Born August 4, 1942, in Aurora, Missouri, a town in the Ozark Mountains, actor Don S. Davis, aged 65, passed away from a massive heart attack on Sunday morning, June 29th, at his home in Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada.
Best known for his role as George S. Hammond, a Major General and later a Lieutenant General in the science fiction TV series Stargate SG-1, Davis also starred as Major Garland Briggs in Twin Peaks, as well as many other movies and TV appearances.
Davis received a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in theater and art from Southwest Missouri State College in 1965. He then served a three-year stint in the United States Army, entering as a Second Lieutenant before gaining the rank of Captain. Davis was stationed in Korea before completing his tour of duty.
Upon exiting the Army, Davis began working towards, and successfully achieving a master’s degree in theatre from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1970. He taught for several years, before returning to SIU to complete a Ph. D. in theatre. Beginning work in the film industry itself in the early 80s, Davis taught at the University of British Columbia, before choosing to pursue full-time acting in 1987.
Davis served as stunt double for Dana Elcar in the hit TV show MacGyver. Davis and Elcar looked so alike that they were often mistaken for each other. Davis also scored two separate roles in the TV show, as well as appearing as Scully’s father in The X-Files.
But his most recognizable appearances came thanks to 16 episodes on Twin Peaks, as Major Garland Briggs, and 155 episodes as George S. Hammond in Stargate SG-1. The latter cultivated him a massive fan base, who loved the General for his ability to deal with Jack O’Neil’s not-small dislike for authority. He was also loved off-stage by the crew and cast of the series.
Davis was also a skilled artist, spending much of his free time painting or carving. As a child, Davis spent a lot of time painting, sculpting, and drawing, and so it was only natural that he would pursue these talents throughout his entire life. You can visit his art website at DonSDavisArt.com.
The news of Davis’s was delivered via Gate World, provided by Don S Davis’ representative, and his wife, Ruby Fleming-Davis
So many of you have been touched by not only the work and art of Don S. Davis, but by the man himself, who always took the time to be with you at the appearances he loved, that it is with a tremendous sense of loss I must share with you that Don passed away from a massive heart attack on Sunday morning, June 29th.
On behalf of his family and wife, Ruby, we thank you for your prayers and condolences. A family memorial where Don’s ashes will be scattered in the ocean will take place in a few weeks, and should you wish to, please make a donation to the American Heart Association in Don’s memory.
Davis will still be seen in upcoming films Vipers, Woodshop and Far Cry, as well as the second direct-to-DVD Stargate SG-1 movie Continuum. But on a day where we at the Geeks of Doom offices feel much sadness, we express our deepest wishes and prayers to Ruby, and to the Davis family and friends.
To die completely, a person must not only forget but be forgotten, and he who is not forgotten is not dead.
— Samuel Butler
So sad – he was much loved as General Hammond :(
Comment by Beth — July 2, 2008 @ 9:33 am
Rest in peace, general.
Comment by Batman — July 2, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
This is sad…God bless you Don.
Comment by Joshua — December 8, 2008 @ 2:49 pm