Tag: Don S Davis

View the Final Works of Don S. Davis

When Stargate star Don S. Davis passed away in June last year, there were several of his final works that had not yet been released, the most notable and cherished of which was our very own Stargate: Continuum, which premiered on DVD and Blu-ray one month following his death on July 29, 2008. This weekend sees the debut of two of Davis’s unseen works, as well as the premiere of Continuum on Canadian television.

The Uninvited Poster

Coming to theaters this Friday, January 30, is The Uninvited, starring Emily Browning and Arielle Kebbel. IMDb’s synopsis for the movie reads, “Anna Rydell [Browning] returns home to her sister (and best friend) Alex [Kebbel] after a stint in a mental hospital, though her recovery is jeopardized thanks to her cruel stepmother, aloof father, and the presence of a ghost in their home.”

Davis played the character named Mr. Hensen. This movie is an American remake of the Korean Changhwa Hongryon (A Tale of Two Sisters). Check your local theater listings for show times.

Wyvern

From the Fangoria Online website comes this description of Wyvern, which is premiering this weekend on the SCI FI Channel: “Saturday, January 31 sees the debut of WYVERN, also airing later that night at 1 a.m. and Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. This one’s directed by Steven R. (IT WAITS) Monroe and stars Barry Corbin and X FILES vets Nick Chinlund and the late Don S. Davis, and concerns a wyvern (that’s fancy talk for “dragon”) that attacks an Alaskan town.”

Don S. Davis as General Hammond in Continuum

And Stargate fans in Canada can catch Davis as the beloved George Hammond in the Stargate SG-1 movie Stargate: Continuum on the SPACE channel on Saturday, January 31, at 10 PM Eastern.

Continuum also sees the return of Season Ten’s regular cast, as well as of Richard Dean Anderson as Jack O’Neill. It’s a time travel adventure in which Ba’al, the last of the Goa’uld System Lords, has managed to wipe out the Stargate Program and gain domination over much of the galaxy by traveling back in time. His next target is Earth. What he doesn’t know is that SG-1 is in full kick-ass mode and is working to undo all of his grand schemes.

Tapping on Return to Stargate, SGU Premiere

In a recent interview with Pop Culture Zoo, Stargate star Amanda Tapping shared what it was like to return to the Stargate sets after fully immersing herself in the world of Sanctuary and how her show will be shown on Friday nights with the new series Stargate Universe.

On reprising her role as Col. Samantha Carter in the Stargate Atlantis series finale, “Enemy at the Gate”:

PCZ: So, the other thing that aired recently was the final episode of Stargate Atlantis. What was it like going back and shooting that?

AT: It was really hard, I have to be honest with you. Stargate has been my home for such a long time that jumping out of that nest was such a big, scary leap to make. I’m glad I did it, for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is creatively I feel revitalized. But to go back with that crew, that wonderful crew and that cast – they were all [there] in the makeup trailer. It was weird and bittersweet because it was their last episode and it sort of didn’t make sense to me why it was ending. So, it was bit weird. I had gone off and done my own thing and now I was coming back and there was this sense of sadness about the place. It was hard. I mean, my car knows how to drive to Bridge Studios. I walked into Joe Mallozzi’s office and had such a lovely talk with him. Brad Wright and Rob Cooper came down before my last shot and gave me a hug. But it opens the door for movies and there’s a certainly a lot of talk about that. I would jump back into the army boots any day.

On honoring the late Don S. Davis and Carter’s role in the next Stargate SG-1 movie:

PCZ: My favorite part of the final episode was the little tribute to Don Davis and General Hammond. I think it speaks highly of the cast and crew that even in an episode where so much needs to get done, room is made to have a scene like that.

AT: Something had to be said that’s such a show of respect for an incredible man who…here come the tears…but something had to be said. I remember we were at Don Davis’ memorial and I was standing in his kitchen with his wife, Ruby, and Joe Mallozzi said “We’re naming the ship the General Hammond.” And we all just lost it. “Of course you are, thank you.” It’s a subtle, simple tribute, which is exactly – Don was a simple, beautiful man so that’s how they did it, it was lovely. You can’t overplay it, you’ve just got to say it. As an actor you wonder how you could possibly do justice to it. It one line and it’s so huge. So, it was just keeping it simple and lovely.

PCZ: Definitely a perfect moment at the right time. And it also takes Carter off in a new direction too. Hopefully we’ll get to explore that a little in the movies.

AT: I hope so!

On the second season shooting and premiere of Sanctuary and the series premiere of Stargate Universe:

PCZ: When do you start shooting?

AT: We’re still waiting on word, ideally the beginning of March so that we can deliver for early October. SCI FI wants us to air October 9th. We will run concurrently with Stargate Universe. I think they premiere with a two-hour episode and then the following week we will run together. Anyway, that’s the plan. We’ll hopefully start shooting at the beginning of March at the latest.

To read the complete interview in which Tapping covers Sanctuary‘s direction in more depth, visit Pop Culture Zoo: Catching Up With Amanda Tapping.

Stargate Universe will begin principal photography February 11. They’re scheduled to complete filming October 23 (according to the BC Film Commission). Based on what Tapping said, the new show will premiere Friday, October 2, most likely at 9 PM, with their two-hour opener “Air”, and return the following Friday, October 9, with the third part to “Air”. If Sanctuary keeps its first season timeslot, then SGU will probably take SGA’s old timeslot of 9 PM as a lead-in.

Official Magazine to Publish Davis Memorial

The Official Stargate Magazine has a brief story in the current issue (#24, September/October 2008) dedicated to Don S. Davis who passed away June 29. The article provides a brief biography and editor’s note: “The Official Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Don Davis earlier in the year and found him to be a charming and friendly man, eager to talk about his newfound lease of life, his art, and his love of acting and of Stargate. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of meeting and working with him.”

The Magazine is planning on publishing a full memorial in the next issue and closes with the following request: “If you’d like to share your experiences of Don with us, email us at the usual address.” That’s stargate_sg1@titanemail.com.

Beloved Actor Don S. Davis Dies

Don S. Davis as General Hammond in Continuum

Don S. Davis passed away yesterday, June 29, 2008, of a heart attack.

Davis was beloved by many Stargate fans for his many years playing George Hammond on Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. Davis first appeared as Major General Hammond in the SG-1 pilot “Children of the Gods”. He continued playing the no-nonsense-with-a-heart-of-gold general regularly through Season Seven, although he made guest appearances up through Season Nine’s “The Fourth Horsemen Part 1 & 2”. He also provided the voice for the Hammond puppet in Season Ten’s special “200”th episode, and will appear in the forthcoming Stargate: Continuum movie.

Davis was born August 4, 1942. As Davis himself put it, he was: “born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks in Aurora, Missouri….a beautiful area with picturesque towns and farms set among rolling hills, which are crisscrossed by many rivers and contain a large number of magnificent lakes.” After graduating from Southwest Missouri State College with a Bachelor of Science in theater and art, Davis proudly served in the United States Army, eventually reaching the rank of captain. After his military service, he received a masters degree, and later a doctorate in theater, teaching for many years before acting full time on film beginning in 1987.

Davis was also an accomplished artist. Some of his work in sculpture, paintings, drawings, and set design can be seen at donsdavisart.com. According to the official statement, a family memorial will take place in a few weeks scattering Davis’s ashes into the ocean. Any donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Solutions’s deepest condolences go to Don Davis’s wife Ruby, his family, friends and colleagues, especially his fellow cast and crew mates in the “Stargate family.”

—Article written by Solutions editor “Aurora Novarum”

Please leave your comments below, or visit our LiveJournal Community or On-Site Forum.

Shanks Gets Golden Stargate

Michael Shanks Receives Special ‘Golden Stargate’ Presentation

Legends President Paul Brown presents the Golden Stargate to Michael Shanks

June 2, 2006 (Vancouver, B.C.): Paul Brown, President of Legends Memorabilia, recently presented a special ‘Golden Stargate’ display to Michael Shanks in Vancouver. The company commissioned this special display as a 10th Anniversary Commemorative award in recognition of Michael’s contribution to the long-standing success of Stargate SG-1â„¢.The company also presented Golden Stargate displays to original cast members, Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Don S. Davis and Teryl Rothery. Several key production staff personnel including Brad Wright and Robert Cooper were also presented with Golden Stargate displays. In receiving this presentation, Michael commented: “Wow, this is brilliant! Thank you so much, this will stay here in my home with my other ‘treasures’.”

The framed display consists of a highly detailed golden Stargate mounted on a black suede matte with a personalized inscription plaque which reads:

Presented to
MICHAEL SHANKS

In commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of
Stargate SG-1, and in recognition of your
outstanding contribution to the success of the series.

– Legends Memorabilia –

The miniature Stargate was created in precise detail from the design plans that were used for the original Stargate installed on the SGC set at Bridge Studios. The company is considering releasing a limited production series of the same 16″x16″ Golden Stargate display for fans who also may wish to have a special 10th Anniversary memento of the series.

About the Company:
Since its inception in 1995, Legends Memorabilia has pioneered the sale of set-used movie and television props and has a unique position as a specialist supplier of this type of commodity. With clients in 70 countries, the Company is a global player in the memorabilia industry and is the vendor for Stargate SG-1â„¢ set-used props and costumes through its online auctions on eBay and website sales at www.stargateprops.com.

As an official MGM appointed Licensee, the Company manufactures and distributes replica props and collectibles from Stargate SG-1â„¢ as well as limited edition art prints from Stargate SG-1â„¢ and Stargate: Atlantis. Legends Memorabilia also operates the exclusive Stargate cast-authorized autograph site, www.stargate-autographs.com.

S9 Spoilers: "The Fourth Horseman"

The season of the return of “much-loved, solely missed characters”

Don S. Davis as Gen. George HammondExecutive Producer Joseph Mallozzi keeps in touch with inquisitive fans with his “Ask Joe Mallozzi” Q&A thread on GateWorld and his personal GateWorld Blog. Often, he’ll provide a teaser about upcoming episodes of Stargate SG-1‘s ninth season.

Recently, Mallozzi posted in his Blog, “Certain scheduling changes have necessitated our making changes to The 4th Horseman I and II. But change is good, especially in this case since it means (I know it sounds like I’m repeating myself) the return of a much-loved, sorely missed character. I think this season will be known as the season of returning much-loved, sorely missed characters. Anyways, it’ll be great to have “this individual”, my fellow gourmand, back in town.”

On the same day, he answered a question in his GateWorld Q&A which might be related to his Blog entry, “Hammond retired and is currently serving as an advisor to President Hayes. Will he appear in season 9. I’ve already answered that question today.”

At the recently held Comic Con in San Diego, Executive Producers Robert C. Cooper and Brad Wright confirmed that Don S. Davis will return as Hammond in the mid-season two-parter, “The Fourth Horseman”.

9.10 “The Fourth Horseman Part 1” Episode Guide
9.11 “The Fourth Horseman Part 2” Episode Guide
Links to SG1Solutions Forum spoiler discussion threads

Exclusive: Season 9 Cast Changes

So, will Don Davis be in Season 9? At the L3 convention this weekend Peter DeLuise was surprised I even asked. “That’s no secret,” he said, and confirmed that Don would definitely be in the next season if it happens. However, Peter says negotiations are still taking place on how many episodes he will appear in. Will General Hammond command the SGC or simply keep an eye on things? Either way, his return is most welcome.

Meanwhile, Martin Wood invited the audience at L3 to ask him if Stargate Atlantis was the only Stargate spin-off they’d been discussing or whether there was something else. When the audience asked if there was, he pulled a wouldn’t-you-like-to-know-but-the-answer-is-yes face, and told us nothing! Martin also said we could expect “cast changes” in Season 9.

Later, I asked Martin Wood if Claudia Black’s Season 8 appearance was a one-off or whether we could expect to see her again in Season 9. He didn’t answer, but he pulled that face again. As with Don, there is no knowing how much Claudia will be in the show but judging solely on Martin’s expression, I would not be at all surprised if Vala became a recurring character. That said, I’m no judge of face-pulling so keep your eyes open for more news as we get it. Perhaps TPTB are waiting to see how fans feel about Vala before a final decision is made.

While I’m spinning out wild theories – if spin-offs are being considered, perhaps Daniel and Vala have a future beyond Stargate? Or maybe the Egyptians didn’t build the pyramids and it was really aliens…no, that’s going too far.