Biography for
Ron Ely

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Mini Biography

The 15th screen Tarzan (if you don't count Gordon Griffith) was to have played a Tarzan impersonator in a projected Mike Henry television show, which never materialized. He had been tested fourteen months earlier when Henry got the part. Prior to Tarzan, he had played only bit parts in movies, e.g., the copilot in South Pacific (1958) and had co-starred in TV's brief series "Malibu Run" ("The Aquanauts" (1960)). He played the title role in the TV series "Tarzan" (1966), and in two movies made from that series in 1970. He refused to use a stunt double in his vine-swinging or animal fights and was often injured. It has been noted that Ron's physical appearance and dialogue were much more like those of Edgar Rice Burroughs' character than could be said for any other Tarzan. In addition to occasional parts in TV series and movies, several made in Germany, Ron hosted the "Miss America" pageant on television 1979-81, replacing Bert Parks.

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Trivia

Attended The University of Texas at Austin in mid-1950s and was in ROTC.

Hosted a game show in the early 1980s called "Face the Music" (1980). A delightful trademark of his performance was his tendency to preface a statement to the contestants with the introductory identifier, "Contestants!"

The former "Tarzan" appeared in a rare guest spot on the jungle adventure "Sheena" (2000) in the 2001-2002 season.

Attended Amarillo High School. There is a letter sweater from him in the trophy cases (saved from 1970 fire in the older school).

Personal Quotes

"Ever read the original Tarzan stories? They're beautiful. About an educated man who returns to the environment he knows best, the jungle. There he seeks truth, honor, and man's lost humanity to man. This Tarzan is the part I've been waiting for all my life."

Where Are They Now

Writer of mystery novels, featuring the character Jake Sands Night Shadows 1994 East Beach 1995

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