an Haggerty, a cherished actor and animal enthusiast, tragically passed away on Friday. Renowned for his memorable portrayal of the kind mountain man in “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,” Haggerty endeared himself to viewers with his remarkable beard and his bear friend, Ben. He died at 73 years old in Burbank, California, after battling spinal cancer.
Before securing his big break, Haggerty had already built a solid reputation in Hollywood as a stuntman and animal handler. However, it was a significant encounter with a producer that would ultimately transform his life. When approached to appear in some opening sequences for a film depicting a woodsman and his bear, Haggerty agreed on one condition — he demanded to have a role in the entire movie.
The movie, adapted from Charles Sellier Jr.’s book, was an unexpected success. Despite being made with a small budget of $165,000, it ended up earning almost $30 million in ticket sales. This remarkable achievement resulted in the development of a TV series based on the story, with Haggerty returning to play the role of the nature enthusiast who defends the wilderness.
The TV series “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” connected with viewers due to its warm and sincere tone. The plot revolved around a man wrongly accused of murder who finds solace in the wilderness, forms bonds with animals, and takes in an abandoned bear. As John Leonard from The New York Times accurately pointed out in his critique, the show “warms the heart,” blending themes of connecting with the natural world and evoking deep emotions.
Haggerty’s depiction of Grizzly Adams won him the affection of viewers and even a People’s Choice Award in 1978 for being the most beloved actor in a new series. The show’s triumph also resulted in the development of follow-up productions such as “Legend of the Wild” in 1978 and “The Capture of Grizzly Adams” in 1982.
Haggerty encountered various obstacles throughout his life. Daniel Francis Haggerty, born on November 19, 1942, in Los Angeles, had a tumultuous upbringing. Following his parents’ split when he was just 3 years old, he experienced a turbulent childhood, frequently running away from military school. He later relocated to Burbank to live with his father, who was an actor.
In the early stages of his career, Haggerty was featured in several films, such as “Muscle Beach Party” in 1964 and had a role in the iconic “Easy Rider” as a member of a hippie commune. He completely embraced his connection with nature, residing on a small ranch in Malibu Canyon alongside tamed and rescued wild animals. This unique experience led to opportunities as an animal trainer and stuntman for TV series like “Tarzan” and “Daktari.”
Haggerty consistently portrayed characters that highlighted his passion for wildlife and nature, from his role in “Where the North Wind Blows” in 1974 to “Grizzly Mountain” in 1997, reminiscent of Grizzly Adams. Additionally, he explored the horror genre with appearances in movies like “Terror Night” in 1987 and “Elves” in 1989.
Despite achieving success, Haggerty encountered challenges in his life. In 1985, he encountered legal troubles and was sentenced to 90 days in jail for selling cocaine to undercover police officers. Furthermore, in 1977, he faced a tragic incident when a customer accidentally set his iconic beard on fire in a restaurant, causing severe burns to his arms. Remarkably, Haggerty utilized his expertise in animal healing to make a quick recovery.
Even after his departure, Dan Haggerty will forever be cherished in our memories as the kind-hearted mountain man who brought happiness and comfort to our screens. His portrayal of Grizzly Adams and his deep affection for nature will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Dan Haggerty’s offspring, Megan, Tracy, Dylan, Cody, and Don, will uphold his legacy, providing inspiration for generations to follow.
