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Actor Ron Ely Passes Away at Age 86
Posted on October 24, 2024 by Neil Cole
Actor Ron Ely has passed away at the age of 86. While best known for his role as Tarzan in the 1960s television series, he would also guest-star in the third season of "Superboy" in the two-part episode "The Road to Hell" as an adult, retired Superman from an alternate reality.
Born on November 21, 1938, in Hereford, Texas, Ely's journey to stardom began with his striking good looks and athletic build. After a brief stint in the Navy, he transitioned to acting, landing his first significant role in the 1958 film "The Man and the Challenge." However, it was his role as Tarzan, beginning in 1966, that truly catapulted him into the limelight. Ely's portrayal brought a modern flair to the iconic character, blending charm and physical prowess, which resonated with audiences around the world.
Ely would later star in the title role in the 1975 film, "Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze" and host the Miss America pageant telecast in 1980 and 1981. He would also star in the 1987 revival of the television series "Sea Hunt" (1958-1961) in the lead role of Mike Nelson. The series would last for only one season after which Ely would return to the world of Tarzan in television series "Tarzán" (1991–1994) where he guest-starred in the role of villain Gordon Shaw in the first-season episode, "Tarzan the Hunted".
Ely died at the home of one of his daughters in Los Alamos, California, on September 29th, 2024, at age 86. His passing was later made public on October 23rd, 2024.
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