The thinking man's Tarzan who did his own stunts (and got a couple of lion bites to prove it)

THE tall, charismatic actor Ron Ely swung through the jungle and into the lives of millions of viewers around the world while playing Tarzan.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

Ely's portrayal of the vine-swinging hero was loved by a generation during the 60s.

But last month, he passed away aged 86 at the home of one of his daughters near Santa Barbara, California.

Kirsten Ely the announced death of her father on September 29, adding: "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."

Ely's rugged good looks, coupled with his willingness to do his own stunts, made him a TV favourite.

But performing daredevil scenes came at a cost, as Ely suffered two broken shoulders, a torn back muscle, fractured bones - and two lion bites.

In 2013, he said: "I had so many muscle pulls and tears, and busted shoulders, wrists and bones.

"Every part of me had been hurt. I pay for it today when I get out of bed in stages."

Ely recalled bosses first tried to cast ex-American football star Mike Henry as Tarzan. But he added: "He didn't like chimpanzees and from the moment he got on set, things went south in a hurry."

A chimp attacked Henry and injured his jaw when the show's pilot was being filmed, and bosses cast Ely as a last-minute replacement.

He recalled: "I met with them on a Monday and when they offered me the role, I thought, 'No way do I want to step into that bear trap. You do Tarzan and you are stamped for life'.

"Was I ever right? But my agent convinced me it was a quality show and was going to work. So on the Friday, I was on a plane to Brazil to shoot the first episode."