Ron Ely Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Ron Ely Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ron Ely is an American actor-novelist recognized for his iconic turn as Tarzan and his enduring influence in television and popular culture.

Introduction

Ron Ely (born June 21, 1938) emerged from Texas to become one of television’s most memorable figures. Best known for playing the title role in the NBC series Tarzan and for his other work in film and television, Ely built a versatile career that eventually pivoted into writing. His estimated net worth stands at approximately $7 million.  In his personal life, Ely was married and fathered three children; his relationships and private passions shaped the man behind the roles.

Quick Facts

From Texas Roots to Jungle Icon

Ron Ely was born in Hereford, Texas, and raised in Amarillo.  He showed early promise in athletics and performance, eventually moving into acting in the 1950s with guest spots and minor film roles. His big break arrived when he was cast as the titular Tarzan in the 1966-1968 NBC series, delivering a more articulate, physically-committed version of the character—performing many of his own stunts, suffering lion bites and two broken shoulders along the way. 
Defining moments in Ron Ely’s journey include:

• Winning the role of Tarzan (1966) and re-imagining the archetype for television audiences.

• Leading the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, broadening his on-screen profile.

• Hosting the Miss America pageants in 1980 and 1981, demonstrating versatility beyond acting. 

• Transitioning into writing and authoring two mystery novels, shifting creative direction. 

The Core Pillars of Ron Ely’s Wealth Include:

Relationships & Family Life

Ron Ely’s personal life reflected both long-standing commitment and heartbreaking loss. He married his high-school sweetheart, Helen Janet Triplet, in 1959; the union ended in divorce in 1961.  In 1984, he wed former Miss Florida USA, Valerie Lundeen, and the couple raised three children—daughters Kirsten and Kaitland and son Cameron. 
Key insights into Ron Ely’s relationships and personal life:

• Ely’s marriage to Valerie underscored his shift from Hollywood focus to family-first priorities. 

• In October 2019 the family suffered tragedy when Valerie was fatally stabbed in their Santa Barbara home by their son Cameron; Cameron was then shot and killed by police. 

• The incident deeply affected Ely’s public image and life choices in his later years.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond his acting career, Ron Ely led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A prominent residence in Santa Barbara, California—his 6,000-square-foot mansion in the Hope Ranch area became a significant asset. 

• Membership in outdoor and athletic activities, including scuba diving and stunt-based acting early on. 

• Transitioning to a quieter life focused on creative writing and family after stepping away from regular acting work. 

• Philanthropy and mentorship: while less publicly detailed, his later-life statements emphasised being “fully committed to my wife and my children… that’s why I stepped out of the business.” 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

The evaluation of Ron Ely’s net worth draws on several publicly available sources and internal analysis of his assets.

Analysis:

• The bulk of Ely’s net worth stemmed from long-running earnings from his signature Tarzan role and subsequent television work.

• His foray into novel writing added a diversified revenue stream.

• Real-estate holdings proved a stable asset, especially his Santa Barbara property, which featured in media reports.

• Despite being a recognizable figure, his net worth remained modest compared to some contemporaries—reflecting both the era of his peak earning and the long interval since his major screen roles.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Ron Ely’s public image is two-fold: on one hand the muscular, athletic Tarzan of the 1960s; on the other, a dedicated family man and writer who stepped away from the limelight. In industry circles, his role helped reshape how Tarzan could be portrayed on television—speaking full sentences, performing his own stunts, and blending action with character. 
His legacy is defined by:

• A cultural imprint from the Tarzan role that continues to be referenced by later generations of actors.

• A later-life narrative of taking control of his creative and personal priorities, moving into writing and family life.

• A story marked both by achievement and tragedy, which heightens his narrative as a figure of resilience and reinvention in Hollywood.
  Public commentary following his death reminded fans and peers that “there was something truly magical about him.” 

Conclusion

Ron Ely’s journey—from Texas origins to embodying one of the most enduring characters in adventure television—speaks to ambition, adaptability, and reinvention. With his birthdate of June 21, 1938, and his birthday every June 21, his path led him through Hollywood stardom, literary pursuits, family devotion and personal tragedy. His estimated net worth of roughly $7 million reflects a career built on commitment rather than blockbuster earnings. His relationships, especially his marriage to Valerie Lundeen and the loss the family later endured, underscore the human dimension behind the screen persona. In the end, Ron Ely’s legacy is one of an actor-author who embraced both the roar of the jungle and the quiet of the writing desk—and left behind a name that continues to resonate.