Ron Ely
Ron Ely (born June 21, 1938) is the stage name of the American actor and novelist born Ronald Pierce in Hereford, Texas. He is best known for starring as Tarzan in the 1966 NBC series Tarzan.
He got the role after playing various bit-parts (including an airplane co-pilot in the 1958 movie South Pacific). His height (6' 4") and athletic build also won him the title role in the 1975 Doc Savage film, as well as various guest shots: In a 1978 Fantasy Island episode, for example, he played Mark Antony in a Roman military short tunic and breastplate that displayed almost as much of his physique as his Tarzan costume had.
In the 1980s, he starred in the series Sea Hunt and hosted the musical game show Face the Music. Additionally, he hosted the 1980 Miss America Pageant - replacing longtime host Bert Parks.
In the 1990s, Ely’s roles included a retired Superman in a two-part episode of Superboy, and a character named Gordon Shaw in the syndicated Tarzán (starring Wolf Larson).
In recent years Ely has embarked on a successful writing career and has penned at least two mystery novels.
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| Preceded by: Mike Henry | Actors to portray Tarzan 1966-1970 | Succeeded by: Robert Ridgely |
Categories
1938 births | Living people | People from Texas | American actors | Television actors | Game show hosts