History of Ron Ely in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 26, 2025

Ron Ely was an American actor and novelist who gained prominence for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1966-1968 NBC series. He also starred in the film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975). Beyond acting, Ely hosted the Miss America pageant telecast for two years, in 1980 and 1981.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 21, 1938: Born in Hereford, Texas

On June 21, 1938, Ron Ely was born in Hereford, Texas.

June 21, 1938: Ronald Pierce Ely Born

On June 21, 1938, Ronald Pierce Ely was born. He later became known as an American actor and novelist.

1958: Supporting Roles

In 1958, Ron Ely played in supporting roles in films such as South Pacific, as an airplane navigator, and The Fiend Who Walked the West.

1959: Married Helen Janet Triplet

In 1959, Ron Ely married Helen Janet Triplet.

1959: The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker

In 1959, Ron Ely played in the movie The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker.

1960: Starred in The Aquanauts

In 1960, Ron Ely starred in the series "The Aquanauts".

July 1961: Divorced Helen Janet Triplet

In July 1961, Ron Ely divorced Helen Janet Triplet.

1961: Starred in The Aquanauts

In 1961, Ron Ely starred in the series "The Aquanauts".

1966: Starred in Tarzan

In 1966, Ron Ely began his role portraying Tarzan in the NBC series.

1966: The Night of the Grizzly

In 1966, Ron Ely played in the western adventure film "The Night of the Grizzly".

1966: Won Tarzan Role

In 1966, Ron Ely won the role of Tarzan.

1968: Tarzan Ended

In 1968, Ron Ely concluded his role portraying Tarzan in the NBC series.

1975: Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze

In 1975, Ron Ely played the lead role in "Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze".

1978: Slavers Movie

In 1978, Ron Ely appeared in Jürgen Goslar's slavery movie "Slavers".

1978: Fantasy Island Appearance

In 1978, Ron Ely appeared in an episode of Fantasy Island as Mark Antony.

1980: Hosted Miss America Pageant

In 1980, Ron Ely hosted the Miss America Pageant.

1981: Hosted Miss America Pageant

In 1981, Ron Ely hosted the Miss America Pageant.

1981: Valerie Lundeen Miss Florida USA

In 1981, Valerie Lundeen won the Miss Florida USA title.

1984: Married Valerie Lundeen

In 1984, Ron Ely married Valerie Lundeen.

1987: Sea Hunt Revival

In 1987, Ron Ely starred in a revival of the adventure series "Sea Hunt".

1988: Sea Hunt Revival

In 1988, Ron Ely starred in a revival of the adventure series "Sea Hunt".

1994: Night Shadows Novel

In 1994, Ron Ely wrote the mystery novel "Night Shadows".

1995: East Beach Novel

In 1995, Ron Ely wrote the mystery novel "East Beach".

2001: Last Acting Appearance

Around 2001, Ron Ely appeared on shows such as Sheena and Renegade.

2001: Retired From Acting

In 2001, Ron Ely retired from acting.

2014: Expecting Amish

In 2014, Ron Ely returned to acting with an appearance in the television film "Expecting Amish".

October 15, 2019: Death of Valerie Ely

On October 15, 2019, Ron Ely's son, Cameron, stabbed Valerie Ely to death. Cameron was then killed by police officers at the scene.

September 29, 2024: Ronald Pierce Ely's Death

On September 29, 2024, Ron Ely died at the age of 86 at the home of one of his daughters in Los Alamos, California. News of his passing was not released until later in October.