8 Things You Didn’t Know About Richard Dean Anderson

Richard Dean Anderson is an American Actor and Producer, who was born on January 23, 1950, and is now retired. In the 1976 television season of the American soap opera series General Hospital, he made his acting debut as Jeff Webber.

If you are getting curious to know more about Richard Dean Anderson, then you may find these 8 unknown facts interesting

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Richard Dean Anderson

1. Dreamed Of Being A Hockey Player

When Anderson was younger, he wanted to play professional hockey, but after breaking both of his arms, he decided to become a jazz musician. Eventually, he found acting, but it wasn’t exactly a straight path. ^[1]

2. His First Big Role

The young Dr. Jeff Webber was Anderson’s first significant role. Before his character relocated to Nevada and vanished after four years on the show, Anderson played the lead role.

3. Asked For Stargate-SG1

Not just fans of the popular science fiction show Stargate thought Anderson was ideal for the title role. The actor received a personal phone call from John Symes, the head of MGM’s television division at the time the series premiered, asking him to participate. Naturally, he agreed, but there were certain conditions.

4. Made A Significant Difference To The Stargate SG-1

Although this wasn’t initially the idea, Stargate SG-1 had a cast of personalities who played off one another. In order to prevent being overworked in a subsequent MacGyver scenario, Anderson demanded that the series be a group production. ^[2]

5. Several Charities Are Associated WIth him

In addition to supporting Boys & Girls Clubs across America and helping to generate funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis, Anderson is enthusiastic about a variety of other causes. He has even consistently supported the Special Olympics. ^[3]

6. Job At Marineland

He once held a position writing, directing, and acting in shows at Marineland, an ocean-themed amusement park in Southern California. Except for holding a dead fish in his mouth for the killer whale to spout out of the ocean and grab, he loved his job there.

7. He Has Three Brothers

When he was just three days old, his family moved from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, where he was born, to Minneapolis. His brothers number three. Following Jeff, who is 29 years old, are Tom, 26, and Jim, 21. ^[4]

8. Hate His Role At MacGyer

Anderson’s demanding schedule while filming the episode left him exhausted. After the show was cancelled, he commented in an interview, “MacGyver was seven years of being in almost every frame that was shot and having absolutely no life at all.” However, he returned for both TV movies. ^[5]