Pete Thornton MacGyver's boss and best friend, Pete Thornton worked for many years as an operative of the Department of External Services. It was during this time that he met MacGyver while tracking the international assassin Murdoc, and convinced MacGyver to work part time for the DXS. Seven years later, Pete took the position of Director of Operations at the Phoenix Foundation, which he now holds. Read full bio

Where would MacGyver be without Pete? More than just a sidekick, he's also heroic, strong, ethical, and courageous in his own right. He's not only a friend and associate--he also replaces the missing father figure in his life, guiding him and showing unconditional love, even during the most trying times, both emotionally and physically. He is perhaps the only one who can be completely open and honest with Mac, even when he doesn't want to hear the brutal truth. Loyal, faithful--there could be no better companion for our hero.

And Pete was played by the wonderful actor Dana Elcar.

Pete wasn't just Mac's boss, they were really good friends, and were there for each other when one had to face some form of crisis, personal or professional.

I often wished I had a friend like Mac or Pete when I was growing up, still do to this day actually.

Unconditional love. It is what everybody wants. Pete and MacGyver showed the world what unconditional love and support really is; both personally and perfesionally. I too wish I had someone like that in my life. Pete always saw the good in Mac, and Mac alway loved and trusted Pete. What a wonderful friendship.

My only question would be: How could anyone NOT like Pete? I mean he is amazing. And he is funny. But he and Mac just have a great relationship. I love when they meet in "Partners" that is a classic episode.

he WAS an excellent actor. i like how him and MacGyver work together as a team like always.


RIP to the great man!

I think every one wants and needs someone like Pete in their lives, I know I do! Pete and Mac were the perfect compliment of each other. A father and son thing. GOd bless you Pete I miss you.

I love Pete, he's such a nice guy and very good friends with Mac... It really sucks that he died.

Passed out?

Passed out?

LOL, sorry, my english isn't the best. I mean that it sucks that he died... gosh im stupid

Ahh... passed away.

No worries.

Yeah... it sucks.

Sigh! I miss Pete.

That's what I loved about them so much.
They were such good friends.
They were 'family' (the kind you choose).

How could anyone not love them both!

And, Dana was such a wonderful actor.
We will always be blessed to know him as Pete.
He'll always be remembered with love.

I got to see the Pilot episode for the very first time just a few months ago, and I was shocked to see Pete playing another character named Andy! I had no idea he'd already been cast in another role. I'm glad they brought him back though, he's great.

Pete's serious and funny at the same time. He also seems to have a sarcastic sense of humor.

What's there not to like about Pete, I love him, I wish he was my dad....and Mac was my boyfriend!!! Hey I can dream! ;>)

Pete really is fantastic
Can't really think of the show without him
First episodes kinda loose something special without him around...

I agree with Telah777!


What would the show be without Pete?

Tragic that Dana died though.

All good things must come to an end...

Lol! I agree with Telah777 too! But I'd like to keep my dad. Maybe have Pete as an uncle.

Where would MacGyver be without Pete? I love watching their friendship and care for one another. Everyone needs a friend like Pete.

Man, Pete is like the friend you have in the corner who's ready to pull you back up whenever you fall down. Someone who is always at your side. Heck, even Mac and Pete were best friends outside of the show. I wish I had a friend like him. I wish I had friends in the first place. xD Why do the good people have to pass away so prematurely? T_T

I don't know about everyone else on here, but I'll be your online friend.

I don't know about everyone else on here, but I'll be your online friend.

Thank you, friend. I'm relatively new to this forum because I've been a quiet user for a long time so I could really use some Mac fans to talk to.

Me too! I mean, I'll be your friend. :3

I will too.

Hey count me in

My oh my. You guys are melting my heart. Such kind words, I've never seen before in other forums. T_T
As much as I'd like for us to hang out, online friendships can only last so far. Plus, we're deviating from the topic. So guys, let's talk Pete Thornton.

Pete rocks. Everyone needs a Pete

The Mac pack is a great community, best I've seen so far. We're open, friendly, and were always there for each other, just like Pete and Mac.

Mac's guiding light and best friend. Pete cared for Mac like a son.

I like Pete. But my dad doesn't because he (Pete) yells all the time. But like him anyway.