Dan Haggerty – star of the beloved film and television series The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams – has passed away at the age of 74.
Haggerty had reportedly been battling cancer for several months at the time of his death.
After getting his start in the industry as an animal handler and stunt expert, Haggerty made the transiition to acting in the late ’60s, appearing in such classic films as Easy Rider.
Haggerty’s famous beard and thousand-watt smile helped him land his most iconic role when he was hand-chosen to appear in the Grizzly Adams film, which became a surprise box office smash in 1974.
The movie spawned a television series and two made-for-TV movies, all of which starred Haggerty in the role of the iconic mountain man.
For a period of time in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Haggerty was one of the most recognized faces in American television.
In addition to his role in Adams, he made guest appearances on such hit shows as CHiPs and Charlie’s Angels.
Sources say doctors discovered a tumor while Haggerty was undergoing surgery for back pain less than a year ago.
The actor passed away at his home in the San Fernando Valley, surrounded by family and friends.
