Tarzan star Ron Ely dead at 86: ‘One of the greatest men’

Ron Ely, the actor who played Tarzan in the iconic TV series, has died aged 86, with his daughter confirming the sad news in a heartbreaking statement.

Tarzan star Ron Ely has died.

The US actor passed away at 86 years old, his daughter confirmed to Fox News Digital.

“The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad,” his daughter, Kirsten, shared in a statement.

“My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person – there was something truly magical about him. This is how the world knew him.”

Iconic actor Ron Ely has died aged 86. Picture: Bobby Bank/Getty Images

The actor is best known for playing Tarzan in the TV series. Picture: Alamy

The hit TV series ran from 1966 until 1968. Picture: Alamy

“I knew him as my dad – and what a heaven sent honour that has been. To me, he hung the moon.”

“My father’s life story was one of relentless perseverance, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved,” Kirsten continued. “It was also a story of joy and love – something everyone close to him had the privilege of experiencing. Once you knew my father’s love, the world grew to be a brighter and more meaningful place.”

Ely’s daughter Kirsten shared the sad news of his death on Instagram.

Kirsten said Ely is now up in heaven with her mum.

“I am doing my best to walk this path of loss with the strength and grace that I know he would want for me,” she added.

“I am picking up the pieces of my heart that feel like pieces of him – and cementing those firmly in place before I pick up the rest of the broken bits. It makes me feel like part of him is still here – and I need that – and the world needs that.”

Ely is survived by his daughters. His son Cameron died in 2019, aged 30.

“My greatest comfort is knowing that my dad is with my momma and my brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it’s etched into my soul. I will proudly carry all of my favourite pieces of them – lovingly cemented into my heart – until we all meet again.”

Ely first rose to fame in the 1960s after landing the lead role in NBC’s Tarzan. The TV series ran from 1966 until 1968.

He later returned for Universal’s Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze in 1975.

Afterwards, Ely took on guest roles on some of TV’s biggest shows, including Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island and Superboy.

This article originally appeared in Fox News and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Tarzan star Ron Ely dead at 86: ‘One of the greatest men’