“The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” resonated with audiences, with its genial and heartfelt tone. It was a story of a man falsely accused of murder who seeks refuge in the woods, befriends animals, and adopts an orphaned bear. As John Leonard of The New York Times aptly noted in his review, the show “lukewarms the heart,” combining elements of communing with nature and tugging at the heartstrings.
Haggerty’s portrayal of Grizzly Adams earned him the adoration of fans and even a People’s Choice Award in 1978 for being the most popular actor in a new series. The show’s success also led to the creation of sequels like “Legend of the Wild” in 1978 and “The Capture of Grizzly Adams” in 1982.
But Haggerty’s life was not without its challenges. Born Daniel Francis Haggerty on November 19, 1942, in Los Angeles, he faced a difficult childhood. After his parents’ separation at the age of 3, he had a troubled youth, even escaping from military school multiple times. Eventually, he moved in with his actor-father in Burbank.
In his early career, Haggerty appeared in various films, including “Muscle Beach Party” in 1964 and a role in the iconic “Easy Rider” as a member of a hippie commune. He wholeheartedly embraced his connection with nature, living on a small ranch in Malibu Canyon alongside tamed and rescued wild animals. This unique experience translated into jobs as an animal trainer and stuntman for TV series like “Tarzan” and “Daktari.”
