On Friday, the world mourned the loss of a beloved actor and animal lover, Dan Haggerty. With his iconic role as the gentle mountain man in “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,” Haggerty captured the hearts of audiences young and old. Sporting an impressive beard and accompanied by his bear companion, Ben, he became an unforgettable figure in the entertainment industry. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 73 in Burbank, California, due to cancer of the spine.
Before his breakthrough as Grizzly Adams, Haggerty had already established himself in Hollywood as a stuntman and animal handler. However, it was a chance encounter with a producer that changed his life forever. Asked to act in some opening scenes for a movie about a woodsman and his bear, Haggerty agreed under one condition – he wanted to be in the entire movie.
This film, based on Charles Sellier Jr.’s novel, became a surprise hit. Despite its modest budget of $165,000, it went on to gross nearly $30 million at the box office. The tremendous success paved the way for the creation of a television series adaptation, where Haggerty reprised his role as the nature-loving protector of the wilderness.
“The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” struck a chord with audiences due to its warm and heartfelt tone. The show depicted the story of a man falsely accused of murder seeking refuge in the woods. There, he befriends animals and adopts an orphaned bear. As John Leonard of The New York Times fittingly mentioned in his review, the show “warmed the heart” by combining elements of communing with nature and tugging at the heartstrings.
Haggerty’s portrayal of Grizzly Adams won him the adoration of fans and even a People’s Choice Award in 1978 as the most popular actor in a new series. The show’s success also led to the creation of sequels like “Legend of the Wild” in 1978 and “The Capture of Grizzly Adams” in 1982.
But Haggerty’s journey was not without challenges. Born Daniel Francis Haggerty on November 19, 1942, in Los Angeles, he faced a difficult childhood. After his parents’ separation when he was only three years old, he experienced a troubled youth, even escaping from military school multiple times. Ultimately, he found solace with his actor-father in Burbank.
In his early career, Haggerty appeared in several films, including “Muscle Beach Party” in 1964 and a role in the iconic “Easy Rider” as a member of a hippie commune. Embracing his profound connection with nature, he lived on a small ranch in Malibu Canyon alongside tamed and rescued wild animals. This unique experience translated into jobs as an animal trainer and stuntman for TV series like “Tarzan” and “Daktari.”
Throughout his life, Haggerty continuously sought roles that showcased his love for wildlife and the outdoors. From films like “Where the North Wind Blows” in 1974 to “Grizzly Mountain” in 1997, he always embodied characters reminiscent of the beloved Grizzly Adams. He also explored the horror genre, appearing in films such as “Terror Night” in 1987 and “Elves” in 1989.
In spite of his success, Haggerty faced personal troubles. In 1985, he encountered legal issues and received a 90-day jail sentence for selling cocaine to undercover police officers. Additionally, tragedy struck in 1977 when a patron accidentally set fire to his famous beard in a restaurant, resulting in severe burns on his arms. Remarkably, Haggerty utilized his knowledge of animal healing to recover swiftly.
Although we bid farewell to Dan Haggerty, we will forever cherish his memory as the gentle mountain man who brightened our screens. His portrayal of Grizzly Adams and his unwavering love for nature will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Dan Haggerty is survived by his children Megan, Tracy, Dylan, Cody, and Don, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
