Ron Ely, a beloved TV star known for playing Tarzan, has died, leaving fans of the classic adventure series sad and heartbroken.
Ron Ely, the actor who brought the wild and adventurous character of “Tarzan” to life in the 1960s TV show, has passed away at the age of 86.
Ron Ely, the beloved TV star known for playing Tarzan, died peacefully at home on September 29, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his daughter.
In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, his daughter Kirsten shared her sadness, saying, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.”
Along with treasured photos of their time together, Kirsten honored her father, calling him “someone that people called a hero.” She described him as a “mentor, family man, and leader,” highlighting the deep impact he had on those around him.
Kirsten reflected on how her father created a “powerful wave of positive influence” wherever he went, noting that his impact was unique. She wrote, “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 help the dreams of those he loved.”
Ron began his acting career in the late 1950s, but he became famous in 1966 when he starred as Tarzan in the TV series. He captivated audiences with his portrayal of the jungle hero in 57 episodes from 1966 to 1968.
The actor’s talent extended beyond “Tarzan,” as he showcased his skills in various projects, including “Wonder Woman,” the 1975 movie “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze,” “L.A. Law,” “The Love Boat,” and “The Friend Who Walked the West.” Throughout his career, he continued to work on projects related to the “Tarzan” legacy and later published two novels.
Tragically, in 2019, Ron’s life changed when his son, Cameron, fatally stabbed his mother, Valerie, Ron’s wife. Cameron, reportedly suffering from early-stage CTE, was shot multiple times by police after he tried to escape. Following this, Ron filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the sheriff’s department, claiming that Cameron was trying to surrender when officers opened fire.
Legal documents revealed that the five officers involved did not provide timely medical help to Valerie, who was found dead with multiple stab wounds. According to police reports, when officers arrived, they found Valerie inside their home and then searched for Cameron, who was identified as the main suspect.
Cameron informed police that he had a gun and approached the deputies in a threatening manner. In response, four deputies fired a total of 24 rounds, fatally injuring him. After it was safe to approach, deputies discovered he had no weapon. Fortunately, none of the deputies were hurt, and Ron, although not physically harmed, was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks.
In the years following this tragic event, Ron Ely faced the difficulties of losing his family. The actor passed away at 86 and is survived by his daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland. His role as the iconic jungle hero left a lasting impact on television and secured his place as a household name.
People Tell Me My Son Should Be Taken From Me After Covering 95% of My Body in Ink
With tattoos becoming increasingly popular, it is not uncommon to come across individuals who have extensive body art. Unfortunately, some people face criticism and even calls for their children to be taken from them. One such case is that of a Canadian man named Remy who has spent over $100,000 on tattoos and has encountered criticism on social media, with some people telling him he’s not a suitable father.
He doesn’t feel guilty about being a tattooed dad.
Despite his extensive amount of ink, Remy doesn’t feel guilty about his tattoos, nor does he believe they’ve changed who he is as a person or a father. He says, “Tattoos and piercings haven’t changed at all, so I wasn’t worried that my son would see me differently.”
But the man has been criticized for not being a stereotypical father.
Remy shared that he has received online comments suggesting that his son should be taken away from him due to his appearance. He stated, “I’ve had a few people say things like my son should be taken from me because of how I look, but this is only ever online.”
He continued, “My argument to that would be that if you think that way, you should never have children yourself.”
Remy added that while people stare at him in public, they only say nice things and ask questions about his tattoos. “People stare a bit [in public] but they only say nice things and ask how long it took, how I handle the pain, and generally compliment my work,” he attests.
His child is nonchalant toward his father’s tattoos.
Remy’s first tattoo was of his son’s name, but since then, he has become obsessed with getting more and more ink. His son never really noticed his tattoos.
“He’s never really noticed them, as I was already pretty different looking [when he was born in 2009] — it’s completely normal for him. As he’s gotten older, he’s become very nonchalant, and it’s actually made him more tolerant of people being different looking, I believe,” Remy says.
In fact, Remy’s son’s favorite tattoo is the eye on his stomach and chest.
Being a good parent has nothing to do with superficial looks.
While some may argue that Remy’s tattoos make him an unfit parent, it’s important to remember that body modification is a personal choice and doesn’t necessarily reflect one’s ability to be a good parent. As long as a parent is providing a safe and loving environment for their child, their appearance should not be a factor in determining their ability to care for their children.
One of Remy’s fans explained things in a wonderful way.
As one commenter on Remy’s story put it, “You give the cloth and care about what you do. As long as you can put a roof over your child’s head, it’s not anyone’s job.” Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide how they want to present themselves to the world, and that decision should not be used to judge their worth as a parent.
As we conclude this story of unfair judgment and inked journeys, it’s only the beginning of our exploration into the world of those living tattooed lives. In our next article, we’ll introduce you to a mom whose 800 tattoos have become a barrier to employment, shedding light on the surprising consequences of living life fully inked.
Preview photo credit ephemeral_remy / Instagram, ephemeral_remy / Instagram
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