Actor Ron Ely, best known for his iconic portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s television series, died at the age of 86 after spending many years away from the public spotlight.
While he was celebrated by fans for his athleticism, charisma, and memorable screen presence, the later years of his life were profoundly shaped by personal loss and tragedy.
Ely’s death came five years after a devastating family incident that drew national attention and forever altered the course of his life. In October 2019, his wife of 35 years, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was killed at their home in Santa Barbara, California.
The tragedy was compounded by the death of their son, Cameron Ely, during a confrontation with law enforcement later that same day.
The events marked a heartbreaking final chapter in the life of a man once known worldwide for embodying one of fiction’s most legendary heroes.
Ron Ely’s Rise to Fame and Television Stardom
Ron Ely rose to prominence in the mid-1960s when he was cast as the lead in Tarzan, an NBC television series that aired from 1966 to 1968.
Based on the character created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, the show distinguished itself from earlier adaptations by portraying Tarzan as intelligent, articulate, and deeply thoughtful.
Ely’s version of Tarzan broke away from the silent, primitive portrayals audiences had previously seen. His character spoke fluent English, displayed emotional depth, and engaged with complex moral dilemmas.
The approach earned Ely widespread acclaim and helped the series attract a loyal audience during its original run.
The physically demanding role required intense training, and Ely performed many of his own stunts. His athletic build and commanding presence became defining traits of his on-screen identity, and the role quickly made him a household name.
Career Beyond Tarzan
Following the success of Tarzan, Ron Ely continued to work steadily in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He starred in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, taking on another heroic role that further cemented his action-star image.
Ely also appeared in numerous popular television series, including Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Wonder Woman, and CHiPs. His versatility allowed him to take on guest roles across genres, from adventure and drama to lighthearted television fare.
Despite his success, Ely never fully embraced the Hollywood lifestyle. By the late 1990s, he began stepping away from acting to prioritize family life and personal pursuits.
In 2001, Ely officially retired from acting. More than a decade later, he made a brief return for a small role in the 2014 television movie Expecting Amish, which marked his final on-screen appearance.
After that, Ely chose to live quietly, far from the spotlight that had once defined his career.
Life Away From the Spotlight
In retirement, Ron Ely focused on family and private life. He rarely gave interviews and made few public appearances, preferring a peaceful existence away from Hollywood attention.
Friends and fans described him as thoughtful, reserved, and deeply devoted to his loved ones. Though his career achievements remained a source of pride, Ely appeared most fulfilled by his role as a husband, father, and later, grandfather.
This quiet chapter of his life made the tragedy that followed all the more devastating.
Who Was Valerie Lundeen Ely?
Valerie Lundeen Ely was more than the wife of a television star. She was an accomplished individual with her own professional and public achievements.
Before her marriage to Ron Ely, Valerie worked as a flight attendant and gained national recognition in the world of beauty pageants. In 1980, she won the title of Miss Airline International, a competition created specifically for flight attendants.
Her success continued the following year when she was crowned Miss Florida USA in 1981, earning the opportunity to compete in the Miss USA pageant. Though she did not win the national title, her achievements reflected confidence, discipline, and poise.
Valerie’s background in pageantry coincided with Ron Ely’s involvement in similar events. Ely hosted the Miss America pageant in both 1980 and 1981, placing both of them within overlapping public circles during that period.
Marriage and Family Life
Ron and Valerie Ely married in 1984 and went on to share 35 years together. Despite Ron’s fame, the couple maintained a relatively private lifestyle and focused on raising their family.
They had three children together: daughters Kirsten and Kaitland, and son Cameron. The family lived in California, largely removed from Hollywood’s constant attention.
Those close to the Ely family described Valerie as deeply family-oriented and actively involved in her children’s lives. She was known for her warmth, dedication, and commitment to maintaining a close-knit household.
In 2018, Ron and Valerie became grandparents for the first time when their daughter Kaitland gave birth to a baby boy. Friends later noted that the couple took great joy in this milestone, embracing their new roles as grandparents with enthusiasm.
At the time of her death, Valerie Lundeen Ely was 62 years old.
The Tragic Events of October 15, 2019
On October 15, 2019, authorities responded to a 911 call at the Ely family home in Santa Barbara, California. Deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence and discovered Valerie Lundeen Ely deceased inside the home.
According to official statements, Valerie had suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement identified the suspect as the couple’s son, Cameron Ely, who was 30 years old at the time.
Cameron was not immediately located inside the home, prompting deputies to conduct a search of the surrounding area.
Law Enforcement Confrontation and Cameron Ely’s Death
During the search, deputies located Cameron Ely outside the residence. According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to communicate with him but were unable to gain verbal control.
Authorities stated that Cameron was deemed a threat, and during the confrontation, four deputies discharged their service weapons. Cameron was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.
No deputies were injured during the incident.
The Sheriff’s Office released an official statement outlining the sequence of events and confirmed that the case would undergo criminal, coroner’s, and administrative investigations, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Autopsies were conducted for both Valerie Lundeen Ely and Cameron Ely, and the identities of the deputies involved were to be released following initial investigative steps.
Public Reaction and Media Attention
The incident drew widespread public attention due to Ron Ely’s status as a well-known television figure and the deeply tragic nature of the events. News outlets across the country reported on the case, emphasizing the devastating loss experienced by the Ely family.
Fans expressed shock and sympathy, while many reflected on the stark contrast between Ely’s heroic on-screen legacy and the painful reality of his personal life in later years.
Legal Action and Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In October 2020, one year after the incident, Ron Ely filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office regarding the fatal shooting of his son.
According to court documents reported by People magazine, the lawsuit alleged that Cameron Ely was surrendering at the time deputies opened fire. The filing claimed that Cameron was unarmed and that deputies fired more than 20 rounds.
The lawsuit argued that the use of force was excessive and that law enforcement failed to properly de-escalate the situation. These claims were presented as allegations within the civil lawsuit.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office maintained that deputies acted in response to a perceived threat and followed department policies and training. The legal process moved forward through official judicial channels.
The Emotional Toll on Ron Ely
The loss of both his wife and son in a single night had a profound emotional impact on Ron Ely. Following the tragedy, he largely withdrew from public life, focusing on his remaining family members and coping with grief.
Friends and supporters described him as deeply heartbroken, noting that he had lost his life partner of more than three decades and his child under traumatic circumstances.
Though Ely pursued legal action, he otherwise remained private, rarely speaking publicly about the events of October 2019.
Ron Ely’s Final Years and Passing
In the years following the tragedy, Ron Ely lived quietly and away from media attention. While his health reportedly declined with age, details about his condition were kept private by the family.
Ron Ely died in 2024 at the age of 86. His passing marked the end of a life that included both extraordinary professional success and profound personal hardship.
Remembering Valerie Lundeen Ely
Valerie Lundeen Ely is remembered as a former beauty queen, flight attendant, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her death was a devastating loss for her family and those who knew her personally.
Her life and legacy remain closely tied to the story of Ron Ely’s final years, serving as a reminder of the human experiences behind public figures.
A Legacy of Fame, Family, and Tragedy
Ron Ely’s life story reflects both the heights of fame and the depths of personal loss. While he will forever be remembered for his portrayal of Tarzan, his later years revealed a man defined by love for his family and resilience in the face of unimaginable grief.
The Ely family tragedy continues to resonate as a sobering reminder that fame does not shield individuals from life’s most painful realities.