Richard Dean Anderson was born January 23, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He studied drama at St. Cloud State University and at Ohio University, though he left just short of completing his degree. His first mainstream television role came in 1976 as Dr. Jeff Webber on the soap opera General Hospital. Though he stayed in that role for 5 years, he decided to leave and try for a role in prime-time television.
Anderson is probably best know for his role as the title character in the tv show MacGyver which ran on ABC from 1985-92.
Most recently Anderson can be found playing Colonel Jack O'Neill on the television show Stargate SG-1. He has been a regular member of the cast since the show began in 1997.
* = Television Series