Tarzan icon Ron Ely has died at the age of 86. The legend that brought the classic character to life on NBC's Tarzan from 1966 to 1968 was reputed to have fought off lion attacks and suffered broken shoulders twice during his stint. Ron's daughter, writer Kiki Ely, took to Instagram with a heartfelt tribute to her "hero" father.
She penned: "The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known - and I have lost my dad. "My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader.
He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person - there was something truly magical about him. This is how the world knew him.
"I knew him as my dad - and what a heaven sent honour that has been. To me, he hung the moon. "My father was my world - and what an incredible world he created.
He was strong and protective. He was brilliant and ridiculously funny. He was stoic and sensitive.
He was dynamic and powerful. He was my role model and inspiration. He was humble and inherently received respect - the respect he so deserved.
"My father’s life story was one of relentless perseverance, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved. It was also a story of joy and love - something everyone close to him had the privilege of experiencing. Once you.