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Dana ElcarAmerican actor
Date of Birth: 10.10.1927
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Dana Elcar
Dana Elcar, born Ibsen Dana Elcar, was an American actor. He was born in 1927 in Ferndale, Michigan. During his time at the University of Michigan, he had the opportunity to study under Sanford Meisner, which proved to be a valuable experience. He also formed a friendship with William Lucking, and together they became the founders of the Santa Paula Theater Center, where Elcar served as the artistic director for six years.
Acting Career
In the 1950s, Elcar began his active involvement in television series, appearing in shows such as "A Time to Live," "The Big Story," "Brenner," and "Play of the Week." In the mid-1970s, he gained popularity for his role as Inspector Shiller in the television series "Baretta," which was preceded by a telefilm of the same name. Another successful role during this period was in the series "Baa Baa Black Sheep," where Elcar also worked as a director. Many viewers remember him from his role as Sheriff Patterson in the television series "Dark Shadows" from 1966 to 1971. In the 1980s, Elcar appeared in the series "Matlock," but his most significant success came from his portrayal of Pete Thornton, the boss of secret agent MacGyver, in the series "MacGyver."
Personal Challenges and Later Life
In the early 1990s, Elcar began to develop glaucoma, which eventually led to him losing vision in one eye. This condition was incorporated into the storyline of the series, so Elcar's character, Pete Thornton, also suffered from glaucoma and underwent an operation. From then on, Elcar always appeared wearing dark glasses and using a cane. In an interview, he stated, "Losing your eyesight doesn't mean you can't act." Despite his vision impairment, Elcar continued to work in film and television, appearing in movies like "Blue Skies Again," "Buddy Buddy," "There Were Times Dear," "Inside Out," "All of Me," "Condorman," and many others.
Director and Family Life
Elcar also worked as a director, directing episodes of the series "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and "MacGyver." In his later years, he relied on a special electronic device for reading and writing, as his vision could not be restored. He lived in California with his wife and their four children, three daughters, and one son.
Death
Dana Elcar passed away on June 6, 2005, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California. He died from complications of pneumonia, which were a result of his diabetes. He was 77 years old.
