Dan Haggerty, best known as Grizzly Adams, left a lasting mark on generations of fans with his gentle portrayal of the mountain man who befriended wildlife. Born Gene Jajonski in 1942 in Los Angeles, he was a self-described “wild child,” destined for adventure rather than the priesthood his parents had envisioned.
From a young age, Haggerty developed a love for animals, working on a ranch and training creatures for films. His impressive physique and courage also led him to stunt work and acting in low-budget movies, eventually catching the eye of filmmakers who cast him as James “Grizzly” Adams.
The 1974 film The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams became a hit, and the subsequent NBC series (1977–1978) cemented his fame. Haggerty’s natural ease with animals and charisma made him beloved by fans.
But life off-screen wasn’t always easy. Haggerty faced legal troubles, a serious motorcycle accident in 1991, and later opened a restaurant, Haggerty’s Bistro, pursuing his passion for food alongside his acting career.
Dan’s personal life included both love and heartbreak. His first marriage to Diane Rooker produced two daughters before ending in divorce. In 1984, he married Samantha Hilton, and together they had three children. The couple remained happily married until tragedy struck in 2008 when Samantha suffered a motorcycle accident after colliding with a deer.
Haggerty flew home immediately, but Samantha had suffered severe brain damage. He made the heartbreaking decision to pull the plug, later describing it as the hardest moment of his life.
In 2015, Dan was diagnosed with spinal cancer, and despite continuing to work, he passed away on January 15, 2016. His final words to his close friend were simple yet profound: “I love you.”
Dan Haggerty will forever be remembered not just as Grizzly Adams, but as a kind, adventurous soul who touched countless lives.
