Contents 1.Introduction 1.1 What's it all about? 1.2 Where can I watch MacGyver? 2. Characters 2.1 MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) 2.2 Pete Thornton (Dana Elcar) 2.3 Jack Dalton (Bruce McGill) 2.4 Murdoc (Michael Des Barres) 2.5 Penny Parker (Teri Hatcher) 2.6 Harry Jackson (John Anderson) 2.7 Sean A. Malloy (Dalton James) 2.8 Other memorable characters 3. Organizations Within the MacGyver Universe 3.1 The Phoenix Foundation 3.2 DXS (Department of External Services) 3.3 HIT (Homicide International Trust) 3.4 The Challengers Club 4. Miscellaneous 4.1 Honors & Recognitions 4.2 About the actors 4.2.1 Richard Dean Anderson 4.2.2 Dana Elcar 4.2.3 Bruce McGill 4.2.4 Michael Des Barres 4.2.5 Teri Hatcher 4.2.6 John Anderson 4.2.7 Dalton James 4.2.8 Others 4.2.8.1 Elyssa Davalos 4.2.8.2 Martin Milner 4.2.8.3 Famous Faces 4.3 Other frequently asked questions 5. Other Sources of Information 5.1 FTP sites & mailing lists 5.1.1 FTP sites 5.1.2 The MacGyver Mailing List 5.1.3 The MacGyver WWW Homepage 5.2 Where to send fan mail 5.3 Publications 6. Acknowledgments & Addresses 6.1 Contributors 6.2 Comments? Suggestions? Corrections? 1. Introduction 1.1) So what's it all about? The television show "MacGyver" debuted on ABC-TV in September 1985 and ran continuously until the middle of the 1991-1992 TV season. Since the show's cancellation, there have also been two made-for-television movies. The program follows the adventures of MacGyver, troubleshooter extraordinaire. He carries no weapons, relying instead on his wits, his knowledge, and objects at hand to get himself out of trouble. 1.2) Where can I watch MacGyver? As of February 1995, reruns of "MacGyver" air regularly in the U.S. They are broadcast each weekday at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on the USA Cable Network. Most, if not all, of the episodes USA shows have been cut to allow for more advertising time by local cable operators. "MacGyver" can also be seen on a multitude of international television networks across the globe. 2.Characters 2.1) MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) Born March 23, 1950 (or January 23, 1951), and raised in Mission City, Minnesota, Angus MacGyver (who prefers to be called just MacGyver) moved to California after graduating from Western Tech. He worked several odd jobs before meeting Department of External Services (DXS) agent Pete Thornton. Thornton was impressed with MacGyver's ingenuity - after all, he'd used a paper clip, a wrench, and shoelaces to help them escape two men armed with bazookas. MacGyver then went to work at the DXS for Pete. Over the years, their friendship became so strong that he moved to the Phoenix Foundation when Pete was appointed Director of Operations. MacGyver, or "Mac," as his friends call him, is a master of on-the-spot improvisation. He can use ordinary household objects to get himself and his companions out of trouble. All he carries with him is a Swiss Army knife and, occasionally, a roll of duct tape. He carries no gun, having forsaken firearms after a traumatic childhood incident, and tries to avoid violence. He is fiercely loyal to his friends; his enemies will find him a clever, resourceful, and uncooperative opponent. Mac's most unusual trait is his fear of romantic commitment. This fear, which has stifled many a relationship, stems from his previous experiences. His father and his grandmother were killed in a car accident when he was twelve years old; his mother died of complications from a stroke when MacGyver was on assignment overseas. He worries that whomever he becomes close to will die, just like his parents and his grandmother did. Despite his misgivings about commitment, MacGyver remains the eternal optimist. He firmly believes that the world can and will change for the better - one person at a time. 2.2) Pete Thornton (Dana Elcar) MacGyver's boss and best friend, Pete Thornton worked for many years as an operative of the Department of External Services (see section 3.2). It was during this time that he met MacGyver while tracking the international assassin Murdoc. Seven years later, Pete took the position of Director of Operations at the Phoenix Foundation, which he now holds. He has a son, Michael (see section 2.8), from a previous marriage. In the sixth season of the show, Pete began to show symptoms of glaucoma, a degenerative condition of the eyes that causes the victim to lose his sight. He is now legally blind and needs special computer equipment to read printed text. 2.3) Jack Dalton (Bruce McGill) Whenever Jack Dalton enters MacGyver's life, things always seem to get more complicated. He's always got something up his sleeve, and it's usually a get-rich-quick plan that backfires. The son of a (posthumously) decorated Air Force pilot, Jack was put up for adoption shortly after he was born. He grew up with MacGyver in Mission City, Minnesota, and moved to California, where he ran a short-lived taxi service before setting up a private airline, Fly-By-Night. Subsequent enterprises include Jack-Be- Quick Messenger Service and his current business, Dalton Air. MacGyver has learned to avoid Jack Dalton like the plague, for when Jack appears on the scene, trouble is sure to follow. He can tell when Jack's lying when his left eye twitches. Despite his numerous business failures, Jack remains optimistic that he'll someday make the big score. 2.4) Murdoc (Michael Des Barres) Little is known about the international assassin Murdoc. He is, and has been, the best in his line of work; his methods are, in his own words, "quick, neat, untraceable." His mastery of makeup and costuming have made him difficult to identify, and he never leaves loose ends - except, of course, in the case of MacGyver and his friends. Murdoc had been known to the DXS for about five years prior to 1980, when he attempted to kill Peter Thornton and MacGyver. This 1980 encounter resulted in Murdoc's apparent death in a collapsing building. He did not return until seven years later, when he nearly succeeded in blowing Mac and Pete up. Murdoc "died" in this confrontation, too, after being careless with dynamite. But somehow, he escaped the explosion, and he reappeared about a year later, to the surprise of a grieving MacGyver and Nikki Carpenter; again, he took a "fatal" dive off the mountain known as the Widowmaker after cutting his own climbing rope. The next time he tried to kill MacGyver, he staged an elaborate musical, "Cleo Rocks," using MacGyver's friend Penny Parker as a pawn. Posing as crippled director Jacques La Rue, he came very close to realizing his goal - only to be defeated, once again, by MacGyver's ingenuity. For his "death" this time, he plunged into a fiery pool after being electrocuted. Murdoc laid to rest his vendetta, albeit temporarily, against MacGyver when he realized that MacGyver was the only one who could help him rescue his sister, Ashton Cooke, from his vengeful ex-employer at HIT, Homicide International Trust. This spirit of cooperation between the two, however, did not last; after another of Murdoc's "deaths," he and MacGyver resumed their deadly game of cat-and-mouse...with Murdoc, yet again, plummeting into a flooded mine shaft. Murdoc's final regular-series appearance was as the right-hand man of a deposed Central American dictator who intended to regain power; Murdoc made his exit by driving a Jeep off of a cliff after a failed attempt to run MacGyver down. Despite his nasty homicidal tendencies and twisted sense of honor, there are facets of Murdoc's personality that are quite likeable. The assassin is a photography buff; to assure his employers of a successful hit, he sends them a picture of the moment of the victim's death. He showed his talent for musical composition when he wrote the score for "Cleo Rocks," and he even fell in love with Penny Parker as he worked with her on the production. He secretly supported his sister, Ashton, without revealing to her his identity. If he hadn't become a hired killer, he probably would have chosen a career as a photographer or a musician. If Murdoc survived his last encounter with MacGyver (and it's very likely that he did), then it is certain that he will try to kill MacGyver again. MacGyver is, after all, the only blemish on Murdoc's otherwise spotless record. He's the one man Murdoc has failed to kill. 2.5) Penny Parker (Teri Hatcher) MacGyver's scatterbrained friend. An aspiring singer and actress, Penny is one of those people, according to MacGyver, who needs "looking after." She met MacGyver at a Bulgarian airport, but not under the best of circumstances; both were detained after police found Penny's jewels (which were later revealed to be the stolen crown jewels) in MacGyver's pocket. After a happy ending, Penny appeared again in Los Angeles, having "borrowed" Mac's apartment while she earned a living as a singing telegram. She enlisted MacGyver's help in solving the mystery of her aunt Betty's house and, presumably, is still trying to make it as an actress. 2.6) Harry Jackson (John Anderson) Mac's grandfather. He became MacGyver's father-figure after Mac's father and grandmother were killed in a car accident December 14, 1962 (see the episode "Phoenix Under Siege"). Harry taught the young MacGyver much about life, including the value of fair play (see "Harry's Will"). But seven years later he left the MacGyver household without saying goodbye. Another sixteen years passed before he and MacGyver reconciled, and Harry would show up in town occasionally for holidays and Mac's birthday. In the fifth-season episode "Passages," he shared one final adventure with his grandson before succumbing to complications from a heart attack. (Note: Sadly, John Anderson, owner of an impressive list of film and television credits, passed away in 1992.) 2.7) Sean A. "SAM" Malloy (Dalton James) Although SAM appeared in only one episode, the series finale "The Stringer," his introduction had a profound effect on MacGyver's life. He is the son of MacGyver and Kate Malloy, a photojournalist MacGyver was involved with in his post-college years. After Kate was murdered by Chinese soldiers, SAM vowed revenge on Chan, the general who executed her. His chance for vengeance came when he and his father confronted Chan on a freighter, but MacGyver talked SAM out of killing Chan. SAM and MacGyver set off on a motorcycle journey together at the end of the series' seven-year run. 2.8) Other memorable characters DEXTER FILLMORE (Richard Dean Anderson): MacGyver's favorite alias. He used this computer-geek identity to help bring down a money launderer, to stop a plot to steal top-secret Phoenix equipment, and to shut down a counterfeit baseball memorabilia operation. THE COLTONS (Cleavon Little, Richard Lawson, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Della Reese): Frank, Jesse, and Billy Colton are brothers in the bounty-hunting business. Their mother, affectionately known as Mama Colton, is the brains behind the operation. A recent addition to the family has been Frog, a dog who was left behind when his previous owner was forced to assume a new identity. NIKKI CARPENTER (Elyssa Davalos): Joined the Phoenix Foundation in the third season of "MacGyver." She and MacGyver met when she was investigating her brother's murder. Her husband was killed in a mafia car-bombing that was meant for her; as a result, she's afraid of becoming too involved with anyone (including MacGyver) for fear that she'll "jinx" him like she "jinxed" her husband. MAMA LORRAINE (Kimberly Scott): Owner of Haitian Creations Botanical Shango, a shop down the street from MacGyver's seventh-season apartment. She practices the Vodoun religion (more commonly known as voodoo) and has quickly developed a friendship with MacGyver. KATE MURPHY (Kim Zimmer): Head of the Los Angeles police narcotics squad. She played an instrumental role in the initial arrest and conviction of serial killer Dr. Zito (see next listing) and, as a result, earned Zito's eternal hatred. DR. ZITO (W. Morgan Sheppard): One of the truly memorable villains of "MacGyver." He was a serial killer before Lt. Kate Murphy stopped him and testified against him during his trial. From his cell at the state mental hospital in Alameda, Zito carefully plotted his revenge, using fellow prisoner Eric Cross as his weapon. MacGyver was able to stop Cross after figuring out Zito's elaborate plan. Two years later, Zito targeted MacGyver, attempting to teach him a "lesson in evil." Murphy was seriously injured, but MacGyver bested Zito in a battle of wits. MICHELLE "MIKE" FORESTER (Patricia McPherson/Lisa Bayliss): A botanist who attended college with MacGyver and Jack Dalton. Jack, with MacGyver's reluctant help, rescued her from a ruthless drug dealer in the Central American country of Dinoto. Unfortunately, she was later killed on the mountain known as "The Widowmaker" when her climbing equipment failed. MacGyver, who had been climbing with her, mistakenly blamed himself for her death; moments before she fell, he had hurt her by telling her that he wasn't ready for commitment. LISA WOODMAN (Mayim Bialik): The daughter of a wealthy industrialist, Lisa came to MacGyver's aid after he was framed for the attempted assassination of a nation's president. She was kidnapped by one of her father's ex-employees and later developed a drinking problem, for which she has sought counseling. DEBORAH (Kristian Alfonso): Known as "The Negotiator," Deborah was hired by Knapp, a land developer. Her goal: to get close to and influence MacGyver, who was delaying one of Knapp's projects by voicing his concerns over the impact the project would have on the local environment. She failed to sway him, and she also failed to kill MacGyver. Two years later, after serving a reduced sentence, Deborah again tried to kill MacGyver. With his friends' help, MacGyver outwitted her, but she fell to her death after one last attempt to kill him. JIMMY KENDALL (Joe Santos): Formerly known as "The Eraser," Jimmy Kendall gave up his life as a professional hitman (with MacGyver's help) and assumed a new identity as the coach of a minor-league baseball team. MICHAEL THORNTON (T. Scott Coffey/Hank Stratton): Pete Thornton's son. Pete came to his and his mother's aid when a former DXS agent kidnapped them, seeking revenge on Pete. Michael later became involved in a plot to steal top-secret blueprints from the Phoenix Foundation. After being caught, Michael cooperated with federal agents to expose the rest of the theft ring. CONNIE THORNTON (Penelope Windust/Linda Darlow): Pete Thornton's ex-wife. She divorced Pete twenty years ago when she realized that his work was taking up more of his time than she was. Connie returned to help Pete through his eye operation. JENNIFER REINER (Holly Fields/Traci Lords): Jennifer, whose street name was Crystal, became a prostitute after years of abuse by her father, a policeman. MacGyver, Cynthia Wilson, and Kate Murphy helped to reform her. MARIA ROMBURG (Brigitte Sternberg): A prospective love interest for MacGyver, Maria was reunited with her grandfather when the Berlin Wall fell. She joined the Phoenix Foundation, became romantically involved with MacGyver, and then left for Brazil on assignment. (***Note: She actually left the show after the producers received loads of angry mail from female viewers, who wanted Mac to remain single and uncommitted.) CYNTHIA WILSON (Roxanne Reese): Head of the Challengers Club. Her husband, Booker, was murdered when he angered a member of the city council who was a white supremacist. She performed a moving tribute to her husband in "The Madonna." BREEZE (Charles Andrew Payne): A former gang member, Breeze has become a valued member of the Challengers Club. MEI JAN (Michele B. Chan): A member of the Chinese student movement. She arrived in the States as Sue Ling, MacGyver's Chinese "foster daughter," and later revealed that the real Sue Ling had been killed at the Tiananmen Square uprising in 1989. MacGyver helped her to complete her mission in the U.S. WILT BOZER (Robin Mossley): MacGyver's neighbor at the marina. MILT BOZER (Robert Donner): Brother of Wilt Bozer. Curiously, he appears only in the two Western "dream" episodes, but not in regular "MacGyver" continuity. EARL DENT (Dick Butkus): An ex-convict, Dent has since gone straight. Dent has tried to support his daughter, Veronica, with winnings from prize-fights. WILLIS (Bruce Harwood): A Phoenix Foundation scientist whose work appears to deal mainly with environmental studies. The VON LEER BROTHERS, ERICH (Christopher Neame) and NICOLAS (Kai Wulff): Two wealthy, dastardly treasure-hunting brothers. Erich used MacGyver and his friend Zoe Ryan in a plot to recover the Holy Grail and met his end instead. Nicolas, seeking revenge on MacGyver for his brother's death, met his own demise in the search for the Eye of Osiris. MIKE KILEY (Jackson Davies): If Mac needed to deal with the police, Kiley was his man. Kiley apparently (either through script inconsistencies or just plain hard work on his part) advanced quickly through the ranks of the police department, going from Detective (in "Twenty Questions") to Lieutenant (in "The Wall") to Captain (in "Lesson in Evil"). 3.Organizations within the MacGyver Universe 3.1) The Phoenix Foundation The Phoenix Foundation is a privately funded research institute that involves itself primarily in fostering diplomatic relations, environmental studies, conservation efforts, and technological innovation. Pete Thornton became Director of Operations in 1987 and has been instrumental in helping the Foundation gain worldwide renown. The Foundation is well-respected by the media, world governments, and the public. 3.2) DXS (Department of External Services) A government agency that is similar in many respects to the Central Intelligence Agency. Pete Thornton worked at the DXS for many years as a field operative, as did MacGyver, before both moved to the Phoenix Foundation. (*Note: In a few episodes, the DXS was mistakenly referred to as the "DSX.") 3.3) HIT (Homicide International Trust) As HIT employee Murdoc says, Homicide International Trust is sort of like an "international Murder Incorporated." HIT was once headed by Nicholas Helman, who used his exclusive Helman Club as a front for HIT's activities. Helman was killed in a confrontation with Murdoc. HIT quickly recovered from this incident, even offering to reinstate Murdoc as an employee. The governing body of HIT is a group of men and women known only as The Board. 3.4) The Challengers Club The Boys and Girls Club where MacGyver spends much of his free time. The Club's original director, Booker Wilson, was murdered by a white supremacist. His wife, Cynthia (see section 2.8), has since taken over the job of running the Challengers Club. 4. Miscellaneous 4.1) Honors and Recognitions Curiously, "MacGyver" never won an Emmy. But the show has earned honors for other aspects of its production. * Two first-season episodes, the pilot episode and "Thief of Budapest," won awards at the Second Annual Stuntman Awards for Best High Work and Best Specialty Stunt, respectively. * In 1989, Richard Dean Anderson and the executive producers of "MacGyver"- Henry Winkler, John Rich, and Stephen Downing - accepted awards from the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence. MacGyver Mailing List subscriber Sparrow says that "at the reception was the unveiling of the episode 'The Gun,' produced in reaction to the murder of Rebecca Schaeffer by a crazed fan." * In 1991, the show was honored at the first annual Environmental Media Awards for "Ongoing Commitment" to environmental concerns. A dubious honor: Also in 1991, the conservative Media Research Center named "MacGyver" one of the ten most "liberally biased" TV shows of the 1990-1991 season because of its focus on the environment, gun control, and foreign affairs. * The episode "Black Rhino" won a Genesis Award for animal awareness. 4.2) About the Actors 4.2.1) Richard Dean Anderson Born: Minneapolis, MN January 23, 1950 Personal Notes: Attended St. Cloud State College and Ohio State University. (***I know that this info is wrong and it is Ohio University, but I'm not in charge of making changes to the FAQ. PLEASE, have patience, I assume it will be changed in the update.) * Studied acting with Peggy Feury. * Hobbies include hockey, skiing, and car racing. TV Series (Regular roles): * General Hospital (ABC 1976-81) [ Dr. Jeff Webber ] * Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (CBS 1982-83) [ Adam McFadden ] * Emerald Point NAS (CBS 1983-84) [ Lt. Simon Adams ] * MacGyver (ABC 1985-1992) [ Angus MacGyver ] * Legend (United Paramount Network 1995?) [ Ernest Pratt/Nicodemus Legend ] TV Series (guest appearances) The Parkers {aka Brian & Sylvia; pilot of series; aired as episode of "The Facts of Life"} (NBC 25 March 1981) * Today's FBI (ABC 29 Nov. 1981) episode "The Fugitive" TV Movies: * Ordinary Heroes (ABC 1986) [ Tony Kaiser ] * In the Eyes of a Stranger (CBS April, 1992) [ Jack Rourke ] * Through the Eyes of a Killer (CBS December, 1992) [ Ray Bellano ] * MacGyver: The Lost Treasure of Atlantis (ABC May 14, 1994) * MacGyver: Trail to Doomsday (ABC November 24, 1994) * Beyond Betrayal (CBS October 11, 1994) [ Bradley Mathews ] * Past the Bleachers (ABC/Hallmark Hall of Fame ~May 1995) [ Bill ] Other TV appearances: * Battle of the Network Stars (ABC 3 May 1984) * The Red Cross Emergency Test (ABC 1990?): Hosted a segment on preparing a first-aid kit. * Speed: Hollywood's Love Affair with Racing (ESPN 1994): Host. * World of Audubon 10th Anniversary Special (TBS 1994): Co-host. Theatrical Movies: * Young Doctors in Love (1982) [ an unnamed drug dealer ] * Odd Jobs (1984) [ Spud ] 4.2.2) Dana Elcar Born: Ferndale, MI October 10, 1927 (full name Ibson Dana Elcar) Notes: Went blind due to glaucoma ~1991. TV Series (Regular roles): * The Guiding Light (1952) [ ?? Guest star or regular?? ] * The Edge of Night (1956) [ ?? Guest star or regular?? ] A Time to Live (ABC 1954) * Dark Shadows (1966) [ Sheriff Patterson ] * * Baretta (ABC 1975) [ Inspector Shiller ] * Baa Baa Black Sheep/Black Sheep Squadron (NBC 1976-78) [ Col. Lard ] * MacGyver (ABC 1985-1992) [ Pete Thornton ] TV Series (Guest roles): * Art Carney Special: Our Town (ABC 1959) * [ Numerous appearances (~ 30) from 1959-1985 ] * Scarecrow and Mrs. King: "Spiderweb" (CBS 1985) TV Movies: Borgia Stick, The (1967) [ Craigmeyer ] * Sound of Anger, The (1968) [ Andrew Pearce ] * * Deadlock (1969) [George Stack] * Whole World Is Watching, The (1969) [ Huston ] * D.A.: Murder One (1969) [ Dr. Enright ] (aka Murder One (1969) * Sarge (1970) [ Father Frank Dinsmore ] (aka Badge or the Cross, The) * San Francisco International (1970) [ George Woodruff ] (aka San Francisco International Airport) * Bravos, The (1971) [ Capt. Detroville ] * Death of Me Yet, The (1971) [ Hank Keller ] * Fireball Forward (1972) [ Col. Talbot ] * Dying Room Only (1973) [ Sheriff ] * Hawkins on Murder (1973) [ Dr. Aaronson ] Senior Year (1974) [ Paul Reed ] * Panic on the 5:22 (1974) [ Hal Rodgers ] * * Heat Wave! (1974) [ Prescott ] * Law of the Land (1976) [ Reverend Mr. Endicott ] * Gemini Man (1976) [ Dr. Harold Schuyler ] * Samurai (1978) [ Frank Boyd ] * Crisis in Mid-air (1979) [ ? ] * Death Penalty (1980) [ John Mulligan ] * Mark, I Love You (1980) [ Mr. Bassett ] * Day the Bubble Burst, The (1981) [ Mr Block ] * Help Wanted: Male (1982) [ Milhauser ] * Forbidden Love (1982) [ Burt Wagner ] Quarterback Princess (1983) [ Mr. Caine ] * I Want to Live (1983) [ Warden ] * * Sweet Revenge (1984) [ Sen. Arthur Haggarty ] * Time to Live, A (1985) [ ? ] * Toughlove (1985) [ Max Wiley ] * Murder in Three Acts (1986) [ Dr. Walter Strange ] (aka Agatha Christie's 'Murder in Three Acts') Miniseries: * Centennial (1978) [ Judge Hart ] Theatrical Movies: * Fail-Safe (1964) [Foster] Fool Killer, The (1965) [Mr. Dodd] * Boston Strangler, The (1968) [Luis Schubert] * * Maltese Bippy, The (1969) [Sergeant Kelvanev] * Learning Tree, The (1969) [Kirky] * Soldier Blue (1970) [ Captain Battles ] * Zigzag (1970) [Harold Tracey] (aka Zig-Zag) * Gunfight, A (1971) [Mary Green] * Great Northfield, Minnesota Raid, The (1972) [Allen] * Sting, The (1973) [F.B.I. Agent Polk] * Report to the Commissioner (1975) [ Chief Perna ] * St. Ives (1976) [ Charlie Blunt ] * Baby Blue Marine (1976) [ Sheriff Wenzell ] Champ, The (1979) [ Hoffmaster ] * Nude Bomb, The (1980) [ Chief ] (aka Return of Maxwell Smart, The) * Condorman (1981) [Russ] * Buddy Buddy (1981) [Captain Hubris] * Blue Skies Again (1983) [ Lou ] * Jungle Warriors (1984) [Michael] * 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984) [Dimitri Moisevitch] * All of Me (1984) [Burton Schuyler] * There Were Times, Dear (1985) [Don Mason] * Inside Out (1986) [ ? ] * Metamorphosis (?) * On Yellow (?) 4.2.3) Bruce McGill Born: UNKNOWN TV Series (Regular roles): * Delta House (ABC 1979) [ Daniel Simpson Day ("D-Day") ] * Semi-Tough (ABC 1980) [ Billy Clyde Pucket ] * MacGyver (ABC 1987-1992) [ Jack Dalton ] TV Series (Guest roles): * Quantum Leap - Pilot ("Genesis") (3-26-89) [ Dr. "Weird Ernie" Ernst ] Davis Rules (~1992) * Quantum Leap - "Mirror Image" (5-5-93) [ Al the Bartender ] * TV Movies: * Whale for the Killing, A (1981) * Charlotte Forten's Mission: Experiment in Freedom (1985) * As Summers Die (1986) [V.D. Skinner] * Man Who Fell to Earth, The (1987) [Gage] * Last Innocent Man, The (1987) [Burt Matson] * Baby M (1988) [Cassidy] * Good Night, Sweet Wife: A Murder in Boston (1990) [O'Meara] * Shoot First: A Cop's Vengeance (1991) Perfect Tribute, The (1991) [Lamon] * Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232 (1992) [Dudley Dvorak] * * Desperate Choices: To Save My Child (1992) [Dan] (aka Solomon's Choice ) * Black Widow Murders: The Blanche Taylor Moore Story (1993) [Morgan] * Shameful Secrets (1993) [Judge Ian Greenstein] Theatrical Movies: * National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) [Daniel Simpson Day] * Hand, The (1981) [Brian Ferguson] * Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, The (1982) [Billy Blakely] * Tough Enough (1983) [Tony Fallon] * Silkwood (1983) [Mace Hurley] Into the Night (1985) [Charlie] * Club Paradise (1986) [Dave the Fireman] * * No Mercy (1986) [Lt. Hall] * Wildcats (1986) [Darwell] * End of the Line (1987) * Waiting for the Moon (1987) [ Ernest Hemingway ] * Three Fugitives (1989) [Charlie] * Little Vegas (1990) * Last Boy Scout, The (1991) [Mike Matthews] * My Cousin Vinny (1992) [Sheriff Farley] * Perfect World, A (1993) [Paul Saunders] * Cliffhanger (1993) [Treasury Agent] Time Cop (1994) * 4.2.4) Michael Des Barres Born: Jan 24 (~1949 or 1950) Notes: Also a rock musician (see Discography) TV Series (Regular roles): MacGyver (ABC 1987-91) [ Murdoc ] * * New WKRP in Cincinnati, The (SYN 1991-92) [ Jack Allen ] TV Series (Guest roles): * Roseanne (ABC ~1992?) [ played a gay boyfriend ] * Father Dowling Mysteries (1989-91?) * Seinfeld (1993) * L.A. Law (4-14-94) * Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (9-25-94) "Wall of Sound" [ Lenny Stoke ] TV Movies: Double Switch (1987) Theatrical Movies: * To Sir with Love (1967) * * Ghoulies (1985) [Malcolm Graves] * Nightflyers (1987) [ played a psychic ] * Pink Cadillac (1989) [Alex] * Midnight Cabaret (1990) [Paul Van Dyke] * Waxwork II: Lost in Time (1992) [George] * Under Siege (1992) [Domiani] * Silk Degrees (1994) * Deep Red (1994) [Lew Ramirez] * Simple Twist of Fate, A (1994) Discography: Sixteen and Savaged - Silverhead (1973 MCA Records LP) * * Detective - Detective (1977 Swan Song LP) * It Takes One to Know One - Detective (1977 Swan Song LP) * I'm Only Human - Michael Des Barres (1980 Dreamland Records LP) * Chequered Past - Chequered Past (1984 EMI America Records LP) * Somebody Up There Likes Me - Michael Des Barres (1986 MCA Records LP) 4.2.5) Teri Hatcher Born: Dec. 8, 1964 (?) TV Series (Regular roles): Capitol (1982) [Angelica] * * The Love Boat (ABC 1985-86) [ Amy (a "Loveboat Mermaid") ] * MacGyver (ABC 1986-90) [ Penny Parker ] * Karen's Song (FOX 1987) [ Laura Matthews (age 18) ] * Sunday Dinner (CBS 1991) [ TT Fagori ] * Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (ABC 1993- ) [ Lois Lane ] TV Series (Guest roles): * Seinfeld (NBC ???) episode titled "The Implant" [ Sidra ] * L.A. Law (NBC ???) [ as a lawyer ] TV Movies: Dead in the Water (1991) (TV) [Laura Stewart] * Theatrical Movies: * Big Picture, The (1989) [Gretchen] * Tango & Cash (1989) [Kiki] * Soapdish (1991) [Ariel Maloney] * Straight Talk (1992) [Janice] * Brain Smasher...A Love Story (1993) [Sam Crain] * Heaven's Prisoners (1994) * Cool Surface, The (1994) [Dani Payson] 4.2.6) John Anderson Born: Clayton IL October 20, 1922 Died: August 7, 1992 Notes: Lean, craggy character actor who was often cast as villains in westerns. TV Series (Regular roles): * The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (ABC 1959-61) [ Virgil Earp ] The Rifleman (ABC 1959-61) [ ??? I don't really believe this one! ] * Another World (1964) [ Michael Spencer Hudson ] * * MacGyver (ABC 1985-90) [ Harry Jackson ] * Rich Man, Poor Man -- Book II (ABC 1976-77) [ Scotty ] TV Series (Guest roles): * The Phil Silvers Show "Reunion" (CBS 1955) [ dozens of guest appearances ] * Hunter "No Good Deed Ever Goes Unpunished" (NBC 1988) * Knightwatch "Cops" (ABC 1989) * Quantum Leap "The Last Gunfighter" (NBC ??) [ Pat Knight ] TV Movies: Scalplock (1966) * Brock's Last Case (1972) * * Call to Danger (1973) * Set This Town on Fire (1973) * Smile, Jenny, You're Dead (1974) * Heat Wave! (1974) * Manhunter (1974) * Death Among Friends (1975) * Dead Man on the Run (1975) * Bridger (1976) * Dark Side of Innocence, The (1976) [Stephen Hancock] * Peter Lundy and the Medicine Hat Stallion (1977) Tail Gunner Joe (1977) * Last Hurrah, The (1977) * * Deerslayer, The (1978) * Donner Pass: The Road to Survival (1978) * Missing Children: A Mother's Story (1982) * First Time, The (1982) * I-Man (1986) * Daddy (1987) * American Harvest (1987) [Judge Meriweather] (aka Race Against the Harvest) * Full Exposure: The Sex Tapes Scandal (1989) * Follow Your Heart (1990) [Josh] * Danielle Steel's 'Daddy' (1991) [George Watson] Babe Ruth (1991) * In Broad Daylight (1991) [Wes] * * Bed of Lies (1992) [Price Daniel Sr.] Miniseries: * Once an Eagle (1976) [George Varney] * Backstairs at the White House (1979) [Franklin Delano Roosevelt] * North and South" (1985) [William Hazard] * Dream West (1986) [Brigadier General Brooke] Theatrical Movies: * Psycho (1960) [California Charlie] Ride the High Country (1962) [Elder Hammond] * Walk on the Wild Side (1962) [Preacher] * * Satan Bug, The (1965) [Reagan] * Welcome to Hard Times (1967) [Ezra/Isaac Maple] * Dove, The (1968) [Mike Turk] * Day of the Evil Gun (1968) * Young Billy Young (1969) [Boone] * Man Called Gannon, A (1969) [Capper] * Great Bank Robbery, The (1969) [Kinkaid] * Soldier Blue (1970) * Animals, The (1970) [Sheriff Allan Pierce] * Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) [Bryce] Stepmother, The (1971) * Molly and Lawless John (1972) [Sheriff Marvin Parker] * * Executive Action (1973) [Halliday] * Specialist, The (1975) * Lincoln Conspiracy, The (1977) * In Search of Historic Jesus (1980) [Caiaphas] * Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) [Governor] * Zoot Suit (1981) [Judge] * Amerasia (1985) * Never Too Young to Die (1986) [Arliss] * Scorpion (1987) * Eight Men Out (1988) [Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis] Deadly Innocents (1990) * 4.2.7) Dalton James Played Sean Angus Malloy (SAM) in the final episode of MACGYVER (1992). Also starred in the series "Crossroads" with Robert Urich (ABC 1992-93) as Dylan Hawkins. He recently appeared in the film "My Father the Hero" as Ben. 4.2.8) Others 4.2.8.1) Elyssa Davalos Played Nikki Carpenter in 6 episodes of "MacGyver" from 1987-88. Other appearances include: TV Series (Guest roles): * Knight Rider episode "Blind Spot" [ played a blind witness? ] * Doogie Howser, MD (title unknown) Movies: * House in the Hills, A (1993) [ Sondra Rankin ] Herbie Goes Bananas (1980) * 4.2.8.2) Martin Milner The star of "Route 66" and "Adam 12", amongst other shows, Martin Milner appeared twice on "MacGyver", once as a hockey coach (Turk in "Thin Ice") and the other time as Mac's father (James MacGyver in "Passages"). A different actor (unknown) played Mac's father in "Phoenix Under Siege". 4.2.8.3) Famous Faces * James Doohan "Harry's Will" ("Star Trek") * George Takei "The Wish Child" ("Star Trek") * Robin Curtis "The Gauntlet", "Friends" ("Star Trek: The Search For Spock") * Persis Khambatta "To Be a Man" ("Star Trek: The Motion Picture") * Henry Winkler "Harry's Will" Wendy O. Williams "Harry's Will" * Athletes/Sports Figures: * Lyle Alzado "Harry's Will" * Hank Aaron "Back From the Dead" * Reggie Jackson "Squeeze Play" * Dick Butkus "Harry's Will," "High Control," "Split Decision" References: * "The TV Encyclopedia" by David Inman (Perigee Books, 1991). * "The Complete Actors' Television Credits, 1948-1988," 2nd ed. (Scarecrow Press, 1989). James Robert Parish & Vincent Terrace, editors. * "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present" by Tim Brooks and Earle Marsh (5th Edition - Ballantine Books, 1992). * "Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television," Vols. 6 (Gale, 1988) & 8 (Gales, 1990). Linda Hubbard & Owen O'Donnell, editors. The Movie Database Server at the PC USer Group UK * (info@ibmpcuk.co.uk). 4.3) Other frequently asked questions Q. Why does MacGyver hate guns? A. Refer, if you will, to the episode titled "Blood Brothers," where Mac and his childhood friends relive an incident that took place 25 years earlier. Young MacGyver and his friends - Neil, Chuck, and Jesse - borrowed Mac's father's gun and pooled their money to buy a box of bullets. They were shooting target practice when either Neil or Chuck saw a bird and tried to shoot it. MacGyver knocked the gun away, but as the pistol hit the ground, it discharged, hitting Jesse in the chest. Jesse died from his wound despite his Mac's attempts to save him. As a result of this traumatic event, MacGyver has refused to use guns. (He does occasionally take them apart to use as wrenches, lockpicks, or other tools.) Q. But didn't I see MacGyver fire a rifle in the series premiere? A. Yes, you certainly did. But the producers hadn't fully fleshed out the character yet, and so in the scene where Mac and the rescued pilot are being chased by soldiers, we see Mac shooting at them. Interestingly, in the second-season episode "Friends," that same scene is shown - with the footage of MacGyver firing the rifle removed. Q. Is Dana Elcar (who plays Pete Thornton) going blind in real life? A. Unfortunately, yes. Mr. Elcar was diagnosed with glaucoma more than 25 years before "Blind Faith," the episode where he reveals that he's going blind. He didn't realize how badly his vision had deteriorated until a night location shoot for "MacGyver," when he became disoriented in the darkness. Mr. Elcar is legally blind and had to have his scripts read to him. Q. So who's this Lee David Zlotoff guy? A. He's the creator of "MacGyver." He was a writer and supervising producer for the first season of "Remington Steele." The most recent production that's been associated with him was the sci-fi TV movie "Plymouth." Q. How did the producers come up with MacGyver's first name? A. Actually, they didn't. Richard Dean Anderson came up with it. Legend has it that he saw the name in large letters on a banner at a Vancouver charity event. He suggested it to the producers, and they went along with it. Q. But I thought his first name was supposed to be "Stace," not "Angus." A. "Stace" was the name that had been circulating in press kits and other publicity before the show premiered. It was soon squelched. Q. How was Richard Dean Anderson cast for the role of MacGyver? A. The now-famous tale of how he got the part goes something like this: Before he was to begin reading for the part, Richard had to stop to fish his glasses out of a bag. Henry Winkler, one of the show's producers, recalls being so impressed by this simple, human act that they cast him on the spot. Q. Is Richard Dean Anderson as nice a guy as he seems on "MacGyver?" A. It certainly seems that way. Carrie Chin, compiler of this FAQ, had the incredible fortune to watch him this September on the set of "Past the Bleachers," a Hallmark Hall of Fame made-for-TV movie filmed in Covington, Georgia. He has a laid-back, playful attitude on the set that makes him popular with cast and crew, but when it's time for the cameras to roll, he's right there, on his mark, and he never misses his lines. Dana Elcar said in a 1991 interview that, as he struggled with glaucoma, Richard never made him feel out of place. He is accommodating to his many fans; he signed many autographs and posed for pictures on the set of "Past the Bleachers." MacGyver Mailing List subscriber Jenny Wake, who actually spent three days on the "MacGyver" set in 1990, has this to say: "I was on the set of MacGyver during filming for the "Harry's Will" episode. One of my favourite memories is Mayim Bialik arriving to say goodbye after completing second unit work for an episode on teen alcoholism [note: "Twenty Questions." -Carrie]. RDA [Richard Dean Anderson] was standing in the drizzle, engrossed in watching the crew set up for a vehicle stunt, but when Mayim tugged at his cardigan and he turned around and saw her, he dropped his umbrella, swept her up in a big hug and cried: 'Hi baby, how're ya doin'? How did it go?' There was real warmth and affection in that hug and it was easy to imagine how supportive RDA had been during what was probably a tough episode for Mayim. Henry Winkler told me later: 'One reason the show has been on the air for so long is there's no star trip with Richard Dean. He's just a hard-working professional.'" Q. Haven't I seen that actor before - as a different character - in another episode of "MacGyver?" A. You probably have. Several supporting actors popped up again and again as different characters in different episodes. Elyssa Davalos, for example, played Mac's lost love in "Lost Love," then returned a few episodes later as Nikki Carpenter, Phoenix operative. Robin Mossley did a similar trick in the fifth season when he appeared as imprisoned journalist Alexander Shannon in "Legend of the Holy Rose" and came back in several episodes to play MacGyver's neighbor, Wilt Bozer. We could go on and on about Kai Wulff, Jackson Davies, Blu Mankuma, and others, but we'll let viewers have the fun of spotting the recycled actor. Q. Just how many high-school/college sweethearts has Mac had? A. Plenty. At last count there were ten; of those ten, five are dead, one is in jail for attempted murder, and one is on assignment for the Phoenix Foundation. The other three are fine. Q. Every time a prospective love interest shows up, she either dies, goes away, or tries to kill MacGyver. Why? Why? Why? A. You can thank the female viewership for that one. It seems that there are several ladies out there who want MacGyver to remain an eligible bachelor. Case in point: Maria Romburg, introduced in "The Wall." The studio received such scathing fan responses that she only appeared in one more episode, "MacGyver's Women." Q. Why does it look like some scenes are from feature films I've seen? A. Because there are at least three confirmed episodes containing footage taken directly from movies. "Thief of Budapest" has clips from "The Italian Connection." "Trumbo's World" takes film from "The Naked Jungle." "GX-1" contains footage from "Top Gun." Q. Will there ever be another TV series? A. Not likely. ABC cancelled "MacGyver" because of low ratings, and past performance usually dictates what sort of "revival" a show will have. Richard Dean Anderson has said that, for now, he wants to focus more on TV movies instead of series, so if "MacGyver's" going to come back, it will probably be as a series of occasional made-for-TV movies. (Update: Future "MacGyver" adventures are even more in doubt now that Richard Dean Anderson has begun production on his new Paramount TV series "Legend," scheduled to air sometime in 1995.) Q. Who comes up with those incredible MacGyverisms? A. This answer comes from one of the MacGyver Mailing List subscribers. The show's science consultant is gemologist John Koivula. According to an article in the March, 1989, issue of 3-2-1 Contact, Koivula had to use his discretion when designing some of the more potentially dangerous MacGyverisms (e.g. explosives). In those cases, an ingredient was typically left out of the television "recipe." Q. I'm confused as to MacGyver's background. Can you help? A. You have every right to be confused. First off, in the series premiere, we see Mac firing a gun. Then, later in the season, there are references to MacGyver's time in Vietnam as part of a Special Forces bomb-defusing squad. There's even some evidence that he might have been a Navy SEAL. But, soon afterward, his aversion to guns surfaces, putting his entire military career in doubt. From the third season forward, we're given more and more information to lead us to the conclusion that he never served in the military and was, in fact, a pacifist who protested the Vietnam War. Q. We know how much Mac loves the game of hockey. But what about Richard Dean Anderson? How does he feel about the sport? A. Two words: He's obsessed. Q. What kind of degree does MacGyver have? A. That's a tough call. Mac has extensive knowledge of electronics, chemistry, and physics, among other things. And it's best that you not bring up this topic on the MacGyver Mailing List, either. It's been the cause of some rather heated arguments between those who believe Mac holds a chemistry degree and those who say he's a physicist. Q. Are there any episodes of "MacGyver" available on videotape? A. Not at this time. It's unclear as to whether Paramount has any intention of issuing videotapes or laserdiscs of "MacGyver." 5. Other sources of information 5.1) Online resources 5.1.1) FTP Sites * The MacGyver theme song is available in .WAV format at wuarchive.wustl.edu in the /MSDOS_UPLOADS/themes directory. A couple of MacGyver gifs may still be in the /pub/incoming directory as mac1.gif and mac2.gif. * A MacGyver episode guide (not the one in this FAQ) is available from ftp.uu.net in the /usenet/rec.arts.tv directory. The filename is macgyver.Z. 5.1.2) The MacGyver Mailing List * The MacGyver Mailing List is a forum for discussion of anything and everything pertaining to "MacGyver" and its stars. To subscribe to this private mailing list, send email to Shari Feldman at shari@cc.gatech.edu; put "SUBSCRIBE " in the Subject heading and ask her to subscribe you to the MacGyver Mailing List. To post mail to the list, send email to macgyver@cc.gatech.edu. (****NOTE: If you are wanting to subscribe please click HERE first!) NO EXCEPTIONS!!! 5.1.3) The MacGyver WWW Home Page * The MacGyver World Wide Web (WWW) Home Page is up and running. Available for your viewing pleasure are this FAQ and the USA Cable Network's "MacGyver" broadcast schedule for the month. The address is as follows: http://falcon.cc.ukans.edu/~mlkel/macgyver/macfaq_intro.html (***Note:obviously if you are reading this here you know that it has moved) 5.2) Where to send fan mail Fan mail for the following actors may be sent to their respective addresses: Richard Dean Anderson: c/o Paramount Pictures Television 5555 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038 Dana Elcar: c/o The Artist Agency 10000 Santa Monica Boulevard Suite 305 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Michael Des Barres: The Michael Des Barres Fan Club P.O. Box 4160 Hollywood, CA 90078 5.3) Publications * Detailed episode synopses are printed in the February (Seasons 1-6) and August (Season 7) 1992 issues of _Epi-Log_ Magazine. * Ben Stein, who played Major Sneed in the seventh-season episode "Honest Abe," presents an account of life on the set in the November 1991 issue of _The American Spectator_. The article is titled "Terminate MacGyver." 6.) Acknowledgments & Addresses 6.1) Contributors This FAQ could not have come into being without the hard work of the following people. * Actor bios: Nancy Durgin (nad@ginza.aurora.com) Kazumi "Minta" Seino (cxk02764@niftyserve.or.jp) Bob Fillmore (fillmore@pt.cyanamid.com) * Murdoc biography: Tracy "Icecat" Murray (ap837@freenet.hsc.colorado.edu) Eric Gilmartin (s93306ge@etsuacad.etsu.edu) * Commentary & award info: Jenny Wake (jennw@actrix.gen.nz) Lisa "Sparrow" Esemplare (sparrowmac@aol.com) * Episode guide: Compiled by J.J. "DXS" Dippel (dxsmac@aol.com) from three different episode guides written by Shari Feldman (shari@cc.gatech.edu), Carolyn Craig, and Gary Csillaghegyi (czillei@aol.com). Nielsen ratings compiled by Icecat. * * Airdates compiled by DXS. * MacGyverisms compiled by DXS and Allan Liska (hstaub@bss1.umd.edu). * Character bios (except Murdoc), FAQs, layout, and everything else: Carrie Chin (gt2140a@prism.gatech.edu) Special thanks also to the scores of other subscribers to the MacGyver Mailing List whose input is greatly appreciated. 6.2) Comments? Suggestions? Corrections? We know there are bound to be some mistakes in this FAQ, so send your corrections to Carrie Chin at gt2140a@prism.gatech.edu. If you have an idea of how we can improve the MacGyver FAQ, we welcome your comments, too. 6.3) Where to get a copy of the FAQ To get the most recent version of this FAQ, email Allan Liska (hstaub@bss1.umd.edu) and type "SEND MACFAQ" in the body of your message. Your request will be handled automatically. Revisions will occur whenever a new "MacGyver" made-for-TV movie appears, or when vital information has been changed or added (e.g. addresses or film & TV credits). We will attempt to post this FAQ to TV newsgroups on a regular basis. For a complete list of the Nielsen ratings "MacGyver" has earned, including reruns, send your request to Tracy A. Murray (ap837@freenet.hsc.colorado.edu). A more detailed list of MacGyverisms is available from either DXS (dxsmac@aol.com) or Allan Liska (hstaub@bss1.umd.edu).