Internet users have shown great interest in learning more about the biography and career of Roy Ely, a prominent television actor. This Wednesday, October 23, the sad news of his death was announced, which has shocked the entertainment industry.
Roy Ely was the protagonist of the series ‘Tarzan’ in 1966, a role that catapulted him to fame and established him as an iconic figure on television.
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His performance in ‘Tarzan’ earned him worldwide recognition, and his acting legacy continues to be remembered by many. With his departure, the world of entertainment loses one of its great references.
Biography of Ron Ely actor of “Tarzan”
Ron Ely was born in Hereford, Texas, northwest of Dallas, and grew up in Amarillo, northeast, where he received his primary and secondary education. In 1959, he married Helen Janet Triplet, his high school sweetheart, but they separated in 1961 after two years of marriage.
After his divorce, Ely maintained relationships with actresses such as Ursula Andress, Barbara Bouchet, Dyan Cannon and Britt Ekland. In 1984, he married Valerie Lundeen, former Miss Florida USA, with whom he had three children, Kirsten, Kaitland and Cameron.
Ron Ely, recorded for his role in the series “Tarzan”, left an indelible mark on film and television. Photo: Courtesy
On October 15, 2019, Valerie Lundeen was tragically murdered in her home in Santa Barbara, California, during an incident that also resulted in the death of her son Cameron. Finally, on October 23, 2024, his daughter Kirsten announced the fall of Ron Ely at the age of 86, which occurred on September 29.
“The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known, and I have lost my father,” said the woman through her Instagram account, who detailed that the man was more than an actor, since he also performed . as “writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader”.
What did he die of?
So far, the exact cause of Ron Ely’s death has not been revealed, although it is known that his health had deteriorated in recent years. This decline was compounded by the tragic death of his wife, who was murdered by her own son in 2019, an event that deeply impacted his emotional well-being.
The unfortunate loss of his wife and the circumstances of the crime will affect both his mental and physical health. Since then, Ely faced various complications that reportedly contributed to his overall decline, leaving a legacy marked by difficult personal times.
His career as an actor
In the mid-1950s, Ron Ely enrolled at the University of Texas, but decided to move to California shortly after. After signing with 20th Century Fox at the end of that decade, he obtained small roles in film and television, standing out in films such as South Pacific and The remarkable Mr. Pennypackerin addition to the series How to marry a millionaire (1957-1959).
In 1960, he was chosen to star in the series. The Aquanauts on CBS, although the series was canceled after a 32-episode season. His big break came in 1966, when he was selected to play Tarzan in the television series of the same name.
Ron Ely faced significant personal challenges, including the tragic death of his wife at the hands of their son, which affected his health and emotional well-being.Photo: Internet
Among the Tarzan films in which they participated are Tarzan, rebellion in the jungle, Tarzan and the Mountains of the Moonand Tarzan and the Perils of Charity Jones. His last performance as Tarzan was in 1970 with Tarzan’s Deadly Silence. Ely retired in 2001, but returned in 2014 with an appearance in the television movie. Waiting Amish.