RIP Don Davis, 1942-2008

By Rob Christopher in News on Jul 2, 2008 3:05PM

It's sad moment for fans of Twin Peaks and Stargate SG-1. We've just learned that character actor Don Davis passed away on June 29. The cause of death was a massive heart attack. Davis appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows over years (including The X-Files), but we'll remember him best as buttoned-down, extraterrestrial-hunting Major Briggs on Twin Peaks. He had one of the best lines of dialog in the whole series, delivered in his usual warm and burnished baritone, "To have his path made clear is the aspiration of every human being in our beclouded and tempestuous existence." The role of Major Briggs lead directly to being cast as a very similar character on Stargate SG-1. He played Maj. Gen. George Hammond in over 80 episodes (!)

Davis was born in Aurora, Missouri and later completed his Master's Degree in theatre at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. In 2006 he attended the Creation Official Stargate Convention here in Chicago, and several fans have warm recollections of his kindness and approachability. Davis was also an accomplished visual artist and (appropriate for someone appearing in a David Lynch project) wood carver.

We'll miss you, Major.

image via Twin Peaks Brewing Co.