Why Did ‘MacGyver’ Star Richard Dean Anderson Disappear From Hollywood?
Richard Dean Anderson was once one of the most recognizable faces on television from his early work as Dr. Jeff Webber on General Hospital to his iconic role as Angus MacGyver in the ’80s hit MacGyver, and later as Colonel Jack O’Neill on Stargate SG-1. Yet in the years after Stargate wrapped, the actor made fewer and fewer appearances on the small screen, and in 2013, Anderson quietly stepped away from acting, and more than a decade later, at 75 years old, he has not returned. It turns out that his decision to retire was simple as he wanted to put his family first.
His final on-screen appearance came in 2013 when he played himself in an episode of Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23. Around that same time, he decided to retire to focus on raising his daughter, Wylie, who was 15 years old at the time. As Anderson explained in a personal note on his official site, “My plans are really that I must be around for Wylie at any given moment. I don’t want her not to be able to reach me, and for me to be able to physically be there for her at any given time.” Now Wylie is all grown up and building her own career as a producer and director.
Paramount Television/Everett Collection
Health also played a role. Anderson was always an active performer who often did his own stunts on MacGyver. Over the years, he developed chronic pain in his feet, knees and back. He has also spoken about heart issues that required stents, admitting that his body simply could not withstand the grind of long shooting schedules anymore.
Despite stepping back, Anderson has never completely disappeared from the spotlight. He calls himself “semi-retired,” occasionally appearing at fan conventions and signing autographs for his fans. In recent years, fans spotted him in London and Texas alongside Stargate SG-1 co-star Michael Shanks.
MGM Television/Everett Collection
Instead of working, Anderson has poured his energy into causes close to his heart. He has supported the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the Waterkeeper Alliance, and the Challengers Boys and Girls Club. He has also lent his name to medical research fundraising and awareness, particularly around chronic pain and brain cancer.
As Closer Weekly reported, “He still gets offered guest spots on different shows and, if he wanted, he could probably land a series again like his old pal Tom Selleck did. But Rick just doesn’t seem to be interested. He still reads scripts here and there, but nothing has piqued his interest enough to get him to sign on.”
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