Ron Ely, star of the TV series “Tarzan,” has died at the age of 86

Ron Ely, the actor best known for his role in the TV series “Tarzan,” has died. He was 86.

According to the New York Times, the star died on September 29 at the home of one of his daughters near Santa Barbara, California. Ely's daughter Kirsten first announced the news on Instagram. She confirmed her father's death to Fox News Digital.

“The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my father,” Kirsten said in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday. “My father was someone people called a hero. He was an actor, author, trainer, mentor, family man and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went.”

“The effect he had on others was something I had never experienced in another person – there was something truly magical about him. That's how the world knew him. I knew him as my father – and what a heavenly honor that was. He hung the moon for me.”

“My father's life story was one of tireless perseverance, endless devotion to his family and friends, courage to do the right thing, and sacrifice to achieve the dreams of those he loved,” Kirsten added. “It was also a story of joy and love – something that everyone close to him was able to experience. Knowing my Father’s love made the world a brighter and more meaningful place.”

“I am doing my best to walk this journey of loss with the strength and grace that I know he would want for me,” she continued. “I pick up the pieces of my heart that feel like pieces of him – and cement them firmly in place before picking up the rest of the broken pieces.” It makes me feel like a part of him is still there – and I need that – and the world needs that.”

“My greatest comfort is knowing that my father is with my mother and brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it is burned into my soul. I will proudly carry all of my favorite pieces in my heart until we all meet again.”

The Ely actor starred in “Tarzan” for its entire 57-episode run, which ran on NBC from 1966 to 1968.

The actor first made a name for himself in the 1950s by playing supporting roles in popular TV shows such as “Father Knows Best,” “How to Marry a Millionaire” and “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis” before starring in “Tarzan” celebrated his breakthrough.”

The series modernized writer Edgar Rice Burroughs' famous 1912 jungle hero, swapping the image of a primitive creature who only made monosyllabic grunts for a modern man returning to his jungle home after a sojourn in the civilized world.

NBC's “Tarzan” retained the titular protagonist's chimpanzee sidekick, Cheetah, but left out his love interest, Jane.

Ely continued acting even after the series concluded in 1968. He starred in the 1975 action-adventure film “Doc Savage: The Bronze Man” and guest-starred on television shows into the 1990s, including hits like “Wonder Woman.” “, “The Love Boat”, “Fantasy Island”, “Marcus Welby, MD” and “LA Law”.

In the 1990s, he took a break from acting to help raise his three children, Kirsten, Kaitland and Cameron. The star returned to the big screen in 2014 with the TV movie Expecting Amish. It's about a young woman who's about to join the Amish church when a trip to Hollywood gives her a glimpse into the world beyond.

“I gave up acting to have a family and be able to spend more time with them here in Santa Barbara,” Ely said in an interview with The Fresno Bee at the time of the film's release.

“Now all of the children have graduated from college with advanced degrees. My family asked me, “Why are you staying here?” I started looking around and this movie came to mind. It felt so good making the film, I wish I had never left.”

Ely's life was also marked by tragedy. His wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was stabbed to death in their Santa Barbara home in 2019. When police responded to calls about a “family disturbance” at the home, they shot and killed Ely's son, Cameron. Law enforcement claimed Cameron killed his mother.

In 2020, Ely sued the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and four deputies, accusing them of negligent and excessive deadly force. In Ely's lawsuit, he claimed that Cameron had his hands raised when sheriffs shot him. He also claimed that deputies failed to provide timely medical care to Cameron and Valerie.

A federal jury ruled against Ely in 2022, ruling that sheriff's “use of deadly force against Cameron Ely was justified and lawful under the circumstances.”