 |
| Richard Dean Anderson as Jack O'Neill |
“Being a father, well, I don't know if this is a change, but it makes me want to get out of here faster. Get off the clock. Just 'cause the baby is my reason for living, my reason for coming to work.”
BORN: January 23rd, 1950, Minneapolis, Minnesota
NICKNAME: Rick
HEIGHT: 6' 1”
Anderson is the oldest of four sons born to Stuart Jay Anderson, a teacher and Jocelyn Rhae Carter, an artist. He is Norwegian, Mohawk, Scottish, Finnish and Swedish descent. His last name, Anderson, derives from his Finnish-Swedish paternal grandfather.
He grew up in Roseville, Minnesota and attended Alexander Ramsey High School. When a teenager he dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player, but that ended when he broke both arms three weeks apart while playing hockey for the school team at age 18. He developed an interest in music, art, and acting; and for a short time yearned to become a jazz musician.
Anderson studied to become an actor at St. Cloud University and Ohio University, but dropped out before he received his degree. He then moved to North Hollywood with his friend and girlfriend before moving to New York City, finally settling in Los Angeles. He worked as a whale handler in a marine mammal show, entertainment director at Marineland, a musician in medieval dinner theater, and as a street mime and juggler. He has stated that it was “the happiest of his life”.
Anderson's first screen role was The Birthday Party (1975), produced by the Marine Reserve Public Affairs Unit to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. Afterwards, he joined the American soap opera, General Hospital as Dr. Jeff Webber from 1976 to 1981. After that he guest-starred in an episode of The Facts of Life.
In 1982-1983, he starred as Adam in CBS TV series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
From 1983-1984 season, he played Lieutenant Simon Adams on the Dennis Weaver series Emerald Point N.A.S. On CBS.
In 1986, Anderson played Tony Kaiser in TV movie Ordinary Heroes.
From 1985 to 1992, Anderson became famous as Angus MacGyver in the hit television series MacGyver. His character was notable for using a Swiss Army knife instead of a firearm. Anderson would produce two follow-up movies to MacGyver in 1994. Anderson stated:
“MacGyver was seven years of being in virtually every frame that was shot and having absolutely no life at all.”
During the run of the program, Anderson suffered several injuries by doing his own stunt work, some which required surgery. He suffered a compressed disc in his back when he fell into a hole while filming in the middle of the first season show. It ended up requiring more than one surgery to correct the problem.
Anderson would ad-lib lines “to bring slightly sarcastic humor to the character.” A trait he would bring to his role in Stargate SG-1.
From 1997 to 2005, Anderson starred as Jack O'Neill in Stargate SG-1, based upon the movie Stargate starring Kurt Russell and James Spader. John Symes, president of MGM, called Anderson himself and asked if he wanted a part in the series. Anderson felt the series had potential after watching the Stargate film and signed a contract with the Stargate producers. Anderson agreed with one condition to portray O'Neill – if he could be more comedic that Kurt Russell's character. He also requested an “ensemble” show, so he would not be carrying the plot alone as he did in MacGyver.
In season eight, Anderson chose to have his character promoted to base commander on the advice of Don S. Davis. This enabled Davis to retire from acting due to ailing health and allowed Anderson to take a smaller role which involved less on-location shooting so he could spend more time with his young daughter. The following season (season 9), Anderson terminated his status as star and producer of Stargate SG-1 opting to make several guest appearances per season instead. This allowed Ben Browder to replace Anderson as field commander, and Claudia Black to replace Anderson's comic relief, which Beau Bridges became the base commander.
At the Air Force Association's 57th Annual Air Force Anniversary Dinner in Washington, DC. In 2004, the Chief-of-Staff General John P. Jumper presented Anderson with an award for his role as star and executive producer of Stargate SG-1 and the series positive portrayal of the United States Air Force. Anderson was also made an honorary Air Force brigadier general.
Anderson briefly reprised his role as Angus MacGyver in 2006 appearing in a MasterCard commercial during Super Bowl XL.
Anderson also played the role of General Jack O'Neill in Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe, first airing in 2009. Anderson has become a legend in the Stargate franchise keeping in tune with his satirical character.
Anderson has served as an executive producer for six shows: MacGyver: Lost Treasure of Atlantis, MacGyver: Trail to Doomsday, Legend, Stargate SG-1, Firehouse and From Stargate to Atlantis: Sci Fi Lowdown.
Anderson composed the song “Eau d'Leo” for the MacGyver episode “The Negotiator”.
With Michael Greenburg, Anderson created the Gekko Film Corporation. The company was involved with Stargate SG-1, producing every episode from 1997 to 2007 with the exception of 2006.
Anderson has supported Waterkeeper Alliance, an organization to stop water pollution.
He also is a member of the Board of Trustees for Challengers Boys and Girls Club, a youth organization established in 1968 and featured in an episode from season 4 on the MacGyver show.
Anderson received the 1995 Celebrity Award from Make-a-Wish Foundation because of his commitment.
In recent years, Anderson has helped several environmental organizations around the world and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Anderson spends time in Vancouver, Los Angeles and northern Minnesota. He is a winter sports fanatic, liking hockey and skiing. In 1998, he had to slow down due to “a couple of reconstructed knees.”
Anderson has stated that “Dogs are my favorite people”.
No comments:
Post a Comment