Dan Haggerty, the actor known for his iconic role as the gentle and bearded mountain man in the movie “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” and its television series, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. The character was brought to life through the use of a warm personality and a strong bond with a bear named Ben. Regrettably, he succumbed to his fight against spinal cancer.
Dan Haggerty, the actor who portrayed Grizzly Adams –
Prior to pursuing a career in acting, Haggerty gained experience in the entertainment industry as a stuntman and animal handler in Hollywood. During this period, he received a request to participate in a few scenes for a movie centered around a woodsman and his bear. The movie, adapted from Charles Sellier Jr.’s novel “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,” narrated the journey of a man unjustly accused of a crime, seeking solace in the untamed wilderness and forming a special connection with the wildlife, particularly an abandoned bear.
Haggerty agreed to the offer, but with a stipulation – he insisted on being responsible for the entire movie. The film underwent a remarkable transformation, starting with a modest budget of $165,000 and ultimately raking in an impressive $30 million at the box office. Following his triumph, a television series was born. In February 1977, Haggerty reprised his cherished role as the protector of the forest and companion to the creatures.
The series, with its warm and heartfelt nature, quickly captured the affection of viewers. Haggerty’s portrayal of Grizzly Adams won him a People’s Choice Award in 1978 for being the most popular actor in a new series. Following the success of “Grizzly Adams,” two additional projects were created: “Legend of the Wild” in 1978 and “The Capture of Grizzly Adams” in 1982.
Daniel Francis Haggerty faced numerous challenges during his childhood, having been born on November 19, 1942, in Los Angeles. His parents went their separate ways during his early years, and he faced numerous challenges during his upbringing. Despite facing initial challenges, he discovered comfort in acting and embarked on his career by taking on minor roles in movies such as “Muscle Beach Party” (1964) and “Easy Rider” (1969). He went on to star in a variety of wildlife films and TV series.
When not on camera, Haggerty resided on a ranch in Malibu Canyon, devoting his time to the care and training of a diverse range of animals. His passion for the natural world went beyond his work in the entertainment industry, as he also took on roles as an animal trainer and stuntman in popular shows such as “Tarzan” and “Daktari.” Haggerty’s fondness for animals was clear, as he once expressed in an interview, “Actors were not particularly fond of animals jumping on them.”
In his later years, Haggerty’s career shifted towards horror films, including “Terror Night” (1987) and “Elves” (1989), where he played unique and memorable characters. Regrettably, he encountered personal challenges and was ultimately incarcerated in 1985 for engaging in the illegal sale of cocaine.
In the face of adversity, Haggerty proved to be a strong and motivating individual. In 1977, he experienced a terrifying incident when his renowned beard caught fire due to a flaming cocktail. Despite suffering severe burns on his arms, he made a remarkable recovery. Reflecting on this experience, Haggerty once remarked, “It’s fascinating how animals often possess a deeper understanding of healing than humans.”
Dan Haggerty will forever be celebrated as the amiable mountain man who deeply touched our souls with his love for the environment and his indelible performance as Grizzly Adams. His impact as a skilled performer and advocate for animals remains a source of inspiration for countless individuals.
