Dana Elcar | |
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Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton on MacGyver
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Born |
Ibsen Dana Elcar October 10, 1927 Ferndale, Michigan, U.S. |
Died | June 6, 2005 Ventura, California, U.S. |
(aged 77)
Cause of death | Pneumonia |
Alma mater | University of Michigan |
Years active | 1952–2002 |
Spouse(s) |
Katherine Frances Mead (m. 1948–50) |
Partner(s) | Thelma Garcia |
Katherine Frances Mead (m. 1948–50)
Peggy Romano (m. 1954–70)
Ibsen Dana Elcar (October 10, 1927 – June 6, 2005) was an American television and film character actor. Although he appeared in about 40 films, his most memorable role was on the 1980s and 1990s television series MacGyver as Peter Thornton, an administrator working for the Phoenix Foundation. Elcar had appeared in the pilot episode of MacGyver as Andy Colson (a completely different character), but was later cast as Peter Thornton, making his first regular appearance in the 11th episode of the first season.
Elcar was born in Ferndale, Michigan, the son of Hedwig (née Anderberg) and James Aage Elcar, a carpenter and butcher. He was an alumnus of the University of Michigan where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Elcar served a tour of duty in the United States Navy. He moved to New York in the 1950s to become a professional thespian. Elcar was also a student of legendary acting coach Sanford Meisner. He brought this education to bear when in 1986, with fellow character actor William Lucking, he formed the Santa Paula Theater Center. Elcar sat as artistic director for six years.
Elcar also had supporting roles in films such as Fail Safe (1964), A Lovely Way to Die (1968), The Boston Strangler (1968), The Maltese Bippy (1969), Pendulum (1969), The Learning Tree (1969), Zig Zag (1970), Soldier Blue (1970), Adam at 6 A.M. (1970), A Gunfight (1971), The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972), The Sting (1973), W.C. Fields and Me (1976), Baby Blue Marine (1976), St. Ives (1976), The Champ (1979), Good Luck, Miss Wyckoff (1979), The Last Flight of Noah's Ark (1980), Condorman (1981), Buddy Buddy (1981), Jungle Warriors (1984), All of Me (1984), 2010 (1984), Murder in Three Acts (1986) and Inside Out (1986).