Cast of ‘Stargate SG-1’: Where Are They Now? Nearly 30 Years Later, Their Bond Endures The 'Stargate SG-1' cast shaped sci-fi history—here’s how their careers evolved December 8, 2025 Comments STARGATE SG-1, Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks, Christopher Judge. 1997-2007. © MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Add as a preferred source on Google In 2027, Stargate SG-1—created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner—will celebrate its 30th anniversary, an incredible milestone for a series that began as a continuation of a 1994 film and went on to become one of the longest-running science-fiction shows in television history. Three decades later, it’s remarkable how firmly the show has held its place in pop culture memory. Fans still debate favorite episodes, quote Jack O’Neill’s one-liners and revisit the dozens of worlds SG-1 explored over 10 seasons. The franchise continues to inspire novels, video games, conventions and was recently announced as the subject of a new series. But at the heart of it all—from the beginning to the series finale—is the cast of Stargate SG-1 . Stargate SG-1 assembled one of the most likable and cohesive ensembles in sci-fi television since Star Trek . Whether an actor was there from the beginning or stepped into the series midway through its run, each of them brought something distinctive that shaped the tone, humor and emotional core of the show. Looking back now gives us a chance to see the larger arcs of the actors themselves—where they came from before Stargate, how the series changed their careers and what they’ve done since stepping away from Stargate Command. Some went on to new leading roles, others shifted behind the camera and a few found unexpected second careers. All remain connected to a fandom that has never stopped appreciating the work they did. Richard Dean Anderson (Colonel/General Jack O’Neill) STARGATE SG-1, Richard Dean Anderson, 1997-2007.© MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Richard Dean Anderson (who assumed the role played in the Stargate film by Kurt Russell) entered Stargate SG-1 with an established career, but his path to acting was anything but straightforward. Born in Minneapolis and raised in Minnesota, he grew up dreaming of playing professional hockey until a serious injury ended that ambition. The setback pushed him into a period of exploration: cross-country travel, music, drama studies at several colleges and a stretch of odd jobs before he committed fully to performance. After working in theater and picking up small television parts, Anderson broke through spectacularly as the star of MacGyver (1985–1992). The inventive, non-violent secret agent became a cultural phenomenon, giving Anderson international fame and defining him as a charismatic, resourceful leading man. He followed that success with producing and starring in the short-lived but well-liked western-steampunk adventure Legend. By the mid-1990s, he wanted a series that would let him develop a character over time while balancing action and humor. The opportunity arrived when he was offered the role of Jack O’Neill in Stargate SG-1, bringing instant recognition and credibility to the new series. Life after SG-1: By the end of Season 8, Anderson chose to scale back his on-set involvement to spend more time raising his daughter, Wylie. That shift turned O’Neill into a recurring figure in Seasons 9 and 10, though he continued to anchor key episodes and later appeared in Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe. After stepping away from regular television work, Anderson largely embraced a quieter, more personal lifestyle. He has made only occasional acting appearances, including roles on Fairly Legal and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, but his primary focus has shifted toward environmental activism and charitable causes. He has long supported organizations such as Sea Shepherd and Waterkeeper Alliance and continues to be involved with ecological and humanitarian efforts. Personal life: Anderson has one daughter, Wylie Quinn Annarose Anderson, born in 1998, whose upbringing played a major role in his decision to reduce his work schedule during SG-1. He has never married and prefers a relatively private life split between Minnesota and California. Known for his wry humor, easygoing temperament, and long-standing commitment to conservation, he maintains a warm relationship with fans and remains a central figure in the legacy of Stargate. Regarding the fans: “I’ve had fans who have been loyal to my career my entire life. I don’t quite understand the attraction and that’s not meant to be self-deprecating in any way. I know I’ve been lucky and extremely fortunate, and the fact is, I do know, pragmatically, that I’ve made the most out of a limited amount of talent. I’ve done as much as I can. For some reason, people have been attracted to it or were willing to put up with it or tolerate it or be supportive, and the experience in general has been, just as a blanket statement, quite spectacular.” Amanda Tapping (Colonel/Dr. Samantha Carter) STARGATE SG-1, Amanda Tapping, 1997-2007.© MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Amanda Tapping was born in England and raised in Ontario, where her early interests in science and the arts ran in parallel. She excelled academically—particularly in environmental science—but ultimately chose a creative path, earning her theater training at the University of Windsor. After graduation, she built a steady acting career in Canada, appearing in stage productions, commercials and a wide range of guest roles on television. Through the mid-1990s, she became a familiar presence in genre series such as The X-Files , Forever Knight and Due South. She was known among casting directors for her blend of warmth, intelligence, and comic timing—qualities that made her stand out during the search for Stargate SG-1’s Samantha Carter. When she joined the series in 1997, Tapping quickly turned Carter into one of the most respected and memorable women in science-fiction television: a brilliant astrophysicist, a skilled soldier and a character who carried emotional depth without ever sacrificing competence. Life after SG-1: After SG-1 concluded, Tapping transitioned seamlessly into Stargate Atlantis as a series regular, taking command of the expedition during Season 4. At the same time, she began exploring directing and producing, ambitions that opened a significant new chapter in her career. She co-created and starred in the web series Sanctuary, which grew into a Syfy network show and became one of the earliest TV productions to rely heavily on greenscreen and virtual sets. Tapping served as executive producer and frequent director, establishing herself as a creative force behind the camera. Since then, she has become one of the most sought-after directors in genre television. Her credits include Supernatural, Continuum, The Magicians, Dark Matter, Van Helsing, Motherland: Fort Salem, Batwoman and multiple episodes of Stargate Universe. Tapping also founded the charity initiative “Sanctuary for Kids,” which raised funds for children in crisis worldwide. Personal life: Tapping married Alan Kovacs in 1994, and the couple has one daughter, Olivia, born in 2005. Motherhood played a role in her interest in directing, which allowed more control over her schedule than acting alone. Regarding the fans: “There’s just a huge appreciation for the fandom and there’s a huge desire to say, ‘Thank you.’ And there’s a whole new generation who haven’t heard the same stories a hundred times, so, yay, fresh ears to listen. I probably do two conventions a year and it’s lovely. I feel so grateful to be able to meet people and thank them for the support, because that’s really what it’s about. The fandom is great; friendships that have been formed from around the globe and they come together to Vancouver from various parts of the world to hang out together. The show is almost ancillary at this point when you see the friendships that have been formed.” Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson) STARGATE SG-1, Claudia Black, Michael Shanks, Torri Higginson, ‘The Pegasus Project’, (Season 10, aired July 28, 2006). 1997-2007.Carole Segal / © MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Michael Shanks was born in British Columbia and studied acting at the University of British Columbia, where he immersed himself in theater and classical training. Early in his career, he worked extensively on the stage, including at the prestigious Stratford Festival, sharpening his skills in Shakespeare and dramatic performance. Though he took on occasional television roles throughout the 1990s, he remained primarily a theater actor—versatile and expressive, with a strong command of language and physicality. Shanks had been a fan of the 1994 Stargate film and was especially drawn to Daniel Jackson as played by James Spader. When SG-1 went into development, he auditioned with that enthusiasm already in place, bringing a blend of intellect, vulnerability and wry humor that immediately distinguished him. As Daniel Jackson, Shanks became the emotional center of the series during many early seasons, grounding the show’s mythology through his character’s compassion, idealism, and insatiable curiosity. His performance helped anchor the team’s moral compass, and Daniel’s evolving dynamic with Jack O’Neill became one of the franchise’s defining elements. Life after SG-1: Following his initial departure after Season 5, Shanks explored other acting opportunities. He appeared in series such as Andromeda, The Dead Zone and CSI: Miami, and took on voice work. He later returned to SG-1 full-time in Season 7 and stayed through the remainder of the series, continuing on into both direct-to-DVD films. After SG-1, Shanks built a steady career in Canadian and American television. He starred in the series Saving Hope as surgeon Charlie Harris, and appeared in Burn Notice, Smallville (as Hawkman), Supernatural, Eureka, Virgin River and numerous TV movies. Shanks has also stepped behind the camera, directing episodes of SG-1 and Saving Hope, and has written for television as well. Personal life: Shanks married actress Lexa Doig in 2003, after the two met while working together. They have two children and Shanks has a daughter from a previous relationship. He continues to act, write and direct, balancing his creative work with family life. On the aftermath of Stargate: “In the beginning, there was no franchise. We were kind of a fledgling show that didn’t know what we wanted to be. We were a spinoff from a big movie, which has got such a big track record of working. But there is a franchise now, there is a brand name. The fact that there are so many incarnations of the same thing, whether it be the video game or the merchandising, the various shows, movies and whatever. There’s a real entity out there. Obviously it doesn’t rival something like Star Trek or Star Wars in terms of its size and scope, but that it’s a part of popular culture now is something that we never saw coming.” Christopher Judge (Teal’c) STARGATE SG-1, Christopher Judge, ‘Allegiance’, (aired 8/9/02), 1997-2007.© MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Christopher Judge grew up in Los Angeles and initially pursued athletics—earning a football scholarship to the University of Oregon, where he played as a defensive back and later as a safety. He studied psychology but gravitated toward the university’s radio and television program, which ultimately steered him into performing. After college, Judge shifted fully into acting and trained at the Howard Fine Acting Studio, gaining a foundation in both dramatic and comedic work. Before SG-1, he appeared in guest roles on series such as MacGyver, 21 Jump Street, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. What set him apart, however, was his voice—deep, resonant, and commanding—which would later become one of his defining trademarks. When the opportunity for Stargate SG-1 came, Judge’s imposing stature and disciplined demeanor made him a natural fit for the role of Teal’c, a stoic alien warrior whose quiet intensity balanced the more sardonic personalities of the team. Life after SG-1: After a decade as Teal’c, Judge continued working steadily in television and film. He appeared in The Dark Knight Rises, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Mentalist, Arrow and Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars. He also ventured into writing, penning the script for the 2010 film Rage of the Yeti and contributing story material to various projects. Judge’s most celebrated work after SG-1 came in the world of video games. In 2018, he was chosen to portray Kratos in the God of War franchise, taking over from longtime voice actor Terrence C. Carson. Judge’s emotionally rich performance—combining motion capture and voice acting—earned widespread acclaim and won multiple awards, including Best Performance at The Game Awards. He returned to the role in God of War: Ragnarök (2022), delivering another widely praised performance. Personal life: Judge has four children and has been open about how fatherhood shaped both his personal life and aspects of his portrayal of Teal’c, particularly the character’s arc as a leader and parent. Known for his humor and warmth at conventions, Judge remains deeply connected to the Stargate fan community. His close friendships with castmates—especially Michael Shanks—are well-documented, and he frequently credits SG-1 with giving him lifelong collaborators and a career-defining role. Memories of Stargate: “One of the things that I’m proudest of, of Stargate, is going to conventions or going wherever and having two to three generations of a family attend. They will say, ‘This is how I bonded with my parents.’ There’s not much stuff now that families can watch together and all aspects of that family can be entertained. When people ask, ‘What are you proudest of?’—that’s what it is, that all these families found this program to bond over.” Don S. Davis (Major General George Hammond) STARGATE SG-1, Don S. Davis, Richard Dean Anderson, ‘Enigma’, (aired 1/30/98), 1997-2007.© MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Don S. Davis had one of the most varied and unconventional paths to SG-1. Born in Missouri, he served in the U.S. Army during the 1960s, an experience that helped shape the quiet authority he later brought to military roles on screen. After leaving the service, he pursued academia, earning both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in theatre arts. Davis taught at the University of British Columbia while also establishing himself as a sculptor, painter, and craftsman—a genuinely multidisciplinary artist whose interests extended well beyond acting. He began working in film and television in the 1980s, first as a stuntman and then as an actor. His size, commanding presence, and calm professionalism made him a natural choice for authoritative roles. He gained early recognition as Major Garland Briggs on Twin Peaks. By the time Stargate SG-1 entered production, Davis had already built a reputation in the Vancouver acting community as a reliable, thoughtful performer with a deep well of experience to draw from. His casting as General George Hammond—leader of Stargate Command—solidified the show’s grounding presence. Life after SG-1: Davis reduced his workload after Season 7 due to health concerns, but continued appearing in film and television throughout the early 2000s. He took guest roles on series such as The Dead Zone, Andromeda and Supernatural, and he remained a recurring presence in the Stargate universe through occasional cameos and his appearance in Stargate: Continuum. He also continued his off-screen work as an artist, often selling paintings and sculptures inspired by nature and his travels. Personal life: Davis was married twice and had one son from his first marriage. He lived for many years in British Columbia, balancing acting with his artistic pursuits and his love of the outdoors. Don S. Davis passed away in 2008 from a heart attack at the age of 65. His legacy within Stargate remains significant: not only did he help establish the emotional tone of SG-1, but his kindness and professionalism left a lasting mark on the cast, crew, and fans who continue to celebrate him. Evolving character: “I thought Hammond was a two-dimensional figure. I had served in the Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. I was an officer; I started out a Second Lieutenant, gout out as a Captain. And I had served under officers that were heroic, certainly. Some who weren’t. But who were, as they really are in the Army, a cross-section of humanity. I served under guys that were poets and painters and dreamers and schemers. And when I saw Hammond, he was by-the-book. A foil for O’Neill. And it just wasn’t true to what the service is really like. But they were kind enough to take my suggestions to heart. And they let me, especially as the show went on, make him more and more human.” Corin Nemec (Jonas Quinn) STARGATE SG-1, Corin Nemec, Dean Stockwell, ‘Shadow Play,’ (Season 6, Episode 7, aired Jul 26, 2002), 1997-2007.© MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Corin Nemec entered the industry young and built an unusually varied résumé long before stepping onto the Stargate set. Born Joseph Charles Nemec IV, he grew up around the business—his father worked in the film industry—and began acting professionally in his early teens. He first gained major attention with the 1989 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream and the coming-of-age drama I Know My First Name Is Steven (1989), the latter earning him an Emmy nomination for his haunting portrayal of a kidnapped boy struggling to reclaim his life. Through the early 1990s, Nemec became widely known for starring in the NBC sitcom Parker Lewis Can’t Lose (1990–93). After the series ended, he moved between film and television, taking roles in projects as diverse as Operation Dumbo Drop, the cult sci-fi show The Stand and numerous guest appearances on procedural and genre series. By the time Stargate SG-1 came calling, Nemec was a seasoned performer with experience in drama, comedy and science fiction. Life after Stargate SG-1: Following his Season 6 stint as a full-time cast member, Nemec remained connected to the franchise through guest appearances but also broadened his career in multiple directions. He continued to work steadily in genre entertainment, including roles in Supernatural, Ghost Whisperer, Smallville, Sand Sharks, Dragon Wasps and a string of Syfy original films that leaned into B-movie adventure and creature-feature fun. Outside of acting, he became involved in writing and producing independent film projects, and in recent years, he’s appeared in action-oriented TV movies and series. Nemec also survived a widely publicized 2013 boating accident in Belize, which required extensive surgery and recovery; he returned to work afterward. He has also occasionally collaborated on art and music projects, reflecting a longstanding interest in creative work beyond acting. Personal life: Corin Nemec was previously married to Erin Nemec, with whom he has two children. He remains active in fan conventions. Known for his humor and easygoing rapport with fans and colleagues, he continues to balance acting, producing and creative side projects. Ben Browder (Colonel Cameron Mitchell) STARGATE SG-1, Michael Shanks, David Hewlett, Ben Browder, ‘The Pegasus Project’, (Season 10, aired July 28, 2006). 1997-2007.Carole Segal / © MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Ben Browder arrived on Stargate SG-1 with a strong science-fiction pedigree already in place. Born in Memphis and raised in North Carolina, he attended Furman University, where he played football before shifting toward drama. Browder later studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, giving him a foundational classical training that would serve him well in genre roles requiring both emotional weight and physicality. Before Stargate, Browder became best known for starring as astronaut John Crichton in the cult hit Farscape. His performance—a mix of humor, intensity, vulnerability and improvisational charm—made him a fan favorite and earned him Saturn Award wins. By the time Farscape ended with its two-part miniseries The Peacekeeper Wars, Browder had developed a passionate genre following. Life after SG-1: Following the end of SG-1, Browder continued to work in television, film and voice acting. He appeared in episodes of Doctor Who (“A Town Called Mercy”), Chuck, CSI: Miami, Arrow, The Flash and various independent genre films. He also performed voice roles in animated projects and video games, maintaining a steady presence in science fiction and fantasy storytelling. Browder has periodically reunited with the Farscape and Stargate fan communities at conventions, where his enthusiasm and approachable manner have kept him one of the most beloved figures in modern TV sci-fi. In recent years, he has also written and directed, including the indie film Bad Kids of Crestview Academy, which showcased his interest in working behind the camera as well as in front of it. Personal life: Ben Browder has been married to actress Francesca Buller since 1989, and the couple has two children. Buller appeared several times on Farscape in memorable guest roles, making the series a creative family endeavor. Personal reflection: “The most, I guess, impressive thing about Stargate and about being on it and coming on so late, was how warm and welcoming and talented the cast and crew of SG-1 were. It was a remarkable place and it was a remarkable team that was assembled to put that show together.” Claudia Black (Vala Mal Doran) STARGATE: THE ARK OF TRUTH, Claudia Black, 2008.©MGM Home Entertainment/courtesy Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Claudia Black built an international career long before joining the Stargate universe. Born in Sydney, she began working in Australian television in the early 1990s, gaining attention through guest roles and early dramatic work. Her breakout came in 1999 when she landed the role of Aeryn Sun in Farscape. As the hardened Peacekeeper officer who gradually reconnects with her humanity, Black delivered an intense, emotionally layered performance that quickly made her a fan favorite. The chemistry between Black and co-star Ben Browder helped anchor the show through its four seasons and the miniseries The Peacekeeper Wars, earning her multiple Saturn Award nominations and a win. Outside of Farscape, Black appeared in projects such as Pitch Black, Queen of the Damned and a range of Australian series. Her deep, distinctive voice also led to early work in voiceover and video games, setting the stage for a major parallel career in interactive media. Life after Stargate SG-1: After SG-1, Black continued to move fluidly between live-action roles and voice acting. She appeared in series such as The Originals, Containment and Farscape-related reunion events, while also becoming one of the most recognizable voices in modern gaming. Her credits include Dragon Age: Inquisition, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Mass Effect 2, Destiny and God of War Ragnarök. Fans and developers alike praise her for her emotional range and ability to bring complexity to even the smallest roles. She has also performed in motion-capture roles, worked in animation and remained a frequent guest at conventions, where her sharp wit and dry humor consistently make her a standout. Personal life: Claudia Black has two sons. She is known for being extremely private about her personal life, choosing to keep her family out of the spotlight. Among fans and peers, she is celebrated not only for her talent but for her intelligence, candor and the unique energy she brought to both Farscape’s Aeryn Sun and Stargate’s Vala Mal Doran—two of the most beloved female characters in genre TV. The biggest surprise: “You know, I would never expect anyone to be a fan of anything I’ve done. The fact that people crossed over from Farscape and started tuning in to Stargate was fantastic. I really appreciate the fact that, from what I heard from people, that they recognize how different the characters are. And I’m glad I was able to do something different for them, and, as always, tried not to insult their intelligence. I’m never thinking of the lowest common denominator when i do my work. So whoever’s appreciating it, I’m very grateful that they’re entertained by it.” Beau Bridges (General Hank Landry) STARGATE SG-1, Beau Bridges, Season 9, Ep. ‘Avalon’. 1997-2007.© MGM Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection Life before SG-1: Beau Bridges entered Stargate SG-1 with one of the most established careers of any actor to join the series. Born into Hollywood’s Bridges acting family, he began performing as a child alongside his father, Lloyd Bridges, and later his younger brother Jeff. By the 1970s and 1980s, Beau had built a reputation as a versatile, grounded performer equally at home in drama, comedy and character-driven films. His résumé included Norma Rae, The Landlord, Heart Like a Wheel and Sordid Lives, along with an extensive list of television movies and miniseries. Bridges earned Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for his work in projects such as Without Warning: The James Brady Story and The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom. His ability to play complex authority figures with both strength and warmth made him a natural fit for military or political roles, setting the stage for his entrance into the Stargate universe as the new head of the SGC. Life after SG-1: After SG-1, Bridges continued to have an active and wide-ranging career. He appeared in series such as My Name Is Earl, The Good Wife, Masters of Sex, Homeland, Bloodline and Goliath, along with recurring roles in Brothers & Sisters and Stargate Atlantis. Deal of the Day This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal In addition to acting, Bridges has long been involved in directing, producing and occasionally writing. He also continues to perform on stage, where he has returned several times throughout his career. His association with the Stargate fan community remains warm, and he is frequently cited by co-stars as one of the most gracious and generous performers they’ve worked with. Personal life: Beau Bridges has been married twice and has five children, including actor Jordan Bridges. Known for his humility and easygoing nature despite decades of success, he is deeply proud of his family’s artistic legacy. Bridges has also been active in various charitable and political causes over the years, lending his voice to advocacy efforts and public service. His career continues to span more than six decades. Life philosophy: “One of my favorite books that I ever read in my life is by a man named Alan Watts called The Wisdom of Insecurity. And what it basically says is that all our lives, our parents and people older than us, our teachers and everyone keep telling you that to find real happiness in life, you must be secure. You want security in a job, security in family, relationships, financial, all of that. You want to be secure and then you will be truly content. And then Mr. Watts also points out what a pain in the butt that is, because the truth is there is no such thing as security. The only thing you can really count on is that things will change. So if you spend your whole life looking for that secure, unchangeable place, you’re going to be pretty frustrated. You need to just jump into the sea of change and go for it. Change usually isn’t easy in the beginning. This wasn’t easy for any of us to know that Stargate was canceled. I’m sure the fans who watched it for 10 years felt the same. But I think change is good, too, because it reinvents life for us when it happens.” Explore more from the world of sci-fi Source: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/classic-tv/cast-of-stargate-sg-1-where-are-they-now