Dan Haggerty captured the hearts of many with his portrayal of Grizzly Adams, a gentle mountain man with a majestic beard and a bear named Ben. This iconic character was first brought to life in the 1974 movie “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,” and later in the NBC television series of the same name.

Sadly, on Friday, Dan Haggerty passed away at the age of 73 from cancer of the spine. His legacy, however, will forever remain in the hearts of fans.

Born on November 19, 1942, in Los Angeles, Dan Haggerty had a troubled childhood. Despite the challenges he faced, he found solace in acting and pursued a career in Hollywood. Little did he know that his life would change when a producer approached him to act in some opening scenes for a film about a woodsman and his bear.

The film was based on the novel “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” by Charles Sellier Jr. Dan Haggerty agreed to be part of the project, but only if he could do the entire movie. This decision turned out to be a stroke of genius. The film, made with a budget of $165,000, went on to earn almost $30 million at the box office. Its success led to the creation of a television series that debuted in February 1977.

The “Grizzly Adams” series was a hit and resonated with viewers of all ages. Its genial and sentimental storytelling captured the wonders of nature and the special bond between man and animal. John Leonard of The New York Times described it as a heartwarming experience, filled with furry companions like raccoons, owls, deer, and rabbits. The show’s popularity was evident when Dan Haggerty won the People’s Choice Award in 1978 for the most popular actor in a new series.

Following the success of the TV series, two additional chapters were added to the Grizzly Adams story. “Legend of the Wild” aired in 1978 and was released theatrically in 1981. Then, in 1982, “The Capture of Grizzly Adams” was broadcast as a TV movie, where Adams is unjustly taken back to town by bounty hunters and ultimately clears his name.

While Dan Haggerty will always be remembered as Grizzly Adams, his acting career extended beyond this beloved character. He appeared in various films, often in roles that showcased the beauty of the great outdoors. Haggerty’s genuine love for animals and his expertise as an animal trainer and stuntman led to opportunities working on popular television series such as “Tarzan” and “Daktari.” He also took on roles in films like “Where the North Wind Blows” and “The Adventures of Frontier Fremont.”

As life went on, Dan Haggerty faced personal challenges, but he continued to entertain audiences with his performances. In the later part of his career, he appeared in horror films like “Terror Night,” “Elves,” and “Axe Giant: The Wrath of Paul Bunyan.” Unfortunately, in 1985, he faced a legal issue and was sentenced to 90 days in jail for selling cocaine.

Throughout his life, Dan Haggerty lived on a small ranch in Malibu Canyon, where he cared for rescued and tamed wild animals. His connection with nature went beyond the screen, and his love for animals was evident in every aspect of his life.

Dan Haggerty’s journey was not without hardships. In 1977, he suffered severe burns when a careless restaurant patron accidentally set his famous beard on fire. Despite the pain and the road to recovery, Haggerty’s strong spirit prevailed, and he walked out of the hospital after just 10 days.

Dan Haggerty leaves behind a lasting legacy as the beloved Grizzly Adams and so much more. His portrayal of a kind-hearted mountain man and his bond with a bear resonated with audiences around the world. Through his performances, Haggerty taught us the importance of harmony with nature and the power of compassion.

Rest in peace, Dan Haggerty. Your spirit will forever live on in the hearts of your fans.