Richard Dean Anderson is a retired American actor, producer, and composer who is best known for his roles in popular TV shows such as “MacGyver” and “Stargate SG-1”. He has amassed an impressive net worth of approximately $30 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. How did he achieve such success in his career and what are some of the secrets behind his wealth? Let’s find out.
From Hockey Dreams to Acting Aspirations
Richard Dean Anderson was born on January 23, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in Roseville, Minnesota, where he attended Alexander Ramsey High School. He was passionate about hockey and dreamed of becoming a professional player, but his hopes were shattered when he broke both of his arms three weeks apart at the age of 18.
He then shifted his focus to music, art, and acting. He studied to become an actor at St. Cloud State University and then at Ohio University, but he dropped out before he received his degree. He embarked on a cross-country bicycle ride from Minnesota to Alaska with his friends, and then moved to Los Angeles with his girlfriend to pursue a full-time career in acting.
He worked as a whale handler, a musician, a street mime, and a juggler to support himself during this period. He has stated that this was the happiest time of his life and that he learned a lot from these experiences.
His Breakthrough Roles in Television
Anderson’s first big role was in the soap opera “General Hospital”, where he played Dr. Jeff Webber from 1976 to 1981. He then appeared in various TV shows, such as “The Facts of Life”, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”, and “Emerald Point N.A.S.”.
However, his breakthrough role came in 1985, when he was cast as the lead character in the action-adventure series “MacGyver”. He played Angus MacGyver, a secret agent who used his scientific knowledge and improvisational skills to solve problems and escape dangerous situations. He appeared in all 139 episodes of the show, which ran for seven seasons and became a cult hit.
Anderson’s popularity soared with this role, and he earned a loyal fan base. He also became a producer and a writer for the show, and contributed to its creative direction. He reportedly earned $120,000 per episode, according to Genius Celebs.
After “MacGyver” ended in 1992, Anderson continued to star in TV movies and miniseries, such as “Through the Eyes of a Killer”, “Pandora’s Clock”, and “Firehouse”.
His Stint in the Stargate Franchise
In 1997, Anderson returned to television as the lead actor of the sci-fi series “Stargate SG-1”, a spin-off of the 1994 film “Stargate”. He replaced Kurt Russell as Colonel Jack O’Neill, the leader of a team that explores the galaxy through a network of alien devices called Stargates.
He played the role for eight seasons, and then became a recurring guest star for the last two seasons. He also served as an executive producer for the entire series, which ran for 10 seasons and became one of the longest-running sci-fi shows in history.
He reprised his role in the follow-up movies “Stargate: The Ark of Truth” and “Stargate: Continuum”, as well as in the spin-off series “Stargate: Atlantis” and “Stargate: Universe”.
Anderson’s involvement in the Stargate franchise cemented his status as a sci-fi icon and earned him several awards and nominations. He also made a fortune from the franchise, as he reportedly earned $200,000 per episode, according to Financial Overview.
His Retirement and Personal Life
Anderson retired from acting in 2013, after appearing in the final episode of “Stargate: Universe”. He has since focused on his personal life and his hobbies, such as skiing, hiking, kayaking, and photography.
He has never been married, but he has a daughter named Wylie Quinn Annarose Anderson, who was born in 1998. He had a relationship with her mother, Apryl A. Prose, from 1996 to 2003. He has also dated actresses such as Teri Hatcher, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Sela Ward.
He owns several properties, including a house in Malibu, California, and a ranch in Vancouver, Canada. He also has a collection of cars, such as a Porsche, a Range Rover, and a Tesla.
He is involved in various charitable causes, such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the Waterkeeper Alliance, and the Challengers Boys and Girls Club. He is also a supporter of the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Conclusion
Richard Dean Anderson is one of the richest actors in Hollywood, with a net worth of $30 million. He achieved his wealth and fame through his roles in TV shows such as “MacGyver” and “Stargate SG-1”. He retired from acting in 2013 and has since enjoyed a quiet and comfortable life. He is a legend in the entertainment industry and an inspiration to many.