'Tarzan' star Ron Ely dies at 86
"The Convent" Episode 15 -- Pictured: Ron Ely as Tarzan (Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Ron Ely, known as the star of the television series "Tarzan," has died. He was 86 years old.
Ely's daughter Kirsten confirmed the news in an Instagram post published Wednesday.
"The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad," Kirsten shared in a statement. "My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person – there was something truly magical about him. This is how the world knew him."
She continued, "I knew him as my dad – and what a heaven-sent honor that has been. To me, he hung the moon."
Kirsten did not indicate how or when the actor died.
"My father’s life story was one of relentless perseverance, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved," Kirsten continued. "It was also a story of joy and love – something everyone close to him had the privilege of experiencing. Once you knew my father’s love, the world grew to be a brighter and more meaningful place."
She added, "I am doing my best to walk this path of loss with the strength and grace that I know he would want for me. I am picking up the pieces of my heart that feel like pieces of him – and cementing those firmly in place before I pick up the rest of the broken bits. It makes me feel like part of him is still here – and I need that – and the world needs that."
She continued, "My greatest comfort is knowing that my dad is with my momma and my brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it’s etched into my soul. I will proudly carry all of my favorite pieces of them – lovingly cemented into my heart – until we all meet again."
Ely first rose to fame in the 1960s after landing the lead role in NBC's "Tarzan." The TV series ran from 1966 until 1968.
He later appeared on other well-known shows including "The Love Boat," "Wonder Woman" and "Fantasy Island."
Ely also returned for Universal's "Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze" in 1975.