The Departure of George Hammond in Stargate SG-1: Unveiling the Reason behind Don S Davis' Exit

Summary

Don S. Davis, known for his role as General George Hammond, left Stargate SG-1 after the seventh season due to health reasons, including diabetes and heart disease.

Reviving the Stargate franchise has proven challenging due to the consistent failure of previous attempts, making it a daunting task to recreate the dynamic chemistry of the original cast.

Davis made recurring guest appearances as Hammond in seasons 8, 9, and 10 of SG-1, as well as appearing in Stargate: Atlantis. His last appearance onscreen was in the 2008 TV movie Continuum.

Don S. Davis' portrayal of General Hammond on Stargate SG-1 was pivotal during the show's first seven seasons. However, the actor's decision to depart from the series leaves us questioning the reasons behind it. Unlike most TV adaptations of successful films, Stargate SG-1 managed to flourish by successfully transitioning to television. Serving as a sequel to the 1994 sci-fi movie, the show chronicles the exploits of the titular team as they traverse the Stargate, encountering both allies and adversaries. Despite its cancellation after ten seasons in 2007, Stargate SG-1 spawned several spinoffs, including Atlantis and a couple of TV movies. Nevertheless, numerous attempts to revive the franchise in recent years have unfortunately faltered. One of the main challenges of any potential new show would be to replicate the undeniable chemistry among the original SG-1 cast, which comprised Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Michael Shanks. Furthermore, it would be no easy task to recreate the significant presence of the late, esteemed Don S. Davis in his role as General George Hammond.

Don S. Davis Left Stargate SG-1 Due To Health Reasons

David was a renowned character actor known for his portrayal of authoritative figures in numerous TV shows and movies. Regardless of the role's magnitude, his presence was always appreciated, and he was particularly memorable in projects like A League of Their Own and Twin Peaks. One of his most iconic roles was Hammond on SG-1, a character who transitioned from a stern authority figure to a more compassionate individual deeply devoted to his team. Offscreen, Davis faced various health challenges, including diabetes and heart disease, which ultimately influenced his decision to depart from the main cast of Stargate SG-1 after the seventh season.

How George Hammond Returned To The Stargate Franchise

Following the season 7 finale, Davis departed from the show as a full-time cast member. Starting from season 8, Anderson's Jack O'Neill took on the role of leading Stargate Command, while Davis reduced his work commitments but continued to make occasional appearances. Within the series, Hammond transitioned from his position at Stargate Command to become the head of the Homeworld Security department. He made guest appearances throughout seasons 8, 9, and 10, and also appeared on Stargate: Atlantis.

Davis unfortunately passed away from a heart attack in 2008 at the age of 65. His final onscreen appearance in the Stargate SG-1 franchise was in the 2008 TV movie Continuum. In the finale of Atlantis, both Davis and Hammond were honored. It was revealed that Hammond had passed away offscreen, and a ship was later renamed George Hammond as a tribute to his memory.