Dana Elcar Biography

Fast Facts

• Decided to serve in the U․S․ Navy in 1948, and was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada
• In 1991, he received the Humanitarian and Vision Award from Retinitis Pugmentosa International
• Studied under renowned acting instructor Sanford Meisner
• Graduated from the University of Michigan, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega
• Before relocating to Hollywood in the 1960s, he worked as a taxi driver in New York City
• Quote: "(While discussing his battle with glaucoma, he stated) "We are dependent on people all of our lives, but we don't quite admit it․ When something like this happens you really have to deal with it․""
• Quote: "One of the things I've learned in life is that everybody falls down․․․it is important to get back up․"
• Best known for his role as Peter Thornton in "MacGyver" and as Col․ Thomas A․ Lard in "Black Sheep Squadron․"
• Recognized for appearing as various government agency leaders and bureaucrats throughout his career