Dan Haggerty, a cherished actor and animal lover, passed away tragically on Friday. Haggerty, who is best known for playing the kind mountain man in “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,” won over audiences’ hearts with his magnificent beard and bear friend Ben. Spinal cancer claimed his life in Burbank, California, at the age of 73.
Haggerty had established himself as a well-known stuntman and animal handler in Hollywood prior to his breakthrough performance. But his life will never be the same after that fateful meeting with a producer. Haggerty agreed to appear in a few of the movie’s opening sequences with the proviso that he wanted to be in the whole thing about a woodsman and his bear.
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Audiences responded favorably to “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” because of its warm and sincere tone. The tale told of a man who, after being wrongfully convicted of murder, flees to the woods, makes friends with the local wildlife, and takes in an orphaned bear. The New York Times’ John Leonard rightly observed in his review that the program “lukewarms the heart,” fusing themes of connecting with nature with poignant moments.
Haggerty
However, Haggerty had difficulties in his life. Born in Los Angeles on November 19, 1942, Daniel Francis Haggerty had a challenging upbringing. He had a turbulent upbringing and even made several escapes from military school following the divorce of his parents when he was three years old. He eventually moved home with his Burbank-based actor father.
Haggerty starred in a number of movies during his early career, such as 1964’s “Muscle Beach Party” and the legendary “Easy Rider,” when he played a hippie commune member. Living on a modest ranch in Malibu Canyon with tamed and rescued wild animals, he fully embraced his connection to nature. Jobs as an animal trainer and stuntman for television shows like “Tarzan” and “Daktari” were obtained because to this exceptional experience.
Haggerty kept taking part in roles that highlighted his passion for the outdoors and wildlife throughout his life. From 1974’s “Where the North Wind Blows” to 1997’s “Grizzly Mountain,” he consistently played Grizzly Adams-like roles. He also ventured into the horror genre, making appearances in movies like “Elves” (1989) and “Terror Night” (1987).
Haggerty had ups and downs in his life despite his accomplishments. He was involved in legal trouble in 1985 and was given a 90-day jail sentence for distributing cocaine to police officers who were undercover. He also went through a tragic incident in 1977 when a diner unintentionally set his well-known beard on fire in a restaurant, severely burning his arms. Amazingly, Haggerty recovered quickly by relying on his understanding of animal healing.
We will never forget Dan Haggerty as the kind mountain guy who filled our screens with happiness and coziness, even after he passed away. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for his portrayal of Grizzly Adams and his unshakable love of nature.
Dan Haggerty leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations, along with his children Megan, Tracy, Dylan, Cody, and Don.