Dan Haggerty, the Beloved Grizzly Adams, Passes Away

Dan Haggerty, renowned for his portrayal of Grizzly Adams in the 1974 film and subsequent TV series, died at 73 in Burbank, California, due to spinal cancer. Originally a stuntman, Haggerty’s journey to fame began when he was asked to act in scenes for a movie about a woodsman and his bear. He seized the opportunity, insisting on doing the entire film, which eventually became a box office hit and a television adaptation.

“The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” depicted a man falsely accused of murder who finds solace in the wilderness, befriending animals, and nurturing an orphaned bear. John Leonard of The New York Times described it as heartwarming, capturing the essence of man’s bond with nature.

Haggerty’s portrayal endeared him to audiences, earning him a People’s Choice Award in 1978. The series inspired follow-ups and showcased Haggerty’s talent for connecting with wildlife, a skill he honed over the years as an animal trainer and stuntman.

Despite later career struggles and personal setbacks, including a prison sentence and a severe burn accident, Haggerty’s spirit remained resilient. He passed away, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and connection to the natural world.