On Friday, the world lost a wonderful actor and animal lover, Dan Haggerty. Haggerty, well known for his classic performance as the peaceful mountain man in “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,” won over audiences with his amazing beard and bear friend, Ben. He died at the age of 73 in Burbank, California, from spinal cancer.
Prior to his breakout role, Haggerty established himself in Hollywood as a stuntman and animal handler. However, it was his tragic encounter with a producer that would alter his life forever. When asked to appear in some opening scenes for a film about a woodsman and his bear, Haggerty agreed with one condition: he wanted to be in the entire film.
The film, based on Charles Sellier Jr.’s novel, was a surprising success. Made on a small $165,000 budget, it grossed approximately $30 million at the box office. This phenomenal success prompted the development of a television series adaption in which Haggerty repeated his role as the nature-loving guardian of the wilderness.
“The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” struck a chord with viewers due to its genial and sympathetic tone. It was about a guy who was wrongfully convicted of murder and sought sanctuary in the woods, where he befriended animals and adopted an orphaned bear. As John Leonard of The New York Times eloquently observed in his review, the show “lukewarms the heart,” mixing themes of communing with nature and tugging at the emotions.
But Haggerty’s life was not without its challenges. Born Daniel Francis Haggerty on November 19, 1942, in Los Angeles, he faced a difficult childhood. After his parents’ separation at the age of 3, he had a troubled youth, even escaping from military school multiple times. Eventually, he moved in with his actor-father in Burbank.
In his early career, Haggerty appeared in various films, including “Muscle Beach Party” in 1964 and a role in the iconic “Easy Rider” as a member of a hippie commune. He wholeheartedly embraced his connection with nature, living 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 continued to take 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 Grizzly Adams. He also delved into the horror genre, appearing in films such as “Terror Night” in 1987 and “Elves” in 1989.
Despite his success, Haggerty’s life was not without its ups and downs. In 1985, he faced legal issues and received a 90-day jail sentence for selling cocaine to undercover police officers. Additionally, he experienced a moment of tragedy in 1977 when a patron accidentally set his famous beard on fire in a restaurant, resulting in severe burns on his arms. Remarkably, Haggerty relied on his knowledge of animal healing to recover swiftly.
Despite his passing, we will always remember Dan Haggerty as the gentle mountain man who brought joy and warmth to our screens. His role as Grizzly Adams and his unwavering love for nature will forever be etched 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.
