Tarzan Star Ron Ely Died of End-Stage Heart Failure, New Report Says

Actor Ron Ely, renowned for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s NBC series, passed away on September 29 at the age of 86 due to end-stage heart failure, as confirmed by his death certificate. This severe condition signifies the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, often resulting in a prognosis of six to 12 months. Ely's passing at his Los Alamos, California home was only announced in October by his daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, through an emotional Instagram post. She penned a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her father’s pivotal role as an actor, writer, coach, mentor, and family man who radiated a significant, genuinely magical influence on everyone he encountered. This is prepared by SSP.

Born in Texas, Ely made a lasting mark on the iconic character of Tarzan, despite not sharing the same legendary status as Johnny Weissmuller, the famed Olympic swimmer who played the role in previous decades. Beyond Tarzan, Ely also featured in shows like The Love Boat and starred in the 1975 movie Doc Savage: The Man of Iron and Bronze. His final film involvement was in the 2014 television movie Expecting Amish, and his IMDb page notes his planned participation in a project titled Mesopotamia.

Announced among the tributes, Ely’s life was deeply rooted in perseverance, family dedication, and courage. Though not widely publicized, tragedy struck earlier when Ely’s wife, Valerie, was killed in 2019 by their son Cameron, who was later shot by police—a decision Ely contested for lack of justification. They had met during Ely’s tenure as Miss America pageant host in the 1980s, instantly connecting with Valerie Lundeen, then Miss Florida.

Ron Ely retired from acting in 2001 to focus on family life, emphasizing that decision allowed him to attend his children's important life events while developing his writing career. Their familial love is encapsulated in Kirsten and her sister Kaitland’s testimonies of Ely’s profound impact. Kaitland remembered her father—"a true American hero"—expressing timeless gratitude for his enduring influence, ardent laughter, and teachings that reverberate within them, believing his spirit persists through the lives he touched.

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