**Ron Ely, TV’s "Tarzan" Star, Passes Away at 86**

Ron Ely, widely recognized for his role as Tarzan in the 1960s NBC television series, has passed away at the age of 86. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, informed The Associated Press that his death occurred on September 29 at his residence in Los Alamos, California.

Although not as celebrated as Johnny Weismuller—the Olympic swimmer who famously portrayed Tarzan in the 1930s and 1940s—Ely contributed significantly to the enduring image of the iconic character, later immortalized by Disney. Kirsten Ely reflected on her father's legacy in an Instagram post, praising him as a multifaceted individual who left a positive impact 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," she said.

Ely's later years were clouded by a tragic event in 2019 when his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron Ely, who was subsequently killed by police. Ron Ely, who was present during the incident, challenged the official justification for his son's shooting, questioning the absence of a weapon as a lawful basis for the fatal action.

Taking on the role of Tarzan involved significant risks for Ely. He performed his own stunts on the show, working closely with wild animals including tigers and chimpanzees. Initially, American football player Mike Henry was cast for the part, but after an on-set incident where a chimpanzee attacked and injured Henry, Ely was brought in as his replacement.

Ron Ely's portrayal of Tarzan was distinct in that his character was depicted as an educated bachelor who chose to return to the jungle after growing disenchanted with civilization. Unlike the monosyllabic grunts of earlier portrayals, Ely's Tarzan spoke eloquently, adding depth to the character first created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Ely is survived by his daughters Kirsten Casale Ely and Kaitland Ely Sweet, who remember him for the magic he brought into their lives and those of many others.