RIP, Tarzan: Ron Ely, the Original Swinging Man, Passes at 86
Man, it's hard to believe. Ron Ely, the guy who embodied Tarzan on the small screen back in the day, has passed away. He was 86. According to reports, Ely died at his home in California.
Now, you might be thinking, "Tarzan? Wasn't that a movie thing?" Well, yeah, there were movies, tons of them. But back in the '60s, Ely was the man who brought the jungle hero to life on TV. He starred in "Tarzan" for three seasons, from 1966 to 1968. It's safe to say he made a big impact on how people saw the iconic character.
Ely's Tarzan was different from the previous portrayals. He was more refined, less of a wild man. He was a strong, handsome, and intelligent guy who, sure, could swing from vines, but also knew how to deal with complex situations. It was kind of a different approach to the character that captured viewers' imaginations.
Besides Tarzan, Ely had a pretty successful career. He did some acting in movies like "Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze" and "The Beta Test" and was a pretty big deal in the '70s, appearing on TV shows like "Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat." You know, the kind of stuff that gets you invited to Hollywood parties.
But it's his role as Tarzan that most people remember him for. He was a heartthrob, a symbol of strength and masculinity, and the embodiment of that classic, adventurous spirit. RIP, Ron Ely. You'll be missed, buddy.