Ron Ely is best known for his iconic portrayal of Tarzan on television during the 1960s, as well as his long-running career as an actor and game-show host. Beyond his screen success, Ely’s personal life was marked by a devastating tragedy in 2019 that brought renewed public attention to his family.
Early Career and Fame
LATEST 4.. Tarzan star Ron Ely’s tragic final years after son stabbed wife Valerie to deathRon Ely is best known for his iconic portrayal of Tarzan on television during the 1960s, as well as his long-running career as an actor and game-show host. Beyond his screen success, Ely’s personal life was marked by a devastating tragedy in 2019 that brought renewed public attention to his family.Early Career and FameRon Ely was born Ronald Pierce Ely on June 21, 1938, in Hereford, Texas. He became widely known for playing Tarzan in the NBC television series that aired from 1966 to 1968. Unlike many adaptations that used stunt doubles, Ely famously performed many of his own stunts, which contributed to the show’s popularity and his reputation for physicality on screen (Source: IMDb).Following the success of Tarzan, Ely took on a variety of roles in television and film, including portraying Doc Savage in Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975). He also hosted the Miss America pageant in 1980 and 1981 (Source: Miss America Organization).
Personal Life and Family
Ron Ely married Valerie Lundeen in 1984. Valerie Lundeen Ely was a former beauty queen who won the Miss Florida USA title. The couple had three children together. Public photos and news coverage over the years documented their family attending events and charity benefits.They became grandparents for the first time in 2018 when their daughter Kaitland gave birth to her first child (Source: People Magazine).
The 2019 Incident: A Verified Timeline
Deputies identified the suspect as Cameron Ely, the couple’s 30-year-old son. After an on-scene search, deputies encountered Cameron Ely outside the home. The sheriff’s office reported that he posed a threat, leading four deputies to fire their service weapons. Cameron Ely died at the scene (Source: Associated Press).
Official Law Enforcement Statement
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office issued the following summary in its public release:
Date of Incident: October 15, 2019
Location: Hope Ranch neighborhood, Santa Barbara County
Victim: Valerie Lundeen Ely, age 62
Suspect: Cameron Ely, age 30Deputy-Involved Shooting: Four deputies discharged their weapons after deeming the suspect a threat.
No deputies were injured in the encounter. The incident was subject to multiple investigations, including criminal, coroner’s, and administrative reviews, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings in California (Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office; California Department of Justice guidelines).
About Ron Ely’s Legacy
Despite the personal tragedy, Ron Ely remains an enduring figure in American television history. His work on Tarzan continues to be remembered for its adventurous spirit and unique practical stunt work. Fans continue to share memories of his performances on classic TV channels and online forums (Source: IMDb, Turner Classic Movies).
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