Bio
Michael Shanks is a Canadian actor best known for his starring role as Dr. Daniel Jackson on the science fiction television series Stargate SG-1.
He also stars as Dr. Charles "Charlie" Harris, Chief of Surgery at Hope Zion, orthopaedic surgeon and Alex's fiancée, in the supernatural medical drama television series Saving Hope.
A native of Vancouver, Shanks studied commerce before deciding to pursue his true passion, acting, at the University of B.C., where he graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Upon graduation he performed at the world renowned Stratford Shakespeare Festival for two seasons. His performances there included Lorenzo in Merchant of Venice, Menteith in Macbeth, as well as roles in King Lear, Amadeus, and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Other theatre credits include Love of the Nightingale, Translations, Wait Until Dark, and Loves Labors Lost.
One of Shanks' first episodic television experiences occurred while on his way to his first theatre school auditions where he happened upon the set of the television series MacGyver. Stopping to observe, Shanks was struck by the professionalism of the crew and cast.
Little did he know that several years later he would find himself co-starring with the star of MacGyver in Stargate SG-1 where plays Daniel Jackson – the role which was originated by James Spader in the StarGate feature film.
Shanks made his film debut in the feature Call of the Wild and has guest starred on such television series as The Commish, The Highlander, University Hospital and the critically acclaimed The Outer Limits.
Other television movie credits include A Family Divided and the mini-series Eye Level, and Escape From Mars.
During the 1998-99 hiatus from Stargate SG-1, Michael starred in the acclaimed Arts Production of Hamlet, which ran for five weeks.