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“Tarzan” star Ron Ely has died at the age of 86

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“Tarzan” star Ron Ely has died.

The actor died at the age of 86, his daughter confirmed to Fox News Digital.

“The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my father,” his daughter Kirsten said in a statement. “My father was someone people called a hero. He was an actor, author, trainer, mentor, family man and leader. Wherever he went he created a powerful wave of positive influence. The effect he had on others is something I've never experienced in another person – there was something truly magical about him. That's how the world knew him.

“I knew him as my father – and what a heavenly honor that was. For me he was an absolute eye-catcher.”

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Ron Ely has died aged 86, his daughter confirmed. (Getty Images)

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“My father’s life story was one of tireless perseverance, endless devotion to his family and friends, courage to do the right thing, and sacrifice to achieve the dreams of those he loved,” Kirsten wrote. “It was also a story of joy and love – something that everyone close to him was able to experience. Knowing my Father’s love made the world a brighter and more meaningful place.”

“I am doing my best to walk this journey of loss with the strength and grace that I know he would want for me,” she added. “I pick up the pieces of my heart that feel like pieces of him – and cement them firmly before picking up the rest of the broken pieces. It makes me feel like a part of him is still there – and I need that – and the world needs that.”

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“My greatest comfort is knowing that my father is with my mom and my brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it is burned into my soul. I will wear all of my favorite pieces with pride – lovingly anchored in my heart – until we all meet again.

Ron Ely plays chess about Tarzan

Ron Ely starred in the TV series “Tarzan”. (Getty Images)

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Ron Ely as Tarzan, holding a monkey on his shoulders

Ron Ely as Tarzan in 1966. (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Ely first rose to fame in the 1960s when he landed the lead role in the NBC series “Tarzan.” The television series ran from 1966 to 1968.

He later returned in 1975 for Universal's Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.

Ely went on to guest star roles on some of television's biggest shows, including Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island and Superboy.

Ron Ely attends an event

According to IMDB, Ron Ely was last seen in the 2014 TV movie “Expecting Amish.” (Getty Images)

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