Ron Ely, the actor best known for playing Tarzan in the 1960s NBC series, has died at 86. His later years were marked by immense tragedy, following the violent deaths of his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, and their son, Cameron.
Ely became a household name from 1966 to 1968 for his athletic and charismatic portrayal of Tarzan, performing his own stunts and redefining the role as intelligent and articulate. Beyond acting, he hosted the Miss America pageant in 1980 and 1981, later retiring to a quiet life in Santa Barbara with his family.
That peace ended in 2019 when Valerie, his wife of 35 years, was found stabbed to death at their home. Their son Cameron was identified as her killer and was later shot dead by police outside the residence. Ely, though unharmed, was hospitalized for trauma.
Valerie had once been Miss Florida USA and met Ely while both were involved in the pageant world. Married in 1984, they raised three children—Kirsten, Kaitland, and Cameron—and welcomed a grandson in 2018. Friends described Valerie as warm and devoted to her family.
After the tragedy, Ely filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, claiming excessive force was used against Cameron and that officers mishandled the situation. The case reignited debate about police conduct during mental health crises.
Born in Texas in 1938, Ely enjoyed a long acting career with roles in Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, Fantasy Island, and The Love Boat. He also wrote novels and was admired for his integrity and devotion to family.
His life was one of both achievement and heartbreak. Fans remember him as a symbol of strength and grace, a man who faced unimaginable loss yet remained defined by quiet heroism. Ely is survived by his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland, and his grandchildren.