Dan Haggerty, beloved for his role as Grizzly Adams in the hit 1974 movie “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” and the subsequent television series of the same name, passed away on Friday in Burbank, Calif. He was 73.
Mr. Haggerty, known for his luxuriant beard and friendly demeanor, began his career as a stuntman and animal handler. His life took a surprising turn when a producer asked him to act in some opening scenes for a film about a woodsman and his bear. Inspired by the novel “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams”, Mr. Haggerty agreed to take on the lead role of a Californian falsely accused of murder, seeking solace and companionship in the wilderness alongside his bear friend.
What started as a few reshoots became an opportunity for Mr. Haggerty to star in the entire film. The low-budget production, made for just $165,000, exceeded all expectations and grossed nearly $30 million at the box office. The success of the movie led to a television adaptation, and in February 1977, Mr. Haggerty resumed his beloved character, becoming the eco-friendly guardian of the woods and a friend to all creatures.
The heartfelt and sentimental series quickly captured the hearts of viewers and earned Mr. Haggerty a People’s Choice Award in 1978 for the most popular actor in a new series. “Grizzly Adams” also spawned two follow-up projects, “Legend of the Wild” in 1978 and “The Capture of Grizzly Adams” in 1982, a television movie in which Adams fights to clear his name.
Born on November 19, 1942, in Los Angeles, Daniel Francis Haggerty had a troubled childhood. After several escapes from military school, he found solace living with his father, an actor, in Burbank. Throughout his career, Mr. Haggerty appeared in various films, including the 1964 film “Muscle Beach Party” alongside Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. He also had roles in “Easy Rider” and several wildlife films.
In real life, Mr. Haggerty lived on a ranch in Malibu Canyon, where he cared for an assortment of wild animals, some of which he had tamed from birth or rescued from injury. His love for animals led him to work as an animal trainer and stuntman on TV shows like “Tarzan” and “Daktari”, as well as in some films. He cherished his connection with animals, saying, “Actors didn’t like animals leaping on them.”
As his career shifted, Mr. Haggerty ventured into horror films, showcasing his versatile acting skills. In 1985, he faced personal struggles when he was sentenced to 90 days in jail for selling drugs to undercover police officers. Yet, his resilience and love for life shone through, even in difficult times.
In 1977, tragedy struck when a flaming cocktail accidentally set Mr. Haggerty’s iconic beard on fire. Despite suffering from third-degree burns on his arms, he remained positive, likening himself to a “wounded wolf trying to heal” and finding solace in the healing power of nature. He left the hospital after only 10 days.
Dan Haggerty will be fondly remembered as the gentle mountain man who captured our hearts, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature and finding companionship in unexpected places. His contributions to film and television, as well as his genuine love for animals, will forever be admired and cherished.
