'MacGyver' Season 5: Richard Dean Anderson to Michael Des Barres, where are the cast members of OG 1985 series?
'MacGyver' was every American household's go-to show when it made its debut in 1985. The character was America's action hero. He was charismatic, brave, had a moral code and was resourceful. The highlight was his ability to pick any object or item around him and use it as a tool to prevent damage. His belief of the speed of thought is faster than the speed of a bullet sees him avoid the use of guns. Seven successful seasons later, the show is back on CBS as a reboot with Lucas Till reprising his role as Angus MacGyver.
As the new season is set to premiere on Friday (December 4), our thoughts go back to the original cast and the question arises as to what they are up to now. Some have gone on to have decorated careers while some changed and switched careers. Here's a quick look at where the characters are now and what they're up to.
Richard Dean Anderson
Anderson made headlines with an impressive performance as Angus McGyver and soon after went on start in a bunch of films. His next big break was in 1997 when he played Jack O'Neill in Stargate SG-1. Anderson briefly returned as MacGyver in 2009 in two episodes of 'Saturday Night Live' where he acted alongside Will Forte who played MacGruber. For now, Anderson seems to be on a break from acting as his last role was in 2013 in 'Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23'.
Bruce McGill
After starting off his role in 'Animal House', McGill landed the role of Jack Dalton in 'MacGyver' and although the show ended in 1992, he continued with a string of films that included 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde', 'Vantage Point', 'Law Abiding Citizen' and 'The Big Ugly' being the most recent in 2020. He also went on to star in TV shows— 'Psych', 'Star Trek: Voyager', 'Blue Bloods', 'NCIS' and 'Suits'. McGill is currently is the narrator for the Fox News series, 'Scandalous'.
Dana Elcar
Elcar played Peter Thornton, Mac's best buddy and his boss at the Phoenix Foundation and the Department of External Services. Tragically, he developed glaucoma in 1991 and the writers incorporated it in his storyline. Season 6 saw him struggle with glaucoma. Elcar used the condition to his benefit and starred in 'Law & Order', and 'ER'. He passed away from pneumonia on June 6, 2005. He was 77.
Michael Des Barres
Des Barres played Murdoc in the original version, which is now played by David Dastmalchian in the reboot. Des Barres also had a decorated music career after the show. He became the touring singer for 'The Power Station', a spin-off group from Duran Duran and according to Looper, also played alongside members of The Sex Pistols and Blondie as part of Chequered Past, a British-American rock supergroup. He appeared as Nicholas Helman in the 2016 reboot of the show.
He was part of a documentary titled 'Michael Des Barres: Who Do You Want Me To Be?' in 2020.
These actors were vital cogs in making 'MacGyver' a smashing success and now, CBS paid them the ultimate tribute with a reboot that has been a hit with fans since 2016.
'MacGyver' Season 5 premieres on December 4 at 8 pm ET on CBS.
