General George Hammond was the definitive role for Don S. Davis, who anchored the television series Stargate SG-1 from 1997 to 2007. Beyond this military commander, his career spanned diverse television and film roles, sustained by a background in theater education and a concurrent life as a dedicated painter and sculptor.
Military Background and Academic Training
Born in Aurora, Missouri, in 1942, Davis served in the United States Army as a captain. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood and served with the 7th Infantry in Korea. His duties often involved administration and records management, experiences he later credited for his authentic portrayal of military officers on screen. Before his professional acting career, Davis pursued extensive academic training. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Missouri State College and a master's degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1970. He later returned to the institution to complete a Ph.D. in theater, focusing on the evolution of scenography.
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While employed as a professor at the University of British Columbia, Davis began working in the film industry during the 1980s. He officially ceased teaching in 1987 to dedicate himself to acting full-time. His early career included work on MacGyver, where he served as a stunt and photography double for Dana Elcar. He also secured roles in projects such as A League of Their Own and appeared as Captain William Scully in The X-Files. His breakthrough occurred with the role of Major Garland Briggs in the series Twin Peaks, a casting choice born from a meeting with creator David Lynch.
Stargate and Artistic Pursuits
Davis gained significant recognition for his portrayal of General George Hammond in Stargate SG-1. He served as a main cast member for the first seven seasons before transitioning to a recurring role due to health issues. Throughout his career, he maintained a creative practice as a visual artist, producing paintings and carvings to supplement his income. His artistic work included carving wooden cigar store Indians sold at Silver Dollar City. He continued his creative crafts until his death in 2008 in Gibsons, British Columbia, following a heart attack at age 65.
Fast facts
- Born: 1942, Aurora, United States
- Died: 2008, Gibsons, Canada
- Education: Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Military service: Captain, United States Army
- Notable role: General George Hammond, Stargate SG-1
- Notable role: Major Garland Briggs, Twin Peaks
- Visual arts: Painter and sculptor
- Spouse: Ruby Fleming
Questions readers ask
What was Don S. Davis's background before acting?
He was a United States Army captain and held a Ph.D. in theater, having worked as a professor at the University of British Columbia.
Did Don S. Davis continue acting until his death?
Yes, his final film, Stargate: Continuum, was released one month after his death in 2008.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of British Columbia
- Educated at Southern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Missouri State University
- Worked as actor, film actor and television actor
