Hereford Born Actor Ron Ely Passes Away
October 23, 2024 5:46PM CDT
Ron Ely, shown during an interview in Los Angeles, Dec. 28, 1987, is back in the swim of television as underwater investigator Mike Nelson in a new syndicated version of "Sea Hunt." Ely reprises the role Lloyd Bridges made famous in one of the most popular series of a generation ago. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Actor Ron Ely who is most famous for playing Tarzan on television has passed away at the age of 86. Mr. Ely was born in Hereford on June 21, 1938 and was raised in Amarillo.
He passed away at his daughter’s home in Santa Barbara, California on September 29th.His death was reported Wednesday by family members. Ely portrayed Tarzan in the 1966-1968 NBC TV series. His other TV work included playing the lead in “Doc Savage: The Man Of Bronze in 1975, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat and hosting the Miss America Pageant in 1980 and 1981. Ely’s movie work included roles in South Pacific, The Night of the Grizzly, The Fiend Who Walked the West and Once Before I Die.