Ron Ely: The Shocking Truth About His Life Beyond Tarzan

Ron Ely: The Shocking Truth About His Life Beyond Tarzan

For many people, the name Ron Ely brings to mind the image of a handsome and muscular man swinging through the jungle as Tarzan. But what happened to this iconic actor after his time playing the legendary character? Ron Ely’s life beyond Tarzan is filled with surprising twists, successes, and even some tragedy. This article takes a deep dive into his fascinating journey, from his early life and breakout role as Tarzan to his later years as an author and family man.

Who Is Ron Ely?

Ron Ely, born on June 21, 1938, is an American actor best known for his role as Tarzan in the 1960s television series. With a career spanning decades, he not only gained fame as an actor but also became a novelist later in life. But Ron Ely is more than just the actor behind Tarzan; his story is filled with moments that defined his legacy in Hollywood and beyond.

Ron Ely Age, Height, and Weight

Ron Ely’s age as of 2024 is 86 years old. Even though he’s now retired from acting, his contributions to film and television remain memorable.

Regarding his physical stature, Ely was known for his athletic build. Ron Ely’s height is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), which made him an ideal fit for playing larger-than-life roles like Tarzan and Doc Savage. Ron Ely’s weight during his acting prime was around 200 pounds (90 kilograms), maintaining a strong and fit physique that was essential for the physically demanding roles he often took on.

Ron Ely’s Early Life and Family Background

Ron Ely’s family and upbringing played a significant role in shaping him. He was born in Hereford, Texas, to parents who were far removed from the entertainment industry. Ron Ely’s parents lived a modest life, but they provided him with a solid foundation. Little is known publicly about their professions, but Ely often spoke of his childhood as being shaped by discipline, work ethic, and a love for adventure, which later translated into his career.

Ely attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he started developing an interest in acting. His good looks and athletic abilities quickly drew attention, and soon after, Hollywood came calling.

Ron Ely as Tarzan: The Role That Defined His Career

When we talk about Tarzan actors, Ron Ely’s name stands out among the most iconic. In 1966, Ely took on the role of Tarzan in the NBC television series Tarzan. The show aired from 1966 to 1968, and Ron Ely became one of the most recognized Tarzan actors of his time. His portrayal was unique because Ely performed almost all his own stunts, which added to the authenticity of the show but also led to frequent injuries. Despite the dangers, Ely’s dedication made the series popular with viewers and cemented his place in television history.

Ron Ely’s Other Major Role: Doc Savage

After the success of Tarzan, Ron Ely starred in “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze” (1975), a film based on the famous pulp magazine hero Doc Savage. Doc Savage was often described as a superhero before superheroes became mainstream. He was a genius, adventurer, and physical marvel, making Ron Ely’s casting perfect for the role. Doc Savage movies were expected to become a franchise, but unfortunately, the film didn’t perform as well as hoped at the box office.

Despite this, Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze has gained a cult following over the years. Many fans of the original Doc Savage stories appreciated Ely’s portrayal, and the movie remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of classic pulp fiction.

Ron Ely’s Time on Superboy TV

Another notable role in Ron Ely’s acting career came later in the 1990s when he appeared in the Superboy TV show. He played an older Superman in the popular series. While he wasn’t the central character, Ely’s role on Superboy TV was a nod to his past as a physically commanding hero. It allowed a new generation of viewers to appreciate his work.

Ron Ely’s Post-Acting Career: A Successful Author

After stepping back from acting, Ron Ely took on a new challenge: writing. He became a novelist, penning several mystery novels. His most well-known works include the Jake Sands series, which follows a private investigator. Ely’s shift from acting to writing was smooth, and he earned praise for his storytelling abilities. Being an author allowed Ely to express his creative side in a different way, showcasing his versatility.

Ely’s novels were well-received by fans of the mystery genre, and he proved that his talents extended far beyond the screen.

Ron Ely’s Family Life

While Ron Ely is known for his professional accomplishments, his personal life also tells an interesting story. Ron Ely’s family includes his wife, Valerie Lundeen, whom he married in 1984. Together, they had three children. Ely has always maintained that family was incredibly important to him, and he prioritized spending time with his loved ones once his acting career slowed down.

However, tragedy struck the Ely family in 2019. In a devastating incident, Ron Ely’s wife, Valerie, was killed at their home in California. The tragic event shocked many, and Ely’s son, Cameron, was involved in the incident. This heartbreaking event brought an end to what had been a long and successful marriage. It was a deeply painful time for Ely, but he has remained private about the details, focusing on his family’s healing.

Ron Ely’s Net Worth

Over the years, Ron Ely’s net worth grew thanks to his acting career, particularly his role as Tarzan and his success in other ventures like writing. As of recent estimates, Ely’s net worth is believed to be around $7 million. While not the largest fortune by Hollywood standards, it reflects a successful career spanning several decades in different areas of the entertainment world.

The Legacy of Ron Ely as Tarzan and Doc Savage

Despite stepping out of the spotlight in his later years, Ron Ely’s legacy remains closely tied to his roles as Tarzan and Doc Savage. His portrayal of Tarzan was iconic, not only for his physicality but for the humanity he brought to the character. Ely’s ability to balance the character’s wildness with a sense of intellect and nobility was a large part of why his version of Tarzan became so popular.

Similarly, his role in Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze was another example of Ely’s ability to take on larger-than-life characters. Although the Doc Savage movie didn’t reach blockbuster status, it left a lasting impression on fans of the pulp hero genre.

Ron Ely’s Influence on Future Generations of Actors

Ron Ely may not have been as prolific as some of his peers, but his influence on the entertainment industry is undeniable. He showed that an actor could perform his own stunts, bringing authenticity to physically demanding roles like Tarzan. His willingness to push himself physically inspired other actors to take on more challenging roles and stunts in the years that followed.

Beyond that, his successful transition from acting to writing serves as an inspiration for actors looking to reinvent themselves. Ely’s work as an author showed that it’s possible to have a second career that is just as fulfilling as the first.

Ron Ely’s Impact on Pop Culture

Even though Ron Ely as Tarzan was his most famous role, his work continued to influence popular culture in different ways. The 1960s television series is still fondly remembered by fans of the character, and Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan was one of the first times the character had been shown on TV in a way that felt real and grounded.

His role as Doc Savage also left an impression, especially among fans of pulp fiction and comic book heroes. While the film didn’t lead to sequels, the character of Doc Savage remains a foundational figure in the superhero genre, and Ely’s portrayal is considered a classic by fans.

Conclusion: The Shocking Truth About Ron Ely’s Life Beyond Tarzan

The life of Ron Ely has been filled with highs and lows. From his breakout role as Tarzan to his work as a successful novelist, Ely has always found ways to evolve and adapt. His personal life, marked by both love and tragedy, adds a layer of depth to his story, showing that even those who seem larger than life face challenges like everyone else.

Though he may no longer be swinging through the jungle or playing superheroes on screen, Ron Ely’s legacy as an actor, author, and family man endures. His contributions to both Hollywood and literature will continue to inspire fans for generations to come.

FAQs About Ron Ely

1. Who is Ron Ely?
   Ron Ely is an American actor best known for playing Tarzan in the 1960s NBC television series Tarzan. He also portrayed Doc Savage in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze and later became a successful novelist.
2. What is Ron Ely’s age?
   Ron Ely’s age as of 2024 is 86 years old. He was born on June 21, 1938.
3. What is Ron Ely’s height and weight?
   Ron Ely’s height is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), and his weight during his acting days was around 200 pounds (90 kilograms).
4. What is Ron Ely’s net worth?
   Ron Ely’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million, earned through his acting career and later success as a novelist.
5. What role made Ron Ely famous?
   Ron Ely became famous for playing Tarzan in the NBC television series that aired from 1966 to 1968. He performed his own stunts, which added to his popularity in the role.
6. What other major roles did Ron Ely have?
   Besides Tarzan, Ron Ely is known for playing Doc Savage in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze. He also appeared as an older Superman in the Superboy TV show in the 1990s.
7. What is Ron Ely’s family life like?
   Ron Ely was married to Valerie Lundeen in 1984, and together they had three children. Tragically, Valerie was killed in 2019, and the event deeply affected the family.
8. What is “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze”?
   Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze is a 1975 film starring Ron Ely as the pulp fiction hero Doc Savage, a scientist-adventurer with near-superhuman abilities.
9. Did Ron Ely write any books?
   Yes, after his acting career, Ron Ely became a successful author. He wrote several mystery novels, including the Jake Sands series.
10. What was Ron Ely’s experience playing Tarzan?
    Ron Ely’s portrayal of Tarzan is iconic. He performed almost all his own stunts during the show, which resulted in frequent injuries but added to the realism of his performance.
11. What happened to Ron Ely’s wife?
    In 2019, Ron Ely’s wife, Valerie Lundeen, was tragically killed at their home. This was a deeply personal tragedy for Ron Ely and his family.
12. How is Ron Ely remembered today?
    Ron Ely is remembered for his iconic roles in Tarzan and Doc Savage, as well as his later success as a mystery novelist. Despite facing personal tragedy, his legacy in entertainment endures.

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