The King of the Jungle is Gone: Tarzan Actor Ron Ely Dead at 86
It's a sad day for fans of classic TV shows and the swashbuckling hero of the jungle, Tarzan. Ron Ely, the actor who brought the iconic character to life in the popular 1960s series, has passed away at the age of 86.
Ely was more than just a pretty face swinging through the vines. He was a gifted athlete and a classically trained actor who brought a certain rugged charm to the role of Tarzan. He wasn't just playing a guy who lived in the jungle; he became the jungle, a noble savage who protected the natural world and its creatures. The show ran for four seasons, cementing Ely's place in pop culture history.
While Tarzan made Ely a star, he wasn't a one-trick pony. He had a long and varied career on TV and in film, with roles in shows like "Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat," as well as appearances in films like "Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze." But for many, he'll always be remembered as the man who embodied the spirit of Tarzan.
Ely's passing is a reminder that even heroes, the ones who swing through the trees and fight for justice, eventually age. But his legacy, and the stories of Tarzan, will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come. So next time you see a vine, remember the king of the jungle, the man who made Tarzan real, Ron Ely. He'll always be swinging in our hearts.