Remembering Don. S. Davis

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

02 Jul 2008 11:35 AM

Actor Don S. Davis passed away on June 29, 2008 after suffering a major heart attack. You may be wondering who Mr. Davis was, the actor was not A-List, but he was most certainly first class. For more than 7 years he portrayed Major General George Hammond on the science fiction show Stargate SG-1. Health concerns took him off the regular cast, but he made numerous guest appearances on SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis in the years that followed.

The Man

Mr. Davis had a PhD in Theater. He taught at the University of British Columbia until 1987. He also worked with Richard Dean Anderson on the series MacGyver for many years as a stunt double for series regular Dana Elcar. Davis served three years in the army in the 1960s. He gave up teaching in 1987 to pursue acting full time.

A man of many talents, Davis was also an artist. His talent grew through his work on set design. He supplemented his income with his artistic works throughout the year and had just begun to promote his work online. Davis' artwork was unique and familiar in the sense that it appealed on a very basic level. Born and raised in the Ozark Mountains, Davis loved the environment and the raw beauty of untouched nature and lands not cleared for farming. His work reflects this deep and abiding love.

Personally

When I heard of Mr. Davis' death, I was deeply saddened. I enjoyed his work over the years from his guest appearances on MacGyver to The X-Files (he was Scully's dad) to West Wing (Reverend Butler), but it was his role as Major General George Hammond, an airman and leader who was very much dedicated to his people and the protection of his country and planet. The Air Force has expressed their support for the show and the remarkable way it portrays the men and women who defend this country, Mr. Davis' portrayal was very much a part of that.

I will miss seeing his future work and I am extremely grateful for the many opportunities I had to see him in action. Mr. Davis leaves behind a wife and a son from a previous marriage as well as a multitude of friends and fans that will miss him.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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