Known for his iconic role as Grizzly Adams, Dan Haggerty spent his final moments reflecting on a career filled with memorable experiences in film and television. With warmth and humility, he bid adieu to his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and cinematic magic that will be remembered for years to come.

Let us journey through the heartwarming and sometimes challenging life of Dan Haggerty, unveiling his touching final words to his close friend and the difficult decision he faced regarding his dear wife.

If Grizzly Adams rings a bell for you, you’re probably a fan of nostalgic television! This beloved show existed in an era before the ubiquity of cable, computers, and mobile phones.

Dan Haggerty, with his natural charisma, brought Grizzly Adams to life and made the character unforgettable. His deep connection with the role resonated with audiences, capturing the charm of a bygone television era.

What drew people to the show was perhaps the fact that Grizzly Adams reflected who Dan really was—a gentle, kind, and joyful man. Accounts from friends, actors, and fans alike tell of his spirited and loving nature.

But how did Dan Haggerty become the legendary Grizzly Adams, captivating an entire generation? Let’s rewind to the beginning.

His journey started when Dan—originally named Gene Jajonski—was born in 1942 in Los Angeles. Despite his parents’ wishes for him to join the clergy, Dan had a different path. His spirited youth led him away from that dream, paving his own way as a free-spirited soul.

Dan’s passion for animals emerged early, working at a ranch in the San Fernando Valley where he learned animal training. This skill set him apart in Hollywood, allowing him to care for and train a host of animals for films.

Broadening his horizons, he gained fame as a stuntman, thanks to a well-toned physique honed from bodybuilding in his teenage years. His work behind the scenes, building sets and designing furniture, laid a strong foundation for his career.

As he began acting in low-budget films, Dan’s animal expertise secured him roles as an animal trainer in Disney productions. His adventures included directing a range of species like the majestic white tiger and the wily wolverine in the 1974 film When the North Wind Blows. Chasing a tiger on a frozen lake added to his lore, catching significant on-set attention.

It was during this period that a colleague recognized Dan’s potential for a new role—Grizzly Adams. This indie film featured a jovial woodsman and resonated so well that NBC decided to turn it into a series.

The show, airing from 1977 to 1978, was woven with themes of nature and exploration. Dan skillfully connected with both animals and his audience through his portrayal of James Capen “Grizzly” Adams. The series ran for 37 episodes, cementing his place in TV history.

However, after the series ended, Dan faced turbulent times. In 1984, he was arrested for cocaine possession, resulting in a difficult stint comprising a 90-day jail sentence.

Caught in a police sting, Dan was selling to an undercover officer investigating Hollywood’s elite. Afterward, a severe motorcycle accident further tested him, leaving him hospitalized and later convicted for tax evasion.

Coming out of these adversities seemed tough, yet Dan aimed to redeem himself with community service, reshaping his life as he sought a positive impact.

Dan’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through in the 1960s when he opened Cornucopia, a leather shop in Los Angeles. Later, he created a Cajun barbecue sauce beloved in California. His passion for cooking began at 17, emphasizing self-reliance.

Acting and culinary arts intertwined when Dan took lessons from Cordon Bleu chefs during a brief stay in France while filming The Christmas Tree in 1975.

In the early 1990s, this love of food culminated in his opening Haggerty’s Bistro, a Studio City restaurant just over the ridge from Hollywood’s busy scene. A family endeavor, the bistro offered delights like the Log Sandwich, made famous under Dan’s direction adjacent to his acting career.

Even alongside culinary pursuits, Dan continued to shine on screen, reprising roles and making guest appearances in shows such as Charlie’s Angels and The Love Boat.

In 1991, another motorcycle accident left him severely injured, reviving rumors of his death, fortunately, untrue.

Pulled the Plug on His Wife

As a solitary character on-screen, Dan Haggerty unfurled a different story in real life. During interviews, he mentioned the network’s plans to endow Grizzly Adams with a wife, a concept the audience ultimately rejected, attributing monk-like or priestly qualities to him instead.

However, Dan’s personal life saw him marrying twice. He first wed Diane Rooker at 17, in 1959, when they exchanged vows in Las Vegas.

Their youthful love endured skeptic eyes, allowing them to enjoy life amidst Malibu’s scenic beauty with their two daughters—and indeed, a few lions, wolves, and eagles.

After parting ways in 1984, Dan found love anew with Samantha Hilton. Their union brought forth two sons and a daughter. But tragedy befell the family in 2008 when Samantha’s life was cut short by a motorcycle accident involving a deer.

Helmetless at the time, Samantha, aged 53, suffered a catastrophic crash. As she lay in the hospital, Dan, plunged in grief by this calamity, faced an excruciating decision.

He was compelled to reconcile with the fact that nothing more could be done to revive her. Tearfully, Dan made the heartbreaking call to let her go, confessing, “It was the hardest, most heartbreaking decision I’ve ever had to make, to tell the doctors to let my beautiful Sam slip away into her long sleep. I wept like a child.”

Cancer Diagnosis

In August 2015, fresh heartache struck Dan as he was diagnosed with spinal cancer. This was discovered during a back surgery, revealing a tumor and sending shockwaves through his family.

Despite a courageous battle, Dan passed away on January 15, 2016, in Burbank, California. Up until his final moments, he was actively engaged in his craft, appearing in roles yet to be released.

Dan Haggerty’s departure left an emptiness in the hearts of many who cherished his portrayal of Grizzly Adams and his vibrant presence in cinema. His friend, Terry Bomar, described him as a lively spirit, who would illuminate any room with his infectious laughter.

Final Words

Dan’s final conversation with Terry Bomar was filled with emotion. Upon recounting the events to USA Today, Bomar shared, “He had a great Thanksgiving, he had a great Christmas and a decent New Year, and then he took a turn for the worse. I talked to him yesterday morning, they put on the speaker phone, I told him I loved him, and the last words I heard him say was ‘I love you.’”

Dan Haggerty left behind a symbol of what television characters can achieve for their audience, especially through Grizzly Adams. Rest in peace, dear sir. Your presence is fondly missed.

What do you remember most about Dan Haggerty and Grizzly Adams? We invite you to share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.