Ron Ely, best known for his role as Tarzan, passed away on September 29th at the age of 86 due to end-stage heart disease. His death certificate indicates he died at 7:04 PM and was later cremated. His daughter Kirsten announced his passing on October 23, praising him as a hero and influential figure in many people’s lives.
Ely began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing on popular TV shows before landing the iconic role of Tarzan in 1966. The show ran for 57 episodes until 1968, marking a significant moment in Ely’s career. Following the series, he continued to act in movies and guest-starred on various TV shows until the 1990s.
In a tragic turn of events, Ely’s wife was stabbed to death in 2019, and his son was shot and killed by police in response to a family disturbance call. Ely filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, alleging that his son had his hands up when he was shot. However, the jury ruled in favor of law enforcement in 2022, deeming the use of deadly force justified.
Despite facing personal tragedies in his later years, Ron Ely leaves behind a legacy as an accomplished actor and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His passing has left many mourning the loss of a talented performer and a cherished family man.
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