely is most recognized for his role as Tarzan, his acting career didn’t stop there. He went on to star in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, which was based on a popular pulp magazine character. Though the movie did not achieve blockbuster status, Ely’s performance as Doc Savage earned him a loyal fanbase.
In addition to these iconic roles, Ely also made several appearances in television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including hosting the Miss America pageant. His charm and screen presence made him a household name, especially during the height of his career.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ron Ely |
| Born | June 21, 1938, Hereford, Texas |
| Net Worth in 2024 | Estimated $3 million |
| Famous for | Portraying Tarzan and Doc Savage |
| Notable TV Appearance | Hosted Miss America pageant in the 1980s |
| Tragic Event | Son, Cameron, involved in fatal 2019 incident |
| Passed Away | September 29, 2024, at age 86 |
Ron Ely’s Family and Personal Life
Ron Ely’s personal life was marked by deep love for his family, but it also bore immense tragedy. He was married twice. His first marriage to Helen Janet Triplet ended in divorce in 1961. In 1984, he married former Miss Florida, Valerie Lundeen, with whom he had three children: Kirsten, Kaitland, and Cameron.
Unfortunately, Ely’s family was thrust into the spotlight in 2019 when his son, Cameron Ely, fatally stabbed Valerie. The incident shocked the public and cast a shadow over the family’s later years. Cameron was subsequently shot and killed by police. Despite this personal tragedy, Ron Ely remained out of the public eye until his passing in 2024.
The Legacy of Ron Ely’s Net Worth and Career
At the time of his death in 2024, Ron Ely’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million. His earnings came from his long career in acting, most notably through his roles in Tarzan and Doc Savage. Ely also ventured into writing, further contributing to his financial success.
Though his career saw highs and lows, Ely’s contribution to television, especially through his portrayal of Tarzan, has remained significant in popular culture. His version of the jungle hero paved the way for more nuanced and intellectual portrayals of action characters in later years.
Ron Ely’s Children and Tragic Family Incident
Ron Ely had three children: two daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland, and one son, Cameron. The Ely family led a relatively private life until 2019, when Cameron Ely tragically murdered his mother, Valerie Lundeen Ely, in their Santa Barbara home. This event was a devastating blow to the family and had a lasting impact on Ron Ely’s later years.
Cameron Ely, a Harvard-educated former football player, was fatally shot by police during the incident. The tragedy left Kirsten and Kaitland, Ron’s two daughters, as the remaining members of the family. They have since stayed out of the public eye.
Is Ron Ely Still Alive?
Ron Ely passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86. While his life was filled with notable professional accomplishments, it was also marked by personal sorrow, particularly following the loss of his wife and son. His death marked the end of an era for many fans who remembered him as the iconic Tarzan of the 1960s.
FAQs
When did Ron Ely play Tarzan?
Ron Ely played Tarzan in the NBC series Tarzan, which aired from 1966 to 1968.
What was Ron Ely’s net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death in 2024, Ron Ely’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
What happened to Ron Ely’s wife, Valerie Lundeen?
Valerie Lundeen, Ron Ely’s wife, was tragically killed by their son, Cameron Ely, in 2019 during a domestic incident at their home.
How many children did Ron Ely have?
Ron Ely had three children: two daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland, and a son, Cameron Ely.
Is Ron Ely still alive?
No, Ron Ely passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86.
What other roles is Ron Ely famous for besides Tarzan?
Besides his role as Tarzan, Ron Ely is well-known for portraying Doc Savage in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.
Did Ron Ely perform his own stunts in Tarzan?
Yes, Ron Ely performed most of his own stunts while playing Tarzan, which often led to injuries during filming.