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.
Tallulah Willis Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis
In a heartwarming Instagram post, Tallulah Willis, youngest daughter of Hollywood stars Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, shared a touching childhood memory of her father carrying her on the red carpet. However, the post carried a deeper meaning, hinting at Tallulah’s recent autism diagnosis. Let’s delve into her story and learn more about her condition!
Tallulah’s Instagram video clip showed her as a young child playfully interacting with her father’s head while he spoke to the media at a film premiere. She captioned the clip with the phrase “tell me your autistic without telling me your autistic [sic],” inviting her followers to engage in a conversation about autism.
The response from Tallulah’s 408,000 followers was overwhelmingly supportive and loving. Many shared their own knowledge and experiences with autism, discussing Tallulah’s symptoms and the loving reaction of her father. One user even praised Bruce for his exceptional care, saying, “Your dad is one-of-a-kind honey, and so are you.”
When questioned by a psychologist specializing in neurodivergent conditions, Tallulah revealed that this was the first time she had publicly shared her diagnosis. She discovered her autism diagnosis during the summer, and it has had a significant impact on her life.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects social communication, interaction, and behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with ASD often display restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests. Tallulah’s sister, Scout LaRue Willis, provided further insight by explaining that Tallulah’s actions in the video, such as folding her father’s ear, are a form of stimming. Stimming helps individuals regulate sensory input.
Tallulah’s revelation comes at a challenging time for the Willis family, as they continue to support their father, Bruce Willis, in his battle with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Bruce was diagnosed with FTD, a degenerative condition primarily affecting communication and behavior, in 2023. One of the early symptoms he experienced was aphasia, which affects language skills.
For now, Tallulah has chosen not to disclose further details about her diagnosis. The outpouring of love and support for her speaks volumes about the resilience of the Willis family. Let’s send our best wishes to Tallulah and her family as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.
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