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Dan Haggerty
1941 - 2016
Dan Haggerty
1941 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1941
DIED
2016
Dan Haggerty Obituary
Haggerty died Friday at his home in California's San Fernando Valley. The cause was cancer.
The movie version of "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams" was released in 1974 by Sunn Classic Pictures. The TV series followed soon after on NBC. The TV show, which also featured an orphaned grizzly bear cub named Ben, enjoyed a brief run, from 1977 to 1978. The real Adams was a 19th-century frontiersman who died in 1860.
Haggerty, who was born Nov. 19, 1941, in Pound, Wisconsin, he became a bodybuilder, animal trainer and stunt performer. His film debut came in 1964, with a nonspeaking part in "Muscle Beach Party," in which he played a muscular guy named Biff. He also had roles in the biker road-trip movie "Easy Rider" that was written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Terry Southern; "The Adventures of Frontier Fremont" and "Terror out of the Sky."
Haggerty also formerly trained and handled the animals for one of the "Tarzan" movies as well as the TV series. Haggerty continued acting after the "Grizzly" series, and he had several films in production at the time of his death. He relished the "Grizzly" role, however.
"We were like a family, having a great time," he once said. "They did surveys and said, 'They don’t want you to get married – people say if they're out in their truck or motor home and break down, who's gonna come save 'em but Grizzly Adams?' I said, 'Oh, please!' – but I never did get a wife on the show."
266 Entries
Michael Gregus
June 15, 2025
Still watch Grizzly Adam´s to this day. Thank you for the warm memories.
Staci Bush
January 31, 2025
Loved watching Grizzly Adam's had a big crush on you. Love to you in Heaven.
Nick Phillips
January 28, 2025
You were always one of my favorites as a boy! RIP, sir.
Dan Markovich
January 6, 2025
Thank You Dan for all the memories in your acting career. Always enjoyed getting to meet up with you. My Wife Cathy and I always enjoyed your friendship. Now you watch over her up there till I get there.
"God Luv Ya"
God Bless You My Friend
And Your Family
Big Dan
How you can show support
Victor Siegrist
December 14, 2024
I was a hopeless alcoholic after I got out of the military, And on a crew that sold soap door to door. And some how I ended up at his door. I new who he was but he didn't know me. That was the nicest man I've ever met. He spent over a hour talking to me just like I was a long lost friend. He told me about God and that God wanted to help me.
Years later I expected Jesus. I don't think that would have happened if he had not taken the time for me.
What a wonderful man. Thank you Dan....... I hope you are enjoying Heaven.
Ronnie Caudill
October 1, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Darryl Gillard
July 7, 2024
When I was a kid in the early seventies( I'm 55) in Brentwood, Ontario , we had a bookclub in school and I ordered Grizzly Adams the life and times. It was the book that first gave me an interest in reading. I absolutely loved it and used to dream of it like I was in it. From the opening pages of the Adams being accused of murder to peg finally being able to see her father and of course Ben the bear, mad Jack and Nakoma, I was entranced. This man will always be the man I wished my father could have been like. I wish the remaining family good health want them to know that as a kid growing up on a horse ranch, Dan Haggerty was the man. God bless him!
Wendy Stevens
January 16, 2024
I loved his character "Grizzly Adams which inspired me to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for over 50 years. Forced to retire because of my health. I miss him not as his character, but the man he was. I wanted to live in the wild like his character,so I finally found my little piece of heaven
108 acres in penobscot county Maine , 58 acres of woods and 50 acres of open fields,a view of Mt. Katadin and a spring fed pond. I specialized in rehab of raccoons,but never refused any animal needing me. I wished I could have met him,but he will forever be in my heart. God Bless you, Dan Haggerty.
John Lombard
January 1, 2024
Still enjoy "Once Upon A Starry Night"/Grizzly Adams Episode every Christmas.
Michelle Ferguson
March 17, 2022
Loved your show Grizzly Adams when I was a kid. Rest in heavenly peace
Christina Woodard
July 23, 2021
I love Dan Haggerty. He looked like such a sweet, looking, kind, gentle man. I loved when he played Simeon in the Biblical movie, Ruth. And I like him as Grizzley Adams.
Erin Clayton
November 24, 2019
RIP for a beautiful soul and a beautiful man! Your memory lives on!
September 15, 2019
R.I.P. Dan "Grizzly Adams "Haggerty. You were the best actor I ever saw. I really loved watching The Life and of Grizzly Adams. I still watch the show as of today.
Aletha Chryssovergis
May 5, 2019
Just discovered this show after losing my Sweetie, my cat..and it helped me overcome the grief..since I can't get another right now. It was a true Godsend and I admired and relate to Griz's love of animals and kindness to people too..Christian qualities..Am so sorry to learn Mr. Haggerty has fallen asleep in death...but am comforted to share the hope given in scripture that he'll rise again..Jo. 5:28,29..to a world much like his show depicts..the reality..harmony.
Even in the least of critters
May 2, 2019
Beaty
May 2, 2019
Connie Troia
January 14, 2018
Dan will always be remembered for the big beardy lovable guy that stole our hearts in Grizzly Adams. I discovered my love for nature at age 10. He will be selfishly missed. Gone but not forgotten. To a lovable human being who put love in our hearts and smiles on our faces. ☺
Lisa Zemko
October 28, 2017
Dan Haggerty, as in my book, you was the best actor ever. And how I really wanted to meet you. It broke my heart in so many pieces when you left us. I loved watching your programs and I still watch them over & over. You'll be someone I'll never forget. Your the best Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams). You'll go down in history. Love you and Ben. I'm still so sad about your passing. R.i.p. I'll be missed.
Tracy Allen
July 7, 2017
I am just finding out that Dan Haggerty is no longer with us. I love him in Grizzly Adam! I love snuggling under my blanket watching him. His love for nature was serenity to me. Dan was a beautiful person and looking at him made my problems go away. You will truly be missed and rest in peace because you made me feel like you were my friend and I never meet you at all. A Beautiful Man!
RIP Dan
Charlene Kaintz
May 21, 2017
I have loved you forever! I have watched and recorded every one of you Grizzly Adams episodes as well as your Grizzly Adams movies. I can`t believe you are gone. I live in Pennsylvania but visited Hollywood several years back and I went to your Bistro and saw the shoes you wore on the program hanging there. It breaks my heart to never see your face on tv again. Now you are with Mad Jack(Denver Pyle) and Ben (Bozo) how happy that reunion in heaven must have been!! I will never forget you and your love of animals and the great outdoors!! Good Bye my friend until we meet again!!!
Charlene
Arlene Rymes
March 30, 2017
Rest in peace Grizz .We'll miss you .
Connie Troia
January 14, 2017
I loved Grizzly Adams and used to watch with my dad when I was a little girl. I am deeply saddened by his death. I recently purchased Grizzly Adams both seasons and it really brings back memories. He was born to play the role of Grizzly Adams. He was an amazing actor and was wonderful with animals. I love animals and the Wildlife. I wish I could have met Dan or gotten a chance to write him a letter but I never did. I know I will see him again as he is in a better place. (Thank you Dan for the wonderful memories and for Grizzly Adams. I know your in heaven playing with Ben and all the other animals. I'll hold you in my heart until I can hold you in heaven. My prayers are with your friends and family. You will be selfishly missed. Sincerely, Connie! GOD BLESS!
VALERIE SMITH
December 27, 2016
MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMIL LOVE HIS SHOW G.A. WOW HE WILL BE TRULY MISS.....GOD BLESS.....
Connie Troia
December 17, 2016
I just found out about Dan Haggertys death. I absolutely loved Grizzly Adams as I watched with my dad when I was a little girl. I'm now 46 and bought his DVD of Grizzly Adams both seasons. I love bears and I love the wildlife, watching him with the bear takes me back to alot of great memories. He was amazing with animals. I'm deeply saddened by his passing. To a beautiful soul who put smiles on our faces and love in our hearts you will be selfishly missed. Cya on the other side. GOD BLESS! xoxo
Diane Hayes
November 18, 2016
I had the opportunity to meet Dan Haggerty at a "Hollywood Show in 2014. He spent quite a bit of time talking with me and I have never met a nicer person. I will forever treasure this memory and the photo I took with him and an autographed photo with a very personal message. I hold these dear as the movies I own starring him. As a teen, I was a devoted fan of "Grizzly Adams" as were most of my female friends (and their mothers too!!) Thanks for your years of entertainment and the Joy of life, nature, adventure (even some laughs and tears) and the great outdoors that you brought to The Big Screen and our homes. I had the opportunity to attend one of the Memorials held in your honor. Bittersweet, a joy to meet some of your family and reminisce with people that loved you, but sad to say goodbye to a big man with an even bigger heart! Thank You Dan Haggery, you are greatly missed. Thanks for the best Bear-Hug I ever got!!!
Lisa Weiner
July 2, 2016
To Dan Haggerty,
You were a very talented actor. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Ricky Bartley
June 23, 2016
You will always live on as grizzly Addams the best
Faith Parsons
June 15, 2016
BEST Show ever growing up! Me and my brother (Danny) watched it Faithfully. I just know Ben was waiting for you at the Heavenly Gates :) God Bless such a Sweet man. R.I.P. Mr. Haggerty.
cat newman
May 9, 2016
Dan you will be missed by so many.r.i.p xxx cat.ireland
George Wills
April 27, 2016
God, awaits for ya Bro.
sandra Lynch
April 19, 2016
God bless you your family friends and everyone who has ever worked with you....I really enjoyed all your shows you will be missed by many...
Sandra Lynch Clovis ca
Doris pinkerton-Rush
April 8, 2016
RIP Dan I Watched everyone of your grossly Adams show.as a kid my all time favorite show.I was heart broken to hear of your passing.my sorrows go out to your whole family.
March 28, 2016
Sorry for your loss may the God of all comfort be with you and your family.
Gerald barry
March 1, 2016
Rest in peace grizzly Adams
The Horn family
February 23, 2016
You were a larger than life character and an absolute pleasure to work with. We will miss you and our thoughts go out to your family. Rest in peace Griz.
donna balak
February 23, 2016
He was a great actor. Use to watch his show all the time. Luv the show. Thanks for all the great show. RIP man.
Dave Constance
February 22, 2016
I met Dan many years ago in Pasadena when I worked in Central Casting. We hit it off nicely, he laughed at the similarity in our appearance, despite me being three inches taller. He was such a kind and decent man, friendly to all, and always polite. He is an example for men to follow. I had a few lunch times at his home in the hills and remember his bike in the courtyard, his painting of Dan and his bike with the sun.
A kind and decent man is now at rest. See you on the flip side, Dan
Jim McMinn
February 22, 2016
Dan, was a Big Time Biker, he maintained the bikes in Easy Rider. He rebuilt the Captain America bike, that recently sold for $1,000,000. I hope Dennis Hopper & Dan are teaching St. Peter, how to ride a Chopper! Godspeed,Boston Jim
One of the best moments of my life.... RIP sweet man. XO
Stephani Coker
February 19, 2016
Demetrius Oliver
February 18, 2016
Rest in Peace Grizzly Adams
Tammy Price
February 17, 2016
What an awesome man, I just loved him in Grizzly Adams, he had such a beautiful heart!!! I can just imagine the millions of people and animals who are missing him. We love you!!!! God bless!!!
Nichelle Allen
February 15, 2016
May he sleep in peace. Ecclesiastes 9:5,6,10 reads for the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have any more reward, because all memory of them is forgotten. Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they no longer gave any share in what is done under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going.
Nova Squier
February 9, 2016
Dan Haggerty is my hero and I love him for being my idol and inspiration. He will be greatly missed. He inspired me in so many ways, I love you Dan Haggerty. I will own every one of his movies especially Grizzly Adams. I grew up watching his show's.
Nova Squier
February 9, 2016
I love Dan Haggerty. I grew up watching him, he is my idol and he will always be in my heart. He is the best and will be greatly missed.
John Shoemaker
February 9, 2016
I grew up watching Grizzly Adams. He was one of my heroes. You will be greatly missed. R. I. P. Dan
John Shoemaker
February 8, 2016
I grew up watching Grizzly Adams.I wish I could go back in time to meet you. You will be greatly missed. R. I. P.
Larry Widner
February 6, 2016
I grew up around race cars and had the pleasure in 1977 to meet Dan and his wife at the Indianapolis 500. I was with Bobby Unser at the time. Dan was a tremendous man and will be greatly missed. Dan is in Gods hands now. Rest in Peace My Friend. Larry Widner
Jack Meeks
January 31, 2016
I am heart broken. I've always loved grizzly adams. Without ever meeting Dan, I've known Him my whole life. Thank God for people like Dan (Grizzly Adams ) Haggerty.
Robert Peyton & family
January 28, 2016
My condolences to the family, I guess heaven could'nt wait, he was larger than life in every sense , a true friend that is deeply missed (Worldwide)
Christy Lundstrom
January 27, 2016
I grew up watching Grizzly Adams. He had such a kind face and presence and him and Ben seemed to be great pals. I miss the wholesomeness and grit of those times. No iphones, no computers. We would sit down and watch the show together as a family which people just don't do much of anymore. I never knew the man but I want to thank him for the years of smiles and adventure as Grizzly Adams.
John C.
January 27, 2016
My payers and condolences to his Family and Friends. I loved the Grizzly Adams TV show and wanted to be like his character, a big man with a Love, and Respect of wildlife, a seemingly gentle giant. You will be missed!
Thank you & Ben for the smiles you put on my face, Rest in Peace. John C.
Marlene Hunter
January 26, 2016
Thanks G.ADAMS for showing a group of sisters from the projects , that we all can coexist with gods gifts of animals. May your spirit roam as free and beautiful as your life in gods heavens
January 25, 2016
R.I.P. Dan
Charity O'Brien
January 24, 2016
My condolences to the Haggerty family. My heart is broken over the loss of such a wonderful person. Rest in peace Dan, you will be deeply missed.
Lori Hale
January 24, 2016
Loved Grizzly Adams , RIP
vince carpenter
January 24, 2016
My heart goes out to the Haggerty family.I truly loved watching Grizzly Adams.I had just started buying the eposides of grizzly adams.RIP Dan.
Ms. Brown
January 23, 2016
"The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith".
Hearing Mr. Haggerty say "Blessings to you" resonates in my heart every time I watch this movie. May God bless the family with His peace.
Carl Franks
January 23, 2016
RIP Dan. You are now up there in that wild frontier in the sky with your bear pal, "Ben" and "Mad Jack," Denver Pyle and "Number Seven."
January 22, 2016
My condolence to the family. May fond memories keep him alive in your hearts always. Find comfort in knowing that God understands your grief and cares. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
Judy Hudson
January 21, 2016
I just loved the Grizzly Adams show.It was my favorite..Dan and his animal friends just always had a special bond with each other..RIP Dan..I have always wanted to be just like him..I will be praying for the family and GOD BLESS...He will surely be missed..
January 21, 2016
Rest in Peace
January 21, 2016
We enjoyed the show. We are sorry for the loss. May those closest to him have peace and find comforting answers to life's puzzling questions. (Jeremiah 29:11)
A C
January 21, 2016
Grizzly Adams was one of my favorite shows, it was one of a kind! You could feel his love of animals. So I would like to offer the Haggerty family my condolences and may you find comfort in God's promises to do away with all suffering by means of his Kingdom. _Isaiah 11:6-10.
Sheri
January 20, 2016
I'm sorry for your loss. May God Almighty give you the strength to endure until his promises are fulfilled. Isaiah 35:5,6
Donna Utzman
January 20, 2016
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Fly with the eagles.
Kelli Ronk
January 20, 2016
Rest in peace!
Kelli Ronk
January 20, 2016
Love You!!
Leona Brown
January 20, 2016
You will be missed rest in peace
January 20, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family.
January 19, 2016
Dan was an outstanding talent who was admired by many, many people. He will forever be missed. A Fan
DENNIS PAUL MALONE
January 19, 2016
MY, HEART AND PARYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF ''DAN HAGGERTY. MAY, THE GOOD LORD WATCH OVER YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS MOST LOVING CARE.YOU WILL LIVE ON IN ALL OUR HEARTS.''REST IN PEACE ''DAN''
richard korkes
January 19, 2016
will there be a memorial service for him. i was a friend of his and am very sad to hera of his passing 818 913 4966
January 19, 2016
glad we had the pleasure to have met you during bikeweek, you will truly be missed by all of us that used to frequent the white eagle, RIP, tim&diane kennedy, florida
Kay Reckord Ames
January 19, 2016
My condolences to the Haggerty family on your loss. I absolutely loved him in "Grizzly Adams" - he was the greatest and made you love him as a wonderful human being! May the Lord keep you in his care and guide you during this very difficult time. He will be truly missed by all who loved him through his work and as a friend. The wonderful memories he left with you hopefully will help at this time and as time goes on. We have lost another great human being much to early. He may be gone, but not forgotten. R.I.P. Dan
Tulou
January 19, 2016
May the Haggerty family fine comfort from all the love sent to them in this sad time. May the Holy Sprit of comfort keep you in His care and give you peace beyond understanding ! Dan was so love by all who knew him and those who only knew him through his acting--you can see and fell that in these condolences that are being left for you. Your memories will always be there---dump the bad--//like there would be any//---and highlight all the wonderful ones. Know he is now home with GOD and sharing good time with the Angels. Ho GOD keep you in HIS love and care always @:- Many Blessings !
Norman M 3
January 19, 2016
Great show, great memories! RIP
Michelle Margeson
January 19, 2016
When I imagined having a father, he was always, "Grizzly Adams". It's a sad a day.
Michelle M.
frances butler
January 19, 2016
Great movie you will be missed so sad
frances butler
January 19, 2016
Great movie you will be missed so sad
Charlotte Thornburg
January 19, 2016
It was an awesome show. Thanks for the memories. God Bless.
Ellen P.
January 18, 2016
What a wonderful family show--thanks for the memories....RIP in Dan.
Billy Toney
January 18, 2016
Rip
One of my most loved shows!!!!
Patrick Bonas
January 18, 2016
My heart goes out to his Family. Jimbo, your brother will be missed. Please accept my condolences. RIP Dan.
Pete Chludzinski
January 18, 2016
Fond memories.
NANCY ALTARAS
January 18, 2016
I REMEMBER WATCHING GRIZZY ADAMS ALL THE TIME, ON T. V. IT IS A SHAME TO LOSE THIS FUN AND FRIENDLY GUY, WHO MAY HAVE LOOKED LIKE A BIG GRIZZLY BEAR, IN PERSON, BUT SOMETHING TELLS ME HE WAS MORE OF A SWEET TEDDY BEAR. HE WILL BE MISSED!
January 18, 2016
Rest in Peace
Evan Hansen
January 18, 2016
RIP GOD BLESS
January 18, 2016
what a tough week, losing a lot of childhod memories. Comfort and prayers to the Haggerty family.
LORI WITHERS
January 18, 2016
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
January 18, 2016
I USED TO WATCH HIM & HIS BEAR BEN EVERY WEEK. I THOUGHT HE WAS GREAT.. I STILL DO, DARN, HE WILL BE SINCERELY MISSED
Robert Weber
January 18, 2016
I remember dan has a young teenage in 1977 as grizzly Adams on tv all ways looked up to him growing up heart broken over him passing feel like of lost my best friend cryed all weekend will all ways miss u my prayers go out to his 5 children and all his friends and fans I will all ways miss u love u man rest in peace
Heidi Konopka
January 18, 2016
I loved Grizzly Adams, so sad to see that Dan Haggerty has passed on. My condolences to the Haggerty family.
siss Gallo
January 18, 2016
Thank You me and my family all ways loved watching you TV show god bless and my he keep you at his side RIP.
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