Don DavisSDon S Davis, who died on 29 June, 2008, was an American actor best known for his military man roles in sci-fi television series.With his sturdy frame, strong features and distinctive domed head, he carried the air of authority and assertiveness to portray characters in positions of responsibility and command, the most notable being Major General George Hammond, head of the Stargate SG-1 team, whom he played for a decade.Similarly his first major role was as the troubled Air Force officer Major Garland Briggs in David Lynch's Twin Peaks series and he also played Agent Scully's naval captain father in The X Files.Because of his parts in these cult shows, he became a popular figure on the conventions circuit where he was known for his sardonic, self-deprecating humour. However, despite this and his typecasting in military roles, his theatrical background was one of academic prowess and he was also a successful artist.He was born Don Sinclair Davis on 4 August, 1942, in Ozark Mountains of Missouri. He studied theatre and art at state college then attended Southern Illinois University where he completed first a masters then a PhD in theatre, also teaching at the university. He also had a spell in the US Army, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at a training base, an experience which would prove invaluable for his acting career.He began acting regularly on television in the late 1980s, appearing in episodes of series like MacGyver, LA Law and Columbo. Just as he would later be associated with playing military leaders, in many of his earlier roles he was cast as a doctor, including in the hit films Look Who's Talking (1989) and Hook (1991).Throughout his life he continued to paint and sculpt, selling his works to supplement his regular acting income. He described himself as a visually-orientated person, but conversely never watched himself on screen. "I already know I'm ugly," he would tell fans at conventions. "Every time I step in front of the mirror I wonder what's wrong with my wife."However, speaking more seriously, he admitted: "I'm confident that I'm a competent actor because I've been able to make a great living at it for several decades - that's very hard to do - that knowledge is enough for me."He died of a heart attack at 65 and was survived by his wife, Ruby Fleming-Davis, who released a statement to those who had 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".
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