Don S. Davis: 1942-2008

[Darren]

With great sadness we must report that veteran actor Don S. Davis passed away on June 29, 2008. He was 65 years old.

Don co-starred on Stargate SG-1 for the show's first seven years, helping to launch the enduring science fiction franchise. Davis played Major General George Hammond, base commander and a father figure to many of the show's characters.

The following message was provided by Don's representative and his wife, Ruby Fleming-Davis:

Dear Fans and Friends of Don S. Davis,

So many of you have been touched by not only the work and art of Don S. Davis, but by the man himself, who always took the time to be with you at the appearances he loved, that it is with a tremendous sense of loss I must share with you that Don passed away from a massive heart attack on Sunday morning, June 29th.

On behalf of his family and wife, Ruby, we thank you for your prayers and condolences. A family memorial where Don's ashes will be scattered in the ocean will take place in a few weeks, and should you wish to, please make a donation to the American Heart Association in Don's memory.

Please visit GateWorld for the complete story, plus a special video tribute to Don S. Davis.

We invite everyone to share their thoughts, memories, prayers in this thread. As stated above, in lieu of flowers or gifts, Don's family invites you to make a donation in his memory to the American Heart Association. For those who want to send a card, we are waiting to hear from Don's representatives as to where they can be sent.

[Caldwell's 2IC]

Really, really sad news. Hammond of Texas will always live in my heart.

[ruby_caspar]

I'm not sure if there's already a General Hammond/Don S. Davis appreciation thread, but in light of today's heartbreaking announcement I thought it fitting to begin a new thread for people to express their grief over his passing, reminisce about their favourite Hammond moments, and share their stories about the man himself, if they were lucky enough to meet him.

I never met Don, and am very sorry I'll never get the chance. From all accounts he was a marvellously kind and funny man, as well as a very talented actor. Hammond is one of my favourite characters on SG-1, and I'll always be grateful to Don for the warmth and depth he brought to the character.

[PG15]

Today is truly a dark day.

May you rest in peace, Mr. Davis, for you have done more than enough to brighten all of our lives in the past 12 years.

[a6346]

I couldn't believe this when I heard it, Don S Davis is a brilliant warm actor and he will be truely missed. I've seen him in a few things and he's always the man that is lovely and warm good hearted.

He will be greatly missed.

Well we all know what the 5th season of Atlantis will be dedicated to.
And no more Hammond, Bra'tac would be sad.
Maybe they could have him die in the show and have a momorial for him on it, It would suit his memory.

R.I.P

[Naonak]

RIP, Don. Godspeed.

[Dr Lee]

Thank you Sir for the entertainment you brought me in your role as Hammond and for the joy brought to untold numbers in your various roles throughout your acting.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Davis Family and the extended Stargate Family.

Rest in pease Sir.

[a6346]

I couldn't believe this when I heard it, Don S Davis is a brilliant warm actor and he will be truely missed. I've seen him in a few things and he's always the man that is lovely and warm good hearted.

He will be greatly missed.

Well we all know what the 5th season of Atlantis will be dedicated to.
And no more Hammond, Bra'tac would be sad.
Maybe they could have him die in the show and have a momorial for him on it, It would suit his memory.

R.I.P

[TOIVA]

Rest in peace. May you always remind us of the good old days, Hammond of Texas.

[Suzotchka]

I'm absolutely shocked and deeply saddened at the news of his passing. My condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. He was a kind and generous person who will be greatly missed.

[Jumper_One]

that's very sad. RIP Don and thank you for everything

[RodneyIsGodney]

I found out a few hours ago and I am still stunned. Shock doesn't begin to describe it. I first saw Mr. Davis on MacGyver, he guest starred in two episodes, and I have been a fan of his ever since. Everytime I see him in something I'll go "Hey, It's General Hammond!" He'll always be General Hammond to me, no matter what.

My heart goes out to his family, friends, my fellow fans as well as his Stargate family. Godspeed Captain Davis, General Hammond.
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You will be missed.

[Lorr]

This is very sad news. My deepest sympathies to Mr. Davis' family and friends, including everyone at The Bridge Studios.

[Pronto]

Last year I had the chance to spend a week with Don whilst he was visiting Australia. The man was a rare gem.
Whilst here I learnt a couple of things about him. First, he did love those who served. He spent ANZAC Day with a bunch of Aussie soldiers and airman which was a highlight of the week.
The other thing that stood out, was his love for his wife Ruby.

My sincere admiration for this man, and all my thoughts to his loving wife.

He will be missed.


Pronto
First Contact Conventions.

[OneillTwo"LL"s]

I am in shock!!

My condolences out to Don S. Davis family and friends.

I don't know what to say!!

[majormj]

Condolences to Mr. Davis's family and friends.

He was truly a man I would have liked to have met. He will be deeply missed.

[majorsal]

(((don)))

a few years ago, when sg1 was in its 7th season, i met amanda tapping and don at a comic con. poor don, i literally ignored him when i went to the autograph session, because i was meeting amanda *my idol* , but he was very, very sweet to me. i got to talk to him later on (without amanda distracting me ), and i even got to give him a hug.

i'll always remember general hammond -THE best commander of the sgc- and i'll always remember the lovely don i got to ignore *oy* and meet one time.

you will be missed, don.



sally

[scifan]

I was shocked to see on the front page about his passing. I've mostly known him for playing Gen. Hammond. He was a great actor and did him well. My prays will go out to his family and friends.

[Jeffala]

I didn't even know that he'd left SG-1 for medical reasons. I just thought he wanted to go off and do other things. This was a complete shock to me.

Stargate never had a better "Commander" than Mr. Davis. His shoes were so big that no one really filled them right. Today is truly a sad day.

[Falcon 304]

Man. I'm not an emotional in the least, and I nearly shed a tear over this (not to sound mean). I'm going to miss him.

RIP - Davis/Hammond of Texas


PS - I'm curious to see if they'll touch on this at all in another SG1 movie.