It’s been a rough week for the entertainment industry, with several beloved icons passing away in just a few short days, such asAngus Scrimm,David Bowie,David Marguliesand, just yesterday,Alan Rickman. Today,ABC Newshas confirmed the passing of another beloved entertainer,The Life and Times of Grizzly AdamsstarDan Haggerty, whopassed awayearly this morning at the age of 74. The actor’s manager confirmed his client’s passing, after a long battle with cancer.
Dan Haggertywas born Gene Jajonski on July 23, 2025, in Pound, Wisconsin, raised by a family who ran a wildlife animal attraction. During his childhood, he helped raise wild animals such as a black bear that performed tricks, before moving to Southern California to pursue acting. While pursuing hisacting career, he was also a bodybuilder on Muscle Beach in Venice, California, which lead to his first film role in 1964’s Muscle Beach Party. He also had small roles in films like Angels Die Hard and an uncredited turn inEasy Riderbefore landing the role of James “Grizzly” Adams in the 1974 film The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams.
Three years later, The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams was adapted to the small screen. Although it only ran for two seasons, the actor became well known for that character, a fugitive from the law who lived a life of solitude in the wilderness, with a massive grizzly bear as his companion. He reprised that role in the 1981 filmLegends of the Wild, and again in a 1982 TV movieThe Capture of Grizzly Adams.
He went on to work regularly throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, with appearances on The Love Boat, and roles in films like Abducted,Repo Jake, Big Stan and Dead in 5 Heartbeats. He currently has three films in various stages of production,Rachel,40 NightsandThe Untold Story. Along with his work in front of the camera, the actor also served as an animal handler and trainer, and worked as a stuntman on the 1966TarzanTV series. He also appeared as himself on a 2013 episode of theHistory Channelseries American Pickers.
Dan Haggertyalso has the unique distinction as the only person to ever have his star removed from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was actually meant to honor the late actor Don Haggerty, but theWalk of Famecommittee misspelled the name. He eventually got his own star in 1994, which rests right in front of theTCL Chinese Theaterin Hollywood. The actor is survived by his five children. Will you be watchingThe Life and Times of Grizzly Adamsthis weekend to honor the lateDan Haggerty?
