Dan Haggerty, Beloved Star of Grizzly Adams, Remembered
Dan Haggerty, best remembered for his role as Grizzly Adams, has passed away in Burbank, California. He rose to prominence with his performance in The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams (1974), a film about a man wrongly convicted who flees to the wilderness, forming a deep bond with nature especially with a bear named Ben. Initially brought on as a stuntman and animal handler, Haggerty only agreed to participate if he could play the lead role. The modestly budgeted film, made for $165,000, went on to gross nearly $30 million, eventually spawning an NBC television series in 1977.
Haggerty’s heartfelt and rugged portrayal earned him the 1978 People’s Choice Award. The show became a favorite for its wholesome storytelling and unforgettable characters, including Mad Jack (Denver Pyle) and Makuma (Don Shanks). The Grizzly Adams legacy continued with Legend of the Wild (1978) and The Capture of Grizzly Adams (1982), where Adams ultimately proves his innocence. Haggerty remains cherished for his iconic role and the warm, nature-loving spirit he brought to it.
