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Revision as of 07:15, 7 September 2023 edit69.172.173.236 (talk) Opting to attend the University of British Columbia’s fine arts program until 1994. (Shanks did not graduate from the program due to lack of credits.)Tags: Reverted Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit← Previous edit Latest revision as of 03:35, 20 December 2024 edit undoACase0000 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users13,584 edits →TelevisionTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit 
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Michael Shanks | name = Michael Shanks
| image = Michael Shanks Comic Con 2009 (cropped).jpg | image = Michael Shanks at Gamefest 2023 Strasbourg.jpg
| caption = Shanks in 2009 | caption = Shanks in 2023
| birth_name = Michael Garrett Shanks | birth_name = Michael Garrett Shanks
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1970|12|15}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1970|12|15}}
| birth_place = ], Canada | birth_place = ], ], Canada
| occupation = Actor | occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1993–present | years_active = 1993–present
| spouse = {{marriage|]|2003}} | spouse = {{marriage|]|2003}}
| children = 3 | children = 3
}} }}
'''Michael Garrett Shanks''' (born December 15, 1970) is a Canadian actor. He is best known for his role as ] in the long-running ] television series '']'' and as Charles Harris in the Canadian medical drama '']''. He is also known for his work on low budget genre work filmed in Canada. '''Michael Garrett Shanks''' (born December 15, 1970) is a Canadian actor. He is best known for his role as ] in the long-running ] television series '']'' and as Dr Charles Harris in the Canadian medical drama '']''. He is also known for his work on low budget genre work filmed in Canada.


==Early life== ==Early life==
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=== ''Stargate'' franchise === === ''Stargate'' franchise ===
Shanks played ] Dr. Daniel Jackson throughout the first five seasons of ''Stargate SG-1'' before leaving the show at the end of its fifth season, citing creative differences concerning the under-use of his character and the direction of the show as a whole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2002/02/13/stargate_rebellion/|title=Fan rebellion threatens 'Stargate'|date=February 13, 2002|work=]|author=Mary McNamara}}</ref> He made several guest appearances throughout the sixth season playing his own character, as well as voicing the Asgard character ]. Shanks returned for the seventh and subsequent seasons, winning the Leo Award for Best Lead Performance By A Male in a Dramatic Series in 2004 for the seventh season episode "Lifeboat".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.leoawards.com/past_winners/pdf/2004.pdf|title=2004 Leo Awards Nominees & Winners|access-date=January 9, 2021}}</ref> During the series' tenth and final season, he signed up for 16 of the 20 episodes, taking some time off in March 2006 for the birth of his third child (second with wife and occasional co-star ]). Shanks played ] Dr Daniel Jackson throughout the first five seasons of ''Stargate SG-1'' before leaving the show at the end of its fifth season, citing creative differences concerning the under-use of his character and the direction of the show as a whole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2002/02/13/stargate_rebellion/|title=Fan rebellion threatens 'Stargate'|date=February 13, 2002|work=]|author=Mary McNamara}}</ref> He made several guest appearances throughout the sixth season playing his own character, as well as voicing the Asgard character ]. Shanks returned for the seventh and subsequent seasons, winning the Leo Award for Best Lead Performance By A Male in a Dramatic Series in 2004 for the seventh season episode "Lifeboat".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.leoawards.com/past_winners/pdf/2004.pdf|title=2004 Leo Awards Nominees & Winners|access-date=January 9, 2021}}</ref> During the series' tenth and final season, he signed up for 16 of the 20 episodes, taking some time off in March 2006 for the birth of his third child (second with wife and occasional co-star ]).


He appeared in both direct-to-DVD ''Stargate'' films released in 2008, '']'' and '']'', and won the 2009 Leo Award for Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama for ''Continuum''.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713200555/http://leoawards.com/winners_2009.html|date=2011-07-13}}</ref> He appeared in both direct-to-DVD ''Stargate'' films released in 2008, '']'' and '']'', and won the 2009 Leo Award for Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama for ''Continuum''.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713200555/http://leoawards.com/winners_2009.html|date=2011-07-13}}</ref>
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===Other appearances=== ===Other appearances===
In 2001, Shanks guest starred in the episode "Star-Crossed" in the Sci-Fi series ], during which he met his future wife, ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reid |first=Michael D. |date=2007-05-27 |title=Jeans suit sci-fi star just fine |pages=15 |work=Times Colonist |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121815324/jeans-suit-sci-fi-star-just-fine/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Coincidentally, they played two androids who fell in love with each other. In 2002, Shanks starred in the German/UK/South African co-production '']'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-02-20 |title=Movie highlights |pages=110 |work=Edmonton Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121815457/movie-highlights/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> a science fiction ], as ] Adam Wade. He also auditioned for the role of ] in '']''. In 2001, Shanks guest starred in the episode "Star-Crossed" in the Sci-Fi series ], during which he met his future wife, ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reid |first=Michael D. |date=2007-05-27 |title=Jeans suit sci-fi star just fine |pages=15 |work=Times Colonist |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121815324/jeans-suit-sci-fi-star-just-fine/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Coincidentally, they played two androids who fell in love with each other. In 2002, Shanks starred in the German/UK/South African co-production '']'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-02-20 |title=Movie highlights |pages=110 |work=Edmonton Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121815457/movie-highlights/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> a science fiction ], as ] Adam Wade. He also auditioned for the role of ] in '']''.


In 2007, Shanks joined the ] series '']'', guest-starring as lobbyist ] in a three-episode arc for ]. In 2008–2009, Shanks had a recurring role on the second season of the ] spy series '']'', playing Victor Stecker-Epps, a fellow burned spy and maniacal counterpoint to series lead ]'s character. In 2008, Shanks had a guest starring role in one episode of the SciFi Channel series '']'', as an alchemist somewhat responsible for the near destruction of the town due to a student's mixing chemicals in his lab and thereby creating the "Alchemist curse". He appeared in the episode "]", with a mention of his character in the episode "]". In 2007, Shanks joined the ] series '']'', guest-starring as lobbyist ] in a three-episode arc for ]. In 2008–2009, Shanks had a recurring role on the second season of the ] spy series '']'', playing Victor Stecker-Epps, a fellow burned spy and maniacal counterpoint to series lead ]'s character. In 2008, Shanks had a guest starring role in one episode of the SciFi Channel series '']'', as an alchemist somewhat responsible for the near destruction of the town due to a student's mixing chemicals in his lab and thereby creating the "Alchemist curse". He appeared in the episode "]", with a mention of his character in the episode "]".
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Shanks was featured in a lead role in the ]'s adventure film, '']'' as Jacob Thain opposite '']'' and '']'' alumna ]. The film premiered on the cable network on December 20, 2008. In 2010, Shanks appeared in an episode of '']'', which stars fellow ''Stargate'' actor ]. In the same year he starred in the film ''Arctic Blast'', a disaster film, as physicist Jack Tate. Shanks was featured in a lead role in the ]'s adventure film, '']'' as Jacob Thain opposite '']'' and '']'' alumna ]. The film premiered on the cable network on December 20, 2008. In 2010, Shanks appeared in an episode of '']'', which stars fellow ''Stargate'' actor ]. In the same year he starred in the film ''Arctic Blast'', a disaster film, as physicist Jack Tate.


Shanks' latest television guest roles were as archaeologist ], DC Comics' superhero ], in the '']'' episode "]".<ref>{{cite web|url = http://tv.ign.com/articles/103/1036548p1.html|title = Exclusive: Two of Smallville's Justice Society|last = Goldman|first = Eric|publisher = IGN|date = 2009-10-19|access-date = 2009-10-19}}</ref> He later reprised the role in the final episode of the ninth season. Shanks' had a guest role as archaeologist ], DC Comics' superhero ], in the '']'' episode "]".<ref>{{cite web|url = http://tv.ign.com/articles/103/1036548p1.html|title = Exclusive: Two of Smallville's Justice Society|last = Goldman|first = Eric|publisher = IGN|date = 2009-10-19|access-date = 2009-10-19}}</ref> He later reprised the role in the final episode of the ninth season.


Shanks then in guest spots during the tenth season episodes "Shield" and "Icarus" as well as appearing in '']'' season 5 episode "99 Problems". Shanks then appeared in guest spots during the '']'' tenth season episodes "Shield" and "Icarus" as well as appearing in '']'' season 5 episode "99 Problems".


Shanks stars in the Canadian thriller '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/37449/faces-crowd-starts-shooting-full-cast-announced|title = Faces in the Crowd Starts Shooting! Full Cast Announced!|last = Barton|first = Steve|publisher = Dread Central|date = 2010-05-11|access-date = 2010-05-11}}</ref> Shanks stars in the Canadian thriller '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/37449/faces-crowd-starts-shooting-full-cast-announced|title = Faces in the Crowd Starts Shooting! Full Cast Announced!|last = Barton|first = Steve|publisher = Dread Central|date = 2010-05-11|access-date = 2010-05-11}}</ref>
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==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Shanks' eldest daughter, Tatiana Shanks,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michaelshanks-online.com/archives/msol/msfeet.shtml|title=Michael Shanks - MSOL Interview|last=MSOL|website=www.michaelshanks-online.com|access-date=2017-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428164942/http://www.michaelshanks-online.com/archives/msol/msfeet.shtml|archive-date=2019-04-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> (b. Aug 10 1998)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twitter.com/michaelshanks/status/763372615113342977|title=Michael wishing Tatiana happy birthday on Twitter}}</ref> is from his relationship with model and actress ], who portrayed ], his character's wife on ''Stargate SG-1''.<ref>"Sha're Shares: Interview with Vaitiare Bandera", ''Stargate SG1 Official Magazine'' No. 8, Jan/Feb 2006, Titan Magazines publishers.</ref> Shanks' eldest daughter, Tatiana Shanks,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michaelshanks-online.com/archives/msol/msfeet.shtml|title=Michael Shanks - MSOL Interview|last=MSOL|website=www.michaelshanks-online.com|access-date=2017-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428164942/http://www.michaelshanks-online.com/archives/msol/msfeet.shtml|archive-date=2019-04-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> (born August 10, 1998)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twitter.com/michaelshanks/status/763372615113342977|title=Michael wishing Tatiana happy birthday on Twitter}}</ref> is from his relationship with model and actress ], who portrayed ], his character's wife on ''Stargate SG-1''.<ref>"Sha're Shares: Interview with Vaitiare Bandera", ''Stargate SG1 Official Magazine'' No. 8, Jan/Feb 2006, Titan Magazines publishers.</ref>


On August 2, 2003, Shanks married actress ], whom he met in 2001 while guest-starring on the series '']''. (They would also work together on '']'', when Doig was cast as ], a recurring character in seasons nine and ten). They have two children.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.cbc.ca/player/TD+Kids+Book+Club+Video/ID/2065793035/ |title = Actors Michael Shanks and Lexa Doig on Great Kids Books |work = CBC/Radio-Canada |date = 2011-07-22}}</ref> On August 2, 2003, Shanks married actress ], whom he met in 2001 while guest-starring on the series '']''. (They would also work together on '']'', when Doig was cast as ], a recurring character in seasons nine and ten). They have two children.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.cbc.ca/player/TD+Kids+Book+Club+Video/ID/2065793035/ |title = Actors Michael Shanks and Lexa Doig on Great Kids Books |work = CBC/Radio-Canada |date = 2011-07-22}}</ref>


Shanks enjoys playing ice hockey, and once considered playing professionally. He was on the ''Stargate SG-1'' hockey team, competing against the teams of other Vancouver-based productions such as '']'', and also displayed his aptitude for the sport in the 2006 television film ''Under the Mistletoe'', in which he played the part of a school hockey coach. This aptitude was also highlighted in his 2013 role as the title character in the television film '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/25/gordie-howe-movie_n_3155316.html |title = Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey, Played By Stargate's Michael Shanks In New Film |work = Huffington Post Canada |date = 2013-04-25}}</ref> Shanks enjoys playing ice hockey, and once considered playing professionally. He was on the ''Stargate SG-1'' hockey team, competing against the teams of other Vancouver-based productions such as '']'', and also displayed his aptitude for the sport in the 2006 television film ''Under the Mistletoe'', in which he played the part of a school hockey coach. This aptitude was also highlighted in his 2013 role as the title character in the television film '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/25/gordie-howe-movie_n_3155316.html |title = Gordie Howe, Mr Hockey, Played By Stargate's Michael Shanks In New Film |work = Huffington Post Canada |date = 2013-04-25}}</ref>


==Filmography== ==Filmography==
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! Title ! Title
! Role ! Role
! Notes ! class="unsortable" | Notes
|- |-
| rowspan=2|2000 || '']'' || Ball cap man || | rowspan=2|2000 || '']'' || Ball cap man ||
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| ''Mr Fortune's Smile'' || James || | ''Mr Fortune's Smile'' || James ||
|- |-
|rowspan=2| 2001 || ''The Artist's Circle'' || Artist || Short film |rowspan=2| 2001 || data-sort-value="Artist's Circle, The" | ''The Artist's Circle'' || Artist || Short film
|- |-
| '']'' (aka ''Show and Tell'') || Danny Blair/Donny Blitzer || | '']'' (aka ''Show and Tell'') || Danny Blair/Donny Blitzer ||
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| 2002 || ''SF Seeks'' || || Not released{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} | 2002 || ''SF Seeks'' || || Not released{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}
|- |-
| 2003 || '']'' || Adam Wade || | rowspan=2|2003 || '']'' || Adam Wade ||
|-
| ''Dismiss Yourself'' || Jonny Label ||
|- |-
| rowspan=2|2007 || ''Mega Snake'' || Les || | rowspan=2|2007 || ''Mega Snake'' || Les ||
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| '']'' || Professor Tomkins || | '']'' || Professor Tomkins ||
|- |-
| 2012 || ''The Bouquet'' || Sam || | 2012 || data-sort-value="Bouquet, The" | ''The Bouquet'' || Sam ||
|- |-
| 2022 || ''Time Cut'' || Gil || Post-production | 2024 || '']'' || Gil Field || Post-production
|- |-
| {{TBA}} || ''Never Forget'' || Hook || Short film<br/> Filming | {{TBA}} || ''Never Forget'' || Hook || Short film<br/> Filming
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! Title ! Title
! Role ! Role
! Notes ! class="unsortable" | Notes
|- |-
|1993 |1993
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|Episode: "The Zone" |Episode: "The Zone"
|- |-
| 1995 || ''A Family Divided'' || Todd || Television film | 1995 || data-sort-value="Family Divided, A" | ''A Family Divided'' || Todd || rowspan="2" | Television film
|- |-
| 1997 || |''The Call Of The Wild: Dog Of The Yukon'' || A gambler || Television film | 1997 || data-sort-value="Call Of The Wild: Dog Of The Yukon, The" | ''The Call Of The Wild: Dog Of The Yukon'' || A gambler
|- |-
| 1997–2007|| '']'' || ] / ] / Voice of ] || Main role | 1997–2007|| '']'' || ] / ] / Voice of ] || Main role
|- |-
| 1998, 2000 || |'']'' || Melburn Ross / Dr. Will Olsten || Episode: "Mary 25" / Episode: "Manifest Destiny" | 1998, 2000 || data-sort-value="Outer Limits, The" | '']'' || Melburn Ross / Dr. Will Olsten || Episode: "Mary 25" / Episode: "Manifest Destiny"
|- |-
| 1999 || '']'' || Bill Malone, Mission Architect || Television film | 1999 || '']'' || Bill Malone, Mission Architect || Television film
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| 2001 || '']'' || Balance of Judgment/Gabriel || Episode: "Star-Crossed", "Day of judgement, Day of Wrath" | 2001 || '']'' || Balance of Judgment/Gabriel || Episode: "Star-Crossed", "Day of judgement, Day of Wrath"
|- |-
| rowspan=2|2002 || ''All Around the Town'' || Justin Donnelly || Television film | rowspan=2|2002 || ''All Around the Town'' || Justin Donnelly || rowspan="2" | Television film
|- |-
| '']'' || John Brady || Television film | '']'' || John Brady
|- |-
| 2004 || '']'' ||Daniel Jackson || 3 episodes | 2004 || '']'' ||Daniel Jackson || 3 episodes
|- |-
| 2005 || '']'' || Kent Horvath || Television film | 2005 || '']'' || Kent Horvath || rowspan="3" | Television film
|- |-
| 2006 || ''Under the Mistletoe'' || Kevin Harrison || Television film | 2006 || ''Under the Mistletoe'' || Kevin Harrison
|- |-
| rowspan=3|2007 || '']'' || Les Daniels || Television film | rowspan=3|2007 || '']'' || Les Daniels
|- |-
| '']'' || ] || 3 episodes | '']'' || ] || 3 episodes
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| '']'' || Christopher Dactylos || Episode: "All That Glitters..." | '']'' || Christopher Dactylos || Episode: "All That Glitters..."
|- |-
| rowspan=6|2008 || '']'' || Jacob Thain || Television film | rowspan=6|2008 || data-sort-value="Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon, The" | '']'' || Jacob Thain || rowspan="4" | Television film
|- |-
| '']'' || Daniel Jackson || Television film | '']'' || rowspan="2" | Daniel Jackson
|- |-
| '']'' || Daniel Jackson || Television film | '']''
|- |-
| '']'' || Michael Coleman || Television film | '']'' || Michael Coleman
|- |-
| '']'' || ] || 4 episodes | '']'' || ] || 4 episodes
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|Jimmy |Jimmy
|Episode: "Penance" |Episode: "Penance"
|-
|2009–2010 || '']'' || Daniel Jackson || 3 Episodes
|- |-
| rowspan=3|2010 || '']'' || Dr. Literature || Episode: "Book Report" | rowspan=3|2010 || '']'' || Dr. Literature || Episode: "Book Report"
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| rowspan=3|2011 || '']'' || David Fleming || Episode: "Blue on Blue" | rowspan=3|2011 || '']'' || David Fleming || Episode: "Blue on Blue"
|- |-
| ''Christmas Lodge'' || Jack Rand || Television film | ''Christmas Lodge'' || Jack Rand || rowspan="2" | Television film
|- |-
|| '']'' || Matthew Winkler || Television film | data-sort-value="Pastor's Wife, The" | '']'' || Matthew Winkler
|- |-
| 2012–2017 || '']'' || Charlie Harris || Main role | 2012–2017 || '']'' || Charlie Harris || Main role
|- |-
| 2013 || '']'' || ] || Television film | rowspan="2" | 2013 || '']'' || ] || rowspan="4" | Television film
|- |-
| 2016 || ''Hearts of Spring'' || Andy || Television film | ''The Bouquet'' || Sam
|- |-
| 2017 || ''Christmas Homecoming'' ||Sgt. Jim Mullins || Television film | 2016 || ''Hearts of Spring'' || Andy
|- |-
| 2017 || ''Christmas Homecoming'' ||Sgt. Jim Mullins
⚫ | 2018 || ] || Det. Doug Morrison || Episode: "The Last Fare"
|- |-
⚫ | 2018 || data-sort-value="Detectives, The" | ] || Det. Doug Morrison || Episode: "The Last Fare"
| rowspan=3|2019 || '']'' || Will Sanders || 8 episodes
|- |-
| '']'' || Paul || Episode: "Unexpected Ending" | rowspan="4" |2019 || '']'' || Will Sanders || 8 episodes
|- |-
| '']'' || Rick Singer || Television film | '']'' || Paul/Wes || 2 episodes
|-
| data-sort-value="College Admissions Scandal, The" | '']'' || Rick Singer || Television film
|-
|''Heritage Minutes: D-Day''
|Major Archie MacNaughton
|Canadian history short film
|- |-
| rowspan=2|2020 || '']'' || Horace Axley || Recurring role | rowspan=2|2020 || '']'' || Horace Axley || Recurring role
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| '']'' || Air vice-marshal Christopher Thomas || Episode: "Broken Arrow" | '']'' || Air vice-marshal Christopher Thomas || Episode: "Broken Arrow"
|- |-
| 2022 || '']'' || Paul || Episode: "A Big Sign" | 2022 || data-sort-value="Good Doctor, The" | '']'' || Paul || Episode: "A Big Sign"
|} |}


===Director=== ===Director===
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Year ! Year
! Title ! Title
! Notes ! class="unsortable" | Notes
|- |-
| 2001 || ''Stargate SG-1'' || Episode 4.21: "]" | 2001 || ''Stargate SG-1'' || Episode 4.21: "]"
|- |-
| 2014 || ''Saving Hope'' || Episode 3.04: "Stand By Me" | 2014 || rowspan="3" | ''Saving Hope'' || Episode 3.04: "Stand By Me"
|- |-
| 2016 || ''Saving Hope'' || Episode 4.14: "You Can't Always Get What You Want" | 2016 || Episode 4.14: "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
|- |-
|2017 || ''Saving Hope'' || Episode 5.14: "We Need to Talk About Charlie Harris" |2017 || Episode 5.14: "We need to talk about Charlie Harris"
|} |}


Line 214: Line 224:
! Notes ! Notes
|- |-
| 2003 || ''Stargate SG-1'' || Episode 7.11 "]" | 2003 || rowspan="2" | ''Stargate SG-1'' || Episode 7.11 "]"
|- |-
| 2004 || ''Stargate SG-1'' || Episode 7.19: "]" | 2004 || Episode 7.19: "]"
|} |}


Line 241: Line 251:
|- |-
|rowspan=5|1995 & 1996 |rowspan=5|1995 & 1996
|''The Merchant of Venice'' |''The merchant of Venice''
|Lorenzo |Lorenzo
|rowspan=5|Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario |rowspan=5|Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario
Line 248: Line 258:
|rowspan=3| Cast |rowspan=3| Cast
|- |-
|''The Merry Wives of Windsor'' |''The merry wives of Windsor''
|- |-
|''Amadeus'' |''Amadeus''
Line 327: Line 337:


{{DEFAULTSORT:Shanks, Michael}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Shanks, Michael}}
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 03:35, 20 December 2024

Canadian actor (born 1970) This article is about the actor. For other uses, see Michael Shanks (disambiguation).

Michael Shanks
Shanks in 2023
BornMichael Garrett Shanks
(1970-12-15) December 15, 1970 (age 54)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
OccupationActor
Years active1993–present
Spouse Lexa Doig ​(m. 2003)​
Children3

Michael Garrett Shanks (born December 15, 1970) is a Canadian actor. He is best known for his role as Daniel Jackson in the long-running military science fiction television series Stargate SG-1 and as Dr Charles Harris in the Canadian medical drama Saving Hope. He is also known for his work on low budget genre work filmed in Canada.

Early life

Shanks was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and grew up in Kamloops. After witnessing Richard Dean Anderson prepare for a scene of MacGyver, Shanks "decided to pursue a little further", opting to attend the University of British Columbia's fine arts program until 1994. He later appeared in several stage productions while serving a two-year apprenticeship with the prestigious Stratford Festival in Ontario. His television career began with guest appearances on shows including Highlander and The Commish. Parts in the television movies A Family Divided and The Call of the Wild preceded his casting in his breakthrough role as Daniel Jackson in Stargate SG-1.

Career

Stargate franchise

Shanks played archaeologist Dr Daniel Jackson throughout the first five seasons of Stargate SG-1 before leaving the show at the end of its fifth season, citing creative differences concerning the under-use of his character and the direction of the show as a whole. He made several guest appearances throughout the sixth season playing his own character, as well as voicing the Asgard character Thor. Shanks returned for the seventh and subsequent seasons, winning the Leo Award for Best Lead Performance By A Male in a Dramatic Series in 2004 for the seventh season episode "Lifeboat". During the series' tenth and final season, he signed up for 16 of the 20 episodes, taking some time off in March 2006 for the birth of his third child (second with wife and occasional co-star Lexa Doig).

He appeared in both direct-to-DVD Stargate films released in 2008, Stargate: The Ark of Truth and Stargate: Continuum, and won the 2009 Leo Award for Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama for Continuum.

In 2004, Shanks made a crossover appearance (as Daniel Jackson) in the Stargate Atlantis pilot, "Rising". He also appeared in the tenth and eleventh episodes of Atlantis' fifth and final season, and made a cameo appearance in the pilot of the third Stargate series Stargate Universe. He also appeared in the episodes "Human" and "Subversion".

Other appearances

In 2001, Shanks guest starred in the episode "Star-Crossed" in the Sci-Fi series Andromeda, during which he met his future wife, Lexa Doig. Coincidentally, they played two androids who fell in love with each other. In 2002, Shanks starred in the German/UK/South African co-production Sumuru, a science fiction B-movie, as astronaut Adam Wade. He also auditioned for the role of Shinzon in Star Trek: Nemesis.

In 2007, Shanks joined the Fox Network series 24, guest-starring as lobbyist Mark Bishop in a three-episode arc for season 6. In 2008–2009, Shanks had a recurring role on the second season of the USA Network spy series Burn Notice, playing Victor Stecker-Epps, a fellow burned spy and maniacal counterpoint to series lead Jeffrey Donovan's character. In 2008, Shanks had a guest starring role in one episode of the SciFi Channel series Eureka, as an alchemist somewhat responsible for the near destruction of the town due to a student's mixing chemicals in his lab and thereby creating the "Alchemist curse". He appeared in the episode "All That Glitters...", with a mention of his character in the episode "A Night At Global Dynamics".

Shanks was featured in a lead role in the SciFi Channel's adventure film, The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon as Jacob Thain opposite Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed alumna Shannen Doherty. The film premiered on the cable network on December 20, 2008. In 2010, Shanks appeared in an episode of Sanctuary, which stars fellow Stargate actor Amanda Tapping. In the same year he starred in the film Arctic Blast, a disaster film, as physicist Jack Tate.

Shanks' had a guest role as archaeologist Carter Hall, DC Comics' superhero Hawkman, in the Smallville episode "Absolute Justice". He later reprised the role in the final episode of the ninth season.

Shanks then appeared in guest spots during the Smallville tenth season episodes "Shield" and "Icarus" as well as appearing in Supernatural season 5 episode "99 Problems".

Shanks stars in the Canadian thriller Faces in the Crowd.

Shanks has also starred in the Fox comedy The Good Guys as the pompous leader of the Strike Force. In 2011, Shanks was the guest star in the third episode of the Showcase show Endgame, where he plays an amnesiac.

In 2012, Shanks returned to primetime as Charles "Charlie" Harris on Saving Hope, reuniting with Stargate SG-1 and Smallville co-star Erica Durance.

In 2019, Shanks played the role of Horace Axley on the second season of the Netflix science-fiction series Altered Carbon.

Personal life

Shanks' eldest daughter, Tatiana Shanks, (born August 10, 1998) is from his relationship with model and actress Vaitiare Bandera, who portrayed Sha're, his character's wife on Stargate SG-1.

On August 2, 2003, Shanks married actress Lexa Doig, whom he met in 2001 while guest-starring on the series Andromeda. (They would also work together on Stargate SG-1, when Doig was cast as Dr Carolyn Lam, a recurring character in seasons nine and ten). They have two children.

Shanks enjoys playing ice hockey, and once considered playing professionally. He was on the Stargate SG-1 hockey team, competing against the teams of other Vancouver-based productions such as Smallville, and also displayed his aptitude for the sport in the 2006 television film Under the Mistletoe, in which he played the part of a school hockey coach. This aptitude was also highlighted in his 2013 role as the title character in the television film Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2000 Suspicious River Ball cap man
Mr Fortune's Smile James
2001 The Artist's Circle Artist Short film
Suddenly Naked (aka Show and Tell) Danny Blair/Donny Blitzer
2002 SF Seeks Not released
2003 Sumuru Adam Wade
Dismiss Yourself Jonny Label
2007 Mega Snake Les
Judicial Indiscretion Jack Sullivan
2010 Arctic Blast Jack Tate
Red Riding Hood Adrien Lazar
2011 Tactical Force Demetrius Direct-to-video film; originally titled Hangar 14
Faces in the Crowd Bryce
Elysium Technician #3
13 Eerie Professor Tomkins
2012 The Bouquet Sam
2024 Time Cut Gil Field Post-production
TBA Never Forget Hook Short film
Filming

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1993 Highlander: The Series Jesse Episode: "The Zone"
1995 A Family Divided Todd Television film
1997 The Call Of The Wild: Dog Of The Yukon A gambler
1997–2007 Stargate SG-1 Daniel Jackson / Machello / Voice of Thor Main role
1998, 2000 The Outer Limits Melburn Ross / Dr. Will Olsten Episode: "Mary 25" / Episode: "Manifest Destiny"
1999 Escape from Mars Bill Malone, Mission Architect Television film
2001 Andromeda Balance of Judgment/Gabriel Episode: "Star-Crossed", "Day of judgement, Day of Wrath"
2002 All Around the Town Justin Donnelly Television film
Door to Door John Brady
2004 Stargate Atlantis Daniel Jackson 3 episodes
2005 Swarmed Kent Horvath Television film
2006 Under the Mistletoe Kevin Harrison
2007 Mega Snake Les Daniels
24 Mark Bishop 3 episodes
Eureka Christopher Dactylos Episode: "All That Glitters..."
2008 The Lost Treasure of The Grand Canyon Jacob Thain Television film
Stargate: The Ark of Truth Daniel Jackson
Stargate: Continuum
Desperate Escape Michael Coleman
Burn Notice Victor 4 episodes
Living Out Loud Brad Marshall Television film
2009 Sanctuary Jimmy Episode: "Penance"
2009–2010 Stargate Universe Daniel Jackson 3 Episodes
2010 Tower Prep Dr. Literature Episode: "Book Report"
Smallville Hawkman / Carter Hall 4 episodes
Supernatural Rob Episode: "99 Problems"
2011 Flashpoint David Fleming Episode: "Blue on Blue"
Christmas Lodge Jack Rand Television film
The Pastor's Wife Matthew Winkler
2012–2017 Saving Hope Charlie Harris Main role
2013 Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story Gordie Howe Television film
The Bouquet Sam
2016 Hearts of Spring Andy
2017 Christmas Homecoming Sgt. Jim Mullins
2018 The Detectives Det. Doug Morrison Episode: "The Last Fare"
2019 Unspeakable Will Sanders 8 episodes
Virgin River Paul/Wes 2 episodes
The College Admissions Scandal Rick Singer Television film
Heritage Minutes: D-Day Major Archie MacNaughton Canadian history short film
2020 Altered Carbon Horace Axley Recurring role
Project Blue Book Air vice-marshal Christopher Thomas Episode: "Broken Arrow"
2022 The Good Doctor Paul Episode: "A Big Sign"

Director

Year Title Notes
2001 Stargate SG-1 Episode 4.21: "Double Jeopardy"
2014 Saving Hope Episode 3.04: "Stand By Me"
2016 Episode 4.14: "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
2017 Episode 5.14: "We need to talk about Charlie Harris"

Writer

Year Title Notes
2003 Stargate SG-1 Episode 7.11 "Evolution: Part 1"
2004 Episode 7.19: "Resurrection"

Video games

Year Title Role Notes
2005 Stargate SG-1: The Alliance Dr. Daniel Jackson (voice) Cancelled

Theatre

The Directors "The Wild Boys" – Colin Cunningham, Shanks, and Peter DeLuise December 10, 2004

Stratford Festival

Year Title Character Production
1995 & 1996 The merchant of Venice Lorenzo Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario
King Lear Cast
The merry wives of Windsor
Amadeus
Macbeth Mentieth

University of British Columbia

Play Role Location
Love's Labours Lost Don Armado Frederic Wood Theatre
Dombey & Son Walter Gray
Leonce & Lena Leonce
Love of the Nightingale Tereus
Translations Lt. Yolland
You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown Schroeder Summer Players, Dorothy Somerset Studio
Wait Until Dark Roat
Loot Dennis
Sure Thing Clarke Vancouver Men's Festival
Hopscotch Will
The Lion in Winter

Arts Club

Year Title Character Production
1998 Hamlet Hamlet Stanley Theatre Arts Club, Vancouver, B.C.

References

  1. ^ Strachan, Alex (July 28, 1997). "Vancouver lands Stargate". The Vancouver Sun. p. 20. Retrieved March 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. Mcalister, Nancy (May 19, 2002). "Mary Higgins Clark's "All Around The Town" Airs Sunday on PAX". Corvallis Gazette-Times. p. 61. Retrieved March 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Mary McNamara (February 13, 2002). "Fan rebellion threatens 'Stargate'". Salon.com.
  4. "2004 Leo Awards Nominees & Winners" (PDF). Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  5. Leo Awards, 2009 Winners Archived 2011-07-13 at the Wayback Machine
  6. "Shanks set for mid-season Atlantis visit". February 20, 2008. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  7. "April 5, 2009: 3 000 000, All In, Dog Visit, and The Mailbag". April 6, 2009.
  8. Reid, Michael D. (May 27, 2007). "Jeans suit sci-fi star just fine". Times Colonist. p. 15. Retrieved March 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Movie highlights". Edmonton Journal. February 20, 2009. p. 110. Retrieved March 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. Goldman, Eric (October 19, 2009). "Exclusive: Two of Smallville's Justice Society". IGN. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  11. Barton, Steve (May 11, 2010). "Faces in the Crowd Starts Shooting! Full Cast Announced!". Dread Central. Retrieved May 11, 2010.
  12. "Michael Shanks To Appear On Netflix's Altered Carbon". GateWorld. July 13, 2019. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  13. MSOL. "Michael Shanks - MSOL Interview". www.michaelshanks-online.com. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  14. "Michael wishing Tatiana happy birthday on Twitter".
  15. "Sha're Shares: Interview with Vaitiare Bandera", Stargate SG1 Official Magazine No. 8, Jan/Feb 2006, Titan Magazines publishers.
  16. "Actors Michael Shanks and Lexa Doig on Great Kids Books". CBC/Radio-Canada. July 22, 2011.
  17. "Gordie Howe, Mr Hockey, Played By Stargate's Michael Shanks In New Film". Huffington Post Canada. April 25, 2013.

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