'The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams' Star Dan Haggerty Dead at 74 of Spine Cancer

Dan Haggerty, best known for starring in The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, died at age 74 of cancer at his San Fernando Valley home on Friday. The actor was diagnosed with spine cancer several months ago after having surgery for back pain.

TMZ reports the actor died on Friday at his home surrounded by friends and family members.

"Grizzly Adams" star Dan Haggerty dead of cancer at 74 https://t.co/CmYeMp6vVT pic.twitter.com/PmOM24W4MY

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) January 15, 2016

The actor underwent surgery after suffering back pain several months ago, when doctors diagnosed Haggerty with cancer.

The actor's manager and friend, Terry Bomar, told CBS that Haggerty was told he had spine cancer in Aug. 2015.

Haggerty returned home after doctors told him he did not have long to live. Friends and family members came to say their goodbyes before his death.

Haggerty's manager also told Fox411, "He had cancer and had been fighting since July, and he had a great Thanksgiving and a great Christmas, and he died with his kids around him and people who love him."

Haggerty starred as an outlaw named James Adams that was on the run in the mountains and befriended a bear cub in the movie and television series Grizzly Adams. The series ran for two seasons, from 1977 to 1978.

Haggerty was an ironworker and a leather craftsman, growing up in a family that ran a small wild animal attraction. He helped with the animals, which included a black bear that did tricks.

The star married Diane Rooker when they were just 17-years old in Las Vegas. They had two children and divorced in 1984.

Haggerty then married Samantha in 1984 and they were together until her death in 2008. They had three children together.

Samantha was riding her motorcycle without a helmet and wrecked after hitting a deer in August 2008. She was flown to UCLA hospital, but had extensive brain damage.

The actor had to make the tough decision to remove her from life support, after doctors told him the news.

In April 2014, the actor discussed his role as Grizzly Adams.

He is survived by his five children, Megan, Dylan, Cody, Tracey and Don.