Veteran actor and 1960s Tarzan, Ron Ely, has died at 86. His daughter Kirsten Casale Ely announced the news with sadness in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
Kirsten, in her emotional tribute, shared several throwback pictures with her father. “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known I have lost my dad,” she wrote. Her words speak volumes about her love and admiration for the man.
Kirsten referred to Ron as the “hero to many”. She, therefore, expressed his roles being those of an actor, writer, coach, mentor, and family man. She then said, “He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went.” This explained much about how he was able to affect others. “There was something truly magical about him,” she added.
She spoke fondly of the special bond between Ron and her: “To me, he wasn’t a famous actor-he was my dad.” Further, she had written, “To me, he hung the moon.” This one sentence wraps up everything in a child’s deep affection and regard. According to her, he was strong, protective, brilliant, and funny, yet stoic, sensitive, dynamic, and powerful. He had been a role model and inspiration all her life.
Ron Ely began his acting career in films like South Pacific, The Fiend Who Walked the West, and The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker. Ron Ely gained fame in 1966 when he took on the role of Tarzan in the NBC series. He did many of his stunts, which turned into some harrowing experiences: two broken shoulders and multiple lion bites.
Aside from Tarzan, Ely appeared in several other productions. He was part of The Aquanauts between 1960 and 1961 and the star of the Western film The Night of the Grizzly in 1976. He also played a lead in the film on slavery entitled Slavers in 1978.
The memory of Ron Ely lives on through the work he did and also through the memories left behind by those closest to him. His daughter poignantly paid tribute to her father, reminding us all of the person behind the character. Ron Ely will be remembered not for his acting alone but for the love shared between him and his family.
ANI
