The Life of Dan Haggerty – From Wild Child to Grizzly Adams
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.