Richard Dean Anderson Biography

Fast Facts

• Received an award in 2004 for his role in portraying the Air Force in a positive light in "Stargate SG-1․"
• Founded the Celebrity All Star Hockey team for charity
• Received the 1995 Celebrity Award from the Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Was a member of the Board of Advisors of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
• Studied drama at St․ Cloud University and at Ohio University
• Worked as a street mime, juggler, jester, singer, musician and whale handler before landing a role "General Hospital․"
• Quote: "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․"
• Formed his own production company called Gekko Film Corp․ with business partner Michael Greenburg
• Known for his roles as Angus MacGyver in "MacGyver" and Colonel Jack O'Neill in "Stargate SG-1․"
• Spoke at the 1991 opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics
• Supports various organizations, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Center for the Prevention of Handgun Violence
• Aspired to be a professional hockey player until he broke both his arms at the age of 16
• Took a 5,600-mile bicycle trip from Minnesota through Canada and Alaska at the age of 17