Dan Hagerty: Honoring the Mild Giant of the High Country

Friday marked the untimely death of actor and animal lover Dan Haggerty. With his impressive beard and bear buddy Ben, Haggerty—who is most known for portraying the kind mountain man in “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams”—won over the hearts of the crowd. In Burbank, California, 73-year-old him lost his life to spinal cancer.

Haggerty was well-known in Hollywood as an animal handler and stuntman prior to landing his big break. But the event that would permanently alter his life was his chance meeting with a producer. Haggerty accepted the offer to play a few opening moments in a film about a woodsman and his bear, but only under one condition: he wanted to be in the whole thing.

Based on the novel by Charles Sellier Jr., the movie unexpectedly became popular. Despite having a relatively small $165,000 budget, the film managed to make about $30 million at the box office. Due to its extraordinary popularity, a television series was created in which Haggerty played the same position of the outdoorsy, nature-loving wilderness guardian.

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. In his review, John Leonard of The New York Times poignantly observed that the program “lukewarms the heart,” fusing themes of connecting with nature with poignant emotional appeal.

Haggerty won the hearts of viewers and got a 1978 People’s Choice Award for being the most well-liked actor in a new series for his depiction as Grizzly Adams. The popularity of the program also prompted the development of follow-ups, such as Legend of the Wild in 1978 and The Capture of Grizzly Adams in 1982.

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.

Early in his career, Haggerty starred in a number of movies, such as 1964’s Muscle Beach Party and the classic 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 TV shows like Tarzan and Daktari were made possible by this exceptional experience.

Haggerty kept taking part in roles that highlighted his passion for the outdoors and wildlife throughout his life. From Grizzly Mountain in 1997 to Where the North Wind Blows in 1974, he consistently played Grizzly Adams-like roles. In addition, he ventured into the horror genre, making appearances in movies like Terror Night (1987) and Elves (1989).

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.

H/T : naturalhealingmagazine.com