Ronald Pierce "Ron" Ely was born on June 21, 1938, in Hereford, Texas, to a family that would shape his future as a renowned American actor and novelist.
Ely's career in the entertainment industry began with a series of bit-parts, including a notable appearance as an airplane navigator in the 1958 film South Pacific. His early work also included a guest-starring role on Barbara Eden's first television series, the romantic comedy How to Marry a Millionaire.
In the 1960s, Ely's tall stature and athletic build earned him the lead role in the 1966 NBC series Tarzan, cementing his status as the iconic character. His Tarzan costume, showcasing his physique, became a defining feature of the series.
Ely's versatility as an actor led him to take on various roles in the 1970s, including the title role in the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze. His athletic build also made him a natural fit for guest shots, such as a 1978 episode of Fantasy Island, where he portrayed Mark Antony in a Roman military short tunic and breastplate.
From 1960 to 1961, Ely starred in the series The Aquanauts, showcasing his acting chops in a different context. In the 1980s, he hosted the musical game show Face the Music, and later replaced longtime host Bert Parks to host the 1980 and 1981 Miss America Pageants.
In the 1990s, Ely's roles continued to diversify, including a retired Superman in the 1991 two-part episode "The Road to Hell" of the Superboy syndicated television series, and a big game hunter named Gordon Shaw in the 1992 episode "Tarzan the Hunted" of the syndicated Tarzán TV series.
Ely's writing career took off in the 1990s, with the publication of two mystery novels featuring private eye Jake Sands: Night Shadows (1994) and East Beach (1995). He continued to make appearances on popular TV shows until around 2001, his most recent being Sheena and Renegade.
Today, Ely has retired from acting and focuses on his writing career, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor and novelist.
