TV Zone Stargate SG-1 Special. August, 2001
By Steven Eramo

[Selections from the complete article, used with permission.] Richard Dean Anderson considers himself a lucky man. On the set of Stargate SG-1, he talked with Steven Eramo about his TV series, his family, and his projects beyond the Stargate.

These days, Anderson, who looks as handsome as ever, is still fighting the bad guys but on an intergalactic scale. He currently stars as Colonel Jack O'Neill on the hit sci-fi cable/syndicated tv series Stargate SG-1 and could not be happier.

"This [job] is kind of a piece of cake for me because I like this guy so much," smiles Anderson. "There are similarities between us in personality and attitude that I'm actually allowed to bring out in O'Neill. If I did that in real life I'd probably be slapped in the face and accused of having an attitude problem. So O'Neill is a blast to play, he really is.

Very Busy

Nowadays, it is not unusual for an actor or actress to direct an episode of their series. On Stargate SG-1 Michael Shanks went behind the cameras to direct the Season Four episode Double Jeopardy. Would Anderson ever consider following in Shanks's footsteps?

"Yes, but I don't know why I would want to," muses the actor. "As one of the executive producers on the show I'm around for everything but the pre-production process. I get to edit episodes, give my opinion on scripts, and I'm on the front lines when we're filming. Let's put it this way, I know I could handle it [directing]. After all, I've been working in this industry for over 20 years, so I've learnt a thing or two," he smiles. However, given all the other creative hats I already wear on the show, directing really isn't the end all and be all for me, at least right now. There's also this tiny little priority named Wylie [Anderson's daughter], that has taken the directing idea out of the realm of immediate possibilities. I'd much rather spend that time with her, you know?"

Although he enjoys acting, it is obvious that Anderson loves his job as a parent. "Being a dad is, without a doubt, the most important thing in my life. It's also the most fun and certainly the most work," chuckles the actor. "The trade off or pay off is so wonderful because my child, as every parent should say, is the most unique and special one in the world. Wylie is, by far, one of my greatest sources of joy."

What would the actor say if his daughter came to him and told him she wanted to be an actress? "Well, if she said it right now I'd be very impressed with her articulation as she's only three years old," jokes Anderson. "Honestly, I don't know what I'd say. I've already noticed that she's performance-oriented or has leanings towards dramatic representation of events. She's quite expressive with her body when she hears music. It's fascinating to watch but it's also sown a seed of concern within me about where she may ultimately be headed.

"I was a pre-teenager when I went to my dad and asked him what he wanted me to be when I grew up. He said, 'Whatever makes you happy'. That very same moment is looming over me now that I'm a dad. I'll guide and protect Wylie the best I can and do anything for her, not the least of which is to help her make her own decisions and not force her into anything. I just hope I can be as objective and forthcoming as possible with options when the time comes."

White Water

During Stargate SG-1's hiatus last summer, Anderson participated in a white-water rafting expedition in Headwall Canyon in British Columbia. A camera team accompanied the group and filmed their trek for an episode of National Geographic Explorer. The actor's river journey eventually led to him becoming part of a documentary film group that is working to chronicle the great rivers of the world.

"We've already been to Chile this year and we're going to Tibet in July," says Anderson. "Then we'll be visiting Northern Quebec, Alaska, Africa, China and Peru. Besides looking at the various pristine waterways, we'll also be examining the cultures of the people that live on these rivers. Ultimately, we want to show the public what's at risk if such areas are developed without first looking at any and all alternatives.

"I'm also trying to generate greater public awareness for what's happening in the Galapagas Islands. I've only been down there twice and both times I've returned home emotionally charged. It is a truly magical place and I was deeply touched by everything I saw and experienced there. The problems they're having right now involve illegal fishing. It's a massive issue and I'd like to do what I can to help resolve it."

Although he celebrated his 51st birthday in January, Anderson shows no signs of slowing down. Looking back at his personal and professional lives he is pleased with what he sees. "It's certainly been as full a life as I could have ever hoped for," he says. "I've traveled, lived through the Sixties and Seventies, and been educated both formally and informally through my experiences around the world and in college. To top it off, I have Wylie and her mom, Apryl, both of whom make my life complete.

"I'm one heck of a lucky guy."

To read more of this article, visit TV Zone.

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Eramo, Steven. "Lucky Star." TV Zone Stargate SG-1 Special #42. August, 2001: p.8-13.