Richard Dean Anderson
The man behind the role of the popular science fiction character, Major General Jonathan “Jack” O’ Neill is Richard Dean Anderson, who routinely tackles a multitude of leadership predicaments in the television series, “Stargate SG-1.” O’ Neill has worn several different hats during his existence, including Colonel; Brigadier General; and now Major General. After Stargate Command (SGC) was created, O’Neill was placed in charge of primary SG team, SG-1. The former United States Air Force Colonel also makes use of his experience with special ops, which has come in handy when leading the first team through the Stargate to Abydos on a reconnaissance mission.
Background Information – Richard Dean Anderson
Who would have known that Richard Dean Anderson (born on January 23rd, 1950) would become a leading man in two wildly successful television series? Anderson – a Minneapolis, Minnesota native was the son of a local high school teacher and artist with a talent for painting and sculpting. Life in suburban Roseville would lead to a childhood filled with sports, jazz music, and acting.
Early Career
Richard Dean Anderson happened upon his big break in showbiz in 1976 when he joined the cast of the popular soap opera “General Hospital” as Dr. Jeff Webber. Anderson continued to play Webber for five years until he acted upon his urge to make a switch to prime time television. Several guest appearances on “The Facts of Life” (1979) and “The Love Boat” (1977) would lead to roles on two different CBS TV shows – Adam McFadden in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1982) and Navy Lt. Simon Adams in “Emerald Point N.A.S.” (1983). However, both shows didn’t last long – just one season each.
Additional Acting and Awards
Soon after, Anderson landed the job of his dreams when he was selected to play the title character in the ABC adventure series titled “MacGyver” (1985). The producers found him rather genuine during his audition, and the series that still rings bells in the minds of fans lasted for seven seasons. The TV show, which showed Anderson using everyday items to diffuse bombs, rescue kidnapping victims, and escape death – was an undeniable success. To this day, “MacGyver” continues to awe viewers in re-runs and two made-for-TV movies.
When it comes to recognition, Richard Dean Anderson has been nominated for an assortment of awards that span the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (Saturn Award) for Best Actor in a Television Series; the Gemini Awards, and the TV Land Awards for the Greatest Gear or Admirable Apparatus (in regards to his use of a Swiss Army knife and duct tape in “MacGyver.”). However, the only win Anderson has taken home is a Saturn Award for Best Genre TV Actor for “Stargate SG-1″ in 1999.
