Actor Ron Ely, who is best known for being the star of the 1960s Tarzan TV series, has died at the age of 86.
His final years were shrouded in tragedy, and his death comes five years after his second wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was killed in tragic circumstances at the couple’s home in California.
The former flight attendant was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron Ely, in the family’s home in Santa Barbara, at the age of 62.
Cameron was fatally shot at the scene by authorities with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Ron, who retired from acting in 2001 (apart from a brief appearance in TV movie Expecting Amish in 2014), and his wife Valerie were married for 35 years before her death.
The couple had three children together, Kirsten, Kaitland, and Cameron.
Who was Ron Ely’s wife Valerie Lundeen?
Ron Ely’s wife was Valerie Lundeen, a devoted mother who once worked as a flight attendant and won Miss Airline International, a beauty pageant for flight attendants, in 1980.
A year later, Valerie was crowned Miss Florida, USA in a beauty pageant in 1981, and she would later compete for the title of Miss USA.
Her future husband, Ron, also had associations with the world of pageants, having hosted the Miss America competition for two years in a row in 1980 and 1981.
Ron and Valerie got married in 1984 and had three children. The couple became grandparents for the first time in 2018 when their daughter Kaitland gave birth to her first child, a little boy.
Valerie was 62 years old when she was killed.
Related Posts
How a Single Tragedy Sparked a National Call for Reflection and Accountability
When video footage from a federal enforcement operation began circulating, it quickly drew national attention—not just for what it showed, but for the questions it raised. The…
How Melania Trump’s Rare Public Statement Became Part of a National Conversation on Unity and Tension
When national stress intensifies, even brief public remarks can capture widespread attention—and that has been true following the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in…
How a Bold Stage Look Sparked Conversation—and Celebration—at a Las Vegas Show
When a performance clip travels fast online, it’s often because it makes people pause. That’s what happened after a recent Las Vegas show by Shania Twain, where her…
How Paying Attention to Subtle Bladder Changes Can Support Long-Term Health
Many people who later face bladder-related diagnoses say the same thing in hindsight: the earliest signs were easy to dismiss. Doctors often stress that awareness—not alarm—is the…
How Louis Gossett Jr. Redefined Power, Presence, and Purpose on Screen
Hollywood is honoring the life and legacy of Louis Gossett Jr., a commanding performer whose work fused artistry with conscience. Across stage and screen, he delivered performances marked…
How Extreme Diet Trends Can Turn Wellness Goals Into Serious Health Risks
What begins as a sincere desire to feel healthier can sometimes take a dangerous turn. In this case, a young woman’s commitment to improving her well-being led…