'Tarzan' star Ron Ely has died aged 86. The actor was best known for portraying the titular character in the NBC series 'Tarzan' from 1966 to 1968, and while filming the show he was said to have been attacked by lions, and he broke his shoulder twice. Ron's daughter, author Kiki Ely, confirmed his passing, describing her late father as a "hero".

She wrote on Instagram: "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 honor 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 perserverence, 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 privil.