Richard Dean Anderson, the legendary actor from the series MacGyver and Stargate SG-1, was the star of the FACTS convention, on the world of science fiction, comics and cosplay. Meet him.
Richard Dean Anderson, the legendary actor from the series MacGyver and Stargate SG-1 , was the star of the FACTS convention, on the world of science fiction, comics and cosplay.
“If the legacy persists, it’s because the series wasn’t that bad ,” jokes the 66-year-old actor who had the opportunity to try all the Belgian clichés (waffles, chocolate, etc.) “except your beers because I don’t drink. I’m sure I’m missing out on something incredible, I hear so much about it!”
The famous actor who played Angus MacGyver – but also Jack O’Neill in Stargate SG 1 – drew crowds to the FACTS festival, which delves into the world of science fiction, comics, anime and cosplay. “I’m happy to see that all these people are affected by my role, this loyal audience is a source of pride ,” says the man who, with his unusual hairstyle, was one of the sex symbols of the small screen. “Even if I still have trouble understanding. I’m a guy from Minnesota where we’re not interested in fame or the image, however sexy it may be, that we give. Plus, I’m getting older and, today, it embarrasses me more than anything else…”
Do you no longer feel like you belong?
“See that double chin and my love handles? (smiles) With age and time passing, we inevitably change. I sometimes feel like a chicken and so I apologize to the fans for that… Even though I’ve lost 20 kilos since last year, it embarrasses me because people don’t always recognize me…”
MacGyver is getting a new TV series. Will you be in it?
“I don’t think so. You never know, but no one called me to see if I was interested. I don’t take it badly because I don’t really want to take part. When I shot the series, in 1985, it was the perfect time. There were a lot of series or TV shows that talked about weapons and we came up with this alternative to solve the problems. It was good timing, especially since all the technology of today didn’t exist yet, everything had to be made with the means at hand. Today, I have a hard time imagining MacGyver [Lucas Till from the X-Men saga will reprise his role, Editor’s note] in the modern world. I would even find it stupid to see him with a mobile phone!”
So what will your future hold?
“Since Stargate, I haven’t worked. It’s a choice. I’ve mainly taken care of my daughter. All that matters to me today is to send her to university, to continue the fight of my foundation (for the protection of whales, Editor’s note) and to take care of my sick mother. I don’t really think about working again. Not because I don’t want to anymore, but it’s not my priority. On the other hand, I will try to bring the whole Stargate team together in Belgium! You are such a pure and gentle population, despite the recent attacks, that it makes me want to come back as soon as possible.
50€ for a photo or autograph
Meeting your childhood idol is priceless? Well yes, whether it’s for an autograph – even if you get the photo to sign – or for a selfie with the star.
At this spring edition of the oldest Comic Con in the Benelux (held this weekend at Flanders Expo in Ghent), expect to pay 30 euros for Sean Astin (Frodo’s faithful hobbit companion in Lord of the Rings ) or Tom Wlaschiha (the professional murderer in Games of Thrones ). You’ll have to pay 5 euros more for Ray Park (Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode 1 ) or Laurie Holden (Andrea, the zombie-killer in Walking Dead ). But the one who takes the prize is none other than Richard Dean Anderson, who doesn’t do tinkering with 50 euros. MacGyver was without a doubt THE star of the event with fans queuing for over 3 hours.
On the other hand, it’s 5 euros for free hugs from Deadpool or 2 euros to nibble at the table with the Gremlins. But above all free with all the visitors who compete in originality in their costumes between Freddy Krueger, the Stormtroopers, Jigsaw or even sitting behind the wheel of K 2000’s racing car.
Pierre-Yves Paque, dhnet.be , April 04,2016
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