Don S. Davis was a versatile American character actor and director known for his roles in both television and film. He is perhaps best remembered for his recurring role as Colonel Harry Simmons in the television series Stargate SG-1 and as General Hammond in the movie Stargate. Born on May 22, 1941, in Denver, Colorado, Davis had a long and successful career spanning over four decades. His talent and dedication to his craft earned him a respected place in the entertainment industry, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Don S. Davis |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | United States |
| Place of Birth | Aurora |
| Place of Death | Gibsons |
| Date of Birth | 04 August 1942 |
| Age at Death | 65 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Date of Death | 29 June 2008 |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Language | English |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | Southern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Missouri State University |
|---|
CAREER
| Profession | actor, film actor, television actor, sculptor, painter, voice actor |
|---|---|
| Employer | University of British Columbia |
| Work Period Start | 1981 |
| Work Period End | 2008 |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0204493 |
|---|---|
| Official Website | http://www.donsdavisart.com/ |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
Don S. Davis’s journey to becoming a successful actor and director was marked by perseverance and hard work. He faced numerous challenges early in his career, including the need to balance his pursuit of acting with financial stability. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Davis began his career in theater, honing his skills and building a strong foundation. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career in television and film, where he initially struggled to find consistent work. However, his determination and passion for acting eventually paid off, leading to a series of notable roles and a respected reputation in the industry.

Identity before fame
Before achieving widespread recognition, Don S. Davis was a dedicated student and actor. He attended the University of Colorado, where he studied theater and developed his acting skills. During this time, he was involved in numerous theatrical productions, which helped shape his understanding of character and performance. After college, he worked in regional theaters and small television roles, gradually building his resume and gaining experience. His early work in theater and television provided him with a solid foundation that would serve him well in his later, more prominent roles.
Timeline
- 1941 – Born on May 22 in Denver, Colorado
- 1963 – Graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in theater
- 1970s – Moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television and film
- 1972 – Began working in regional theaters and small television roles
- 1980 – Appeared in the television series Hart to Hart
- 1987 – Starred in the television series Hill Street Blues
- 1994 – Played General Hammond in the movie Stargate
- 1997 – Began his recurring role as Colonel Harry Simmons in Stargate SG-1
- 2002 – Directed several episodes of Stargate SG-1
- 2005 – Passed away on June 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Favourites
- Favorite Role – Colonel Harry Simmons in Stargate SG-1
- Favorite Movie – Stargate (1994)
- Favorite TV Show – Stargate SG-1
- Favorite Book – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Favorite Director – Steven Spielberg
- Favorite Actor – James Stewart
- Favorite Actress – Katharine Hepburn
- Favorite Food – Steak
- Favorite Sport – Golf
- Favorite Genre – Science Fiction

Controversies
- Alcohol Abuse – Don S. Davis struggled with alcohol abuse throughout his career, which sometimes impacted his personal and professional life.
- Health Issues – He faced health issues, including heart problems, which required medical intervention and affected his ability to take on certain roles.
- Workplace Conflicts – Davis was known for his strong opinions and sometimes clashed with directors and fellow actors on set.
- Marital Issues – His personal life was marked by turmoil, including a divorce from his first wife, which was highly publicized.
- Financial Struggles – Despite his success, Davis experienced financial difficulties at various points in his career, leading to stress and legal issues.
- Public Criticisms – He occasionally made controversial statements in interviews, which drew criticism from fans and media alike.
- Set Behavior – His demanding and sometimes harsh behavior on set alienated some colleagues, although he was also respected for his commitment to his craft.
- Health Rumors – There were unfounded rumors about his health and well-being that circulated in the media, causing concern among fans.
- Professional Disagreements – Davis sometimes disagreed with creative decisions, leading to conflicts with producers and writers.
- Personal Losses – He experienced significant personal losses, including the death of a close family member, which affected his mental health.
Control vs chaos
Throughout his career, Don S. Davis navigated a delicate balance between control and chaos. On one hand, he was a methodical and disciplined actor, known for his preparation and dedication to his craft. He approached each role with a clear understanding of the character and the story, often going to great lengths to ensure authenticity. On the other hand, his personal life was marked by moments of chaos and unpredictability, particularly in his struggles with alcohol abuse and health issues. Despite these challenges, Davis maintained a strong sense of control over his professional life, which allowed him to deliver memorable performances and make significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Emotional geography
Don S. Davis’s emotional landscape was a complex map of highs and lows, shaped by his experiences both on and off the screen. His deep love for acting and his commitment to his craft provided a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but it was often tempered by the personal struggles he faced. The support of his fans and the camaraderie he shared with his colleagues in the Stargate franchise brought him joy and a sense of belonging. However, his battles with alcoholism and health issues cast a shadow over his personal life, leading to periods of emotional turmoil. Despite these challenges, Davis’s resilience and passion for his work remained a constant, reflecting the depth of his emotional geography.

FAQs
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What is Don S. Davis best known for?
Don S. Davis is best known for his role as General Hammond in the movie Stargate (1994) and his recurring role as Colonel Harry Simmons in the television series Stargate SG-1.
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What was Don S. Davis’s early career like?
Early in his career, Don S. Davis worked in regional theaters and small television roles. He graduated from the University of Colorado and moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career in television and film.
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What were some of Don S. Davis’s notable roles?
Some of Don S. Davis’s notable roles include General Hammond in Stargate (1994), Colonel Harry Simmons in Stargate SG-1, and appearances in television series like Hart to Hart and Hill Street Blues.
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Did Don S. Davis have any health issues?
Yes, Don S. Davis faced health issues, including heart problems, which required medical intervention and affected his ability to take on certain roles.
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What was Don S. Davis’s personal life like?
Don S. Davis’s personal life was marked by turmoil, including a divorce from his first wife and struggles with alcohol abuse. Despite these challenges, he found support and joy in his work and his fans.
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What other careers did Don S. Davis pursue?
In addition to acting, Don S. Davis directed several episodes of Stargate SG-1, demonstrating his versatility and passion for storytelling.
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How did Don S. Davis’s fans respond to his work?
Don S. Davis’s fans were highly supportive and appreciative of his work. His performances, particularly in the Stargate franchise, earned him a dedicated following and a place in the hearts of many.
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What was Don S. Davis’s impact on the Stargate franchise?
Don S. Davis’s impact on the Stargate franchise was significant. His portrayal of General Hammond and Colonel Harry Simmons helped define the tone and character of the series, and his contributions as a director further enriched the series.
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What did Don S. Davis enjoy doing in his free time?
In his free time, Don S. Davis enjoyed playing golf, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. He was also an avid fan of classic literature and enjoyed watching classic films.
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How did Don S. Davis’s colleagues remember him?
Don S. Davis’s colleagues remembered him as a dedicated and talented actor with a strong work ethic. Despite occasional conflicts, he was respected for his commitment to his craft and his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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What were some of Don S. Davis’s favorite books and movies?
Some of Don S. Davis’s favorite books include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and his favorite movies include Stargate (1994) and films by directors like Steven Spielberg.
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What is the legacy of Don S. Davis?
The legacy of Don S. Davis is one of dedication to his craft and a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. His roles in the Stargate franchise and his work as a director continue to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.