Each Stargate TV series has boasted a cast of engaging actors, each giving credence to the cosmic adventures they took in every episode. The cast of Stargate SG-1 hold a particularly special place in the franchise’s canon, since they launched the exploration of multiple galaxies that was continued in Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe. It’s commendable that the show earned such a loyal fanbase, though its lengthy run of ten years left it plenty of time to do so. One of the main reasons fans came to love the show was the cast of characters, who made an indelible impression during their time at Stargate Command.
The cast saw some changes to its core SG team over the years, with the switch of Daniel Jackson and Jonas Quinn in season 6, and the replacement of Jack O’Neill with Cameron Mitchell in season 9. Doctor Frasier was killed off and replaced by Dr. Lam, General Hammond gave up his office to General Landry, and Vala Mal Doran decided to stick around for season 10. Yet every cast member made their mark on Stargate history, playing characters who took the audience on entertaining journeys. Where are they now, and what creative endeavors are they working on?
Richard Dean Anderson
Anderson took over the role of Jack O’Neill for Stargate SG-1, after Kurt Russell debuted him in the original Stargate movie. Anderson came to Stargate SG-1 after making a name for himself in the TV series MacGyver, and brought not only leading man swagger but a healthy dose of comedy to the role. Anderson left the show after season 8 to spend more time with his daughter, but he’s popped up in every Stargate spinoff since then, as well as Saturday Night Live and Raising Hope.
Michael Shanks
Shanks also picked up a Stargate (1994) role and made it his own, transforming James Spader’s Daniel Jackson into a righteous trouble magnet. He also voiced Thor, a member of the Asgard, throughout the run of Stargate SG-1. In season 5, Shanks left the show due to creative differences, returning in the seventh season. Like Anderson, he made appearances in both Stargate spinoff shows, and in both of the Stargate SG-1 sequel movies. Shanks continues to act prolifically, appearing most recently in the series The Good Doctor.
Amanda Tapping
Tapping played Samantha Carter, who was an original addition to Stargate SG-1. She played the genius of the team, an astrophysics specialist who spent most of her precious time telling O’Neill what buttons weren’t safe to push. Tapping also starred in season 4 of Stargate Atlantis, and guest starred in Stargate Universe. She has since had recurring roles in Sanctuary, Supernatural and Travelers, and directed episodes of the aforementioned shows. Her work as a director spans dozens of TV series.
Christopher Judge
Judge played Teal’c, the archetypal alien character whose idiosyncrasies – a raised eyebrow and the oft-repeated “indeed” – endeared him to the Stargate SG-1 audience. Judge had a prosperous career before the Stargate franchise, but the show was definitive for his image as the tough guy. Judge has since appeared on Stargate Atlantis, The Mentalist, and NCIS: Los Angeles. He has also done a lot of video game work, most notably performing as Kratos in the God of War series, breaking records along the way.
Ben Browder
Browder had the unenviable task of taking over the leadership of SG-1 in season 9, stepping into the shadow of Anderson’s Jack O’Neill. He portrayed Cameron Mitchell, a plucky colonel with enthusiasm to burn. Previously, Browder had spent years playing the fish-out-of-water John Crichton in the cult classic Farscape (1999-2003), so he was uniquely suited to the job. Browder has since popped up in multiple productions, including Criminal Minds, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and most recently, S.W.A.T.
Claudia Black
Black portrayed the pirate legend Vala Mal Doran, a criminal with a heart of gold who eventually works her way onto SG-1 in season 10. Black starred in Farscape alongside Browder for the duration of the show’s run, and joins his team in Stargate SG-1. Black has worked consistently since the end of Stargate SG-1, particularly in video game voice acting. She has recently starred in the Destiny saga, as well as Uncharted and Dragon Age.
Corin Nemec
If replacing Anderson was difficult, stepping in for Daniel Jackson mid-season was heroic. Nemec played Jonas Quinn, an alien scientist who was just happy to be involved. He aided SG-1 in their exploratory missions after the untimely death of Daniel in season 5, and recurred until season 7. Nemec has since appeared on Supernatural and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Don S. Davis
Davis was a veteran actor, having had a profoundly prolific and respected career before starring in seven seasons of Stargate SG-1. Davis played General Hammond, the leader of Stargate Command and the appointed wrangler of SG-1. Davis was best known for his role as Hammond, and he was commemorated in several shows after his death in 2008. Stargate Atlantis named a spaceship the Hammond, and Stargate Universe featured the ship in its pilot. He was beloved by fans for his portrayal of the father figure to all of SG-1.
Beau Bridges
Bridges came onto Stargate SG-1 in season 8, playing Hank Landry, the new leader of the SGC. Landry was a no-nonsense commander who warmed up to the antics of SG-1 over his years working with them. Landry was one role of many for Bridges, who continues to have an extremely busy career in TV and film. Most recently, he starred in the acclaimed series Homeland and Bloodline.
Needless to say, Stargate SG-1 has had the advantage of enormous talent in front of the camera. In science fiction, especially media that doesn’t have an Avatar budget, it takes a lot of work to make the stories look good and feel emotionally intimate. Every member of the Stargate SG-1 cast gave performances that were consistently enthralling, welcoming fans into a universe bursting with danger and discovery. No matter what direction their careers take them, they will always be appreciated for their work beyond the Stargate.