Richard Dean Anderson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Dean Anderson
Anderson at GalaxyCon Richmond 2024
Born	(1950-01-23) January 23, 1950 (age 75) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Alma mater	St. Cloud State University, Ohio University
Occupation	Actor, producer
Years active	1976–2013
Notable work	Stargate SG-1 MacGyver Emerald Point N.A.S. Legend Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Pandora's Clock Through the Eyes of a Killer
Partner(s)	Apryl A. Prose (1996–2003)
Children	1
Awards	Full list

Richard Dean Anderson (born January 23, 1950) is a retired American actor. He is best known for his exciting roles in popular TV shows. He first became famous as the clever hero in MacGyver (1985–1992). Later, he starred as the leader of a space exploration team in Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007).

Anderson started his TV career in 1976. He played Dr. Jeff Webber in the soap opera General Hospital. He also appeared in movies like Through the Eyes of a Killer (1992) and Pandora's Clock (1996).

In 1997, Anderson took on the lead role in Stargate SG-1. This show was a spin-off from the 1994 movie Stargate. He played the main character from 1997 to 2005. He also had a smaller role from 2005 to 2007. After Stargate SG-1, he appeared in the movie Stargate: Continuum (2008). He also returned to his Stargate role in the spin-off series Stargate: Atlantis and Stargate: Universe.

Early Life and Interests

Richard Dean Anderson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the oldest of four sons. His father, Stuart Jay Anderson, was a teacher. His mother, Jocelyn Rhae Carter, was an artist. Richard has a mix of family backgrounds, including Mohawk, Norwegian, Scottish, and Swedish roots. His last name, Anderson, comes from his Finnish-Swedish grandfather.

He grew up in Roseville, Minnesota. He went to Alexander Ramsey High School. When he was a teenager, he dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player. However, this dream ended when he broke both arms while playing hockey at age 18. After this, he became very interested in music, art, and acting. For a short time, he even tried to be a jazz musician.

Anderson studied acting at St. Cloud State University and Ohio University. He left college before getting his degree. After his junior year, he went on a long bicycle ride with friends from Minnesota to Alaska. He then moved to North Hollywood and later to New York City, before settling in Los Angeles.

Before becoming a full-time actor, he had many interesting jobs. He worked with whales at a marine show. He was also an entertainment director at Marineland. He played music at medieval dinner theaters. He even worked as a street mime and juggler. He has said that this time was "the happiest of [his] life." He has also shared that he would like to teach juggling and circus arts to young people.

Acting Career

Starting Out in Television

Richard Dean Anderson's first acting role was in a short film in 1975. Soon after, he joined the TV show General Hospital as Dr. Jeff Webber. He was on the show from 1976 to 1981.

After General Hospital, Anderson appeared in other TV shows. He was in an episode of The Facts of Life. From 1982 to 1983, he starred as Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. In 1983–1984, he played Lieutenant Simon Adams in Emerald Point N.A.S.. He also played Tony Kaiser in the TV movie Ordinary Heroes in 1986.

Becoming MacGyver

Anderson on the set of MacGyver in Steveston, British Columbia, around 1987.

Anderson became very famous for his lead role as Angus MacGyver in the TV series MacGyver. The show ran for seven successful years, from 1985 to 1992. MacGyver was a smart and optimistic hero. He was known for using a Swiss Army knife and everyday objects to solve problems, instead of guns.

Anderson liked the role because MacGyver did not use guns. This was different from many action heroes at the time. He also did many of his own stunts on the show. This led to some injuries that needed surgery. He once hurt his back badly during filming.

After MacGyver ended, Anderson said that the show was very demanding. He was in almost every scene and had little time for himself. He later produced two MacGyver movies in 1994.

Later Roles and Stargate

Exploring the Stargate Universe

Anderson was honored by the Air Force for his role in Stargate SG-1.

From 1997 to 2005, Anderson starred as Jack O'Neill in Stargate SG-1. This show was based on the Stargate movie. The president of MGM, John Symes, personally asked Anderson to join the series. Anderson watched the movie and saw its "great potential."

He agreed to join the show if his character could have more humor than the movie's version. He also wanted Stargate SG-1 to be an ensemble show. This meant he wouldn't have to carry the whole story alone, like he did on MacGyver. Anderson often added his own funny, sarcastic lines to his character.

In the eighth season, his character was "promoted" to base commander. This allowed Anderson to have a smaller role with less filming on location. He wanted to spend more time with his young daughter. In the next season, he became a guest star, appearing in fewer episodes.

In 2004, the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force honored Anderson. He received an award for his role in Stargate SG-1. The show showed the Air Force in a positive way. Anderson was also made an honorary Air Force brigadier general.

Other Projects

In 1995, Anderson co-starred in Legend. This was a funny series about a writer in the Wild West. He had to pretend to be his own fictional hero. Critics praised Anderson's roles in the show.

Anderson is a big fan of The Simpsons. In 2005, he was invited to be a guest star on the show. He voiced himself in an episode where he was kidnapped by Marge Simpson's sisters, Selma and Patty. They were big fans of his MacGyver character.

In 2006, Anderson briefly played MacGyver again in a MasterCard commercial during the Super Bowl XL. The commercial made fun of the "MacGyver Formula" with funny, impossible solutions. He also appeared as MacGyver in a Pepsi commercial during Saturday Night Live in 2009.

Anderson continued to play General Jack O'Neill in the Stargate spin-off shows, Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe. He also had a recurring role in the show Fairly Legal in 2010.

Behind the Scenes

Richard Dean Anderson has also worked as an executive producer for several shows he acted in. These include the MacGyver movies, Legend, Stargate SG-1, and Firehouse.

He even composed a song called "Eau d'Leo" for a MacGyver episode.

Together with Michael Greenburg, Anderson started a company called Gekko Film Corporation. This company helped produce almost every episode of Stargate SG-1 from 1997 to 2007.

Helping Others

Anderson is very active in charity work. He supports the Waterkeeper Alliance, which works to stop water pollution.

He is also on the Board of Trustees for the Challengers Boys and Girls Club. This is a youth organization that helps young people.

In 1995, he received an award from the Make-a-Wish Foundation. This was for his dedication to helping children with serious illnesses. He also supports various Sclerosis Society non-profit organizations. He has made several public service announcements to show his support.

Anderson is a strong supporter of the Special Olympics. He was a speaker at their opening ceremonies in 1991.

In recent years, he has helped many environmental organizations. He is on the Board of Advisors for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He has also worked with the Earth Rivers Expeditions on their River Project.

Personal Life

Richard Dean Anderson spends his time in Vancouver, Los Angeles, and northern Minnesota. He loves winter sports like hockey and skiing. He has had some knee injuries from his active lifestyle. During the filming of Stargate SG-1, he often organized hockey games with the cast and crew. He was also a race car driver during his MacGyver years.

From 1996 to 2003, his partner was Apryl A. Prose. They have one daughter, Wylie Quinn Annarose Anderson, born on August 2, 1998. Anderson decided to leave Stargate SG-1 to spend more time with his daughter. He said, "Being a father... makes me want to get out of here faster. Just 'cause the baby is my reason for living."

Filmography

Television

Films

Video games

Producer

Composer

Awards

Images for kids

• 

  Anderson while on the set of MacGyver in Steveston, Richmond, British Columbia, filming season 3, episode 3 ending 'Back from the Dead' circa 1987.

• 

  Anderson was recognized by the Air Force for his role in Stargate SG-1 and was made an honorary Air Force brigadier general

See also

In Spanish: Richard Dean Anderson para niños