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.
• Despite its popularity, attempts to revive the Stargate franchise have always fallen apart, making it difficult to replicate the chemistry of the original cast.
• Davis continued to make guest appearances as Hammond in seasons 8, 9, and 10 of SG-1 and also appeared in Stargate: Atlantis. His final onscreen appearance was in the 2008 TV movie Continuum.

Don S. Davis' General Hammond was a key supporting player on Stargate SG-1 for the first seven seasons, but why did the actor decide to leave? Most TV shows based on hit movies are doomed to failure, and in recasting the main roles or chopping up the story to fit the demands of an episodic approach, they often fall short. Stargate SG-1 is the rare instance where the franchise soared because it moved to TV. The show is technically a sequel to the 1994 sci-fi movie and follows the adventures of the titular team as they encounter new allies and threats traveling through the Stargate.

Stargate: SG-1 was canceled after ten seasons in 2007, but not before spawning multiple spinoffs like Atlantis and even a couple of TV movies. Despite its popularity, various attempts to revive the franchise in recent years have always fallen apart. It would also be tricky for a new show to replicate the chemistry between SG-1's original cast, consisting of Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge and Michael Shanks, whose character Daniel Jackson died MANY times. Another key figure was the late, great Don S. Davis, who played General George Hammond.

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

David was a classic "that guy" actor who appeared in many TV shows and movies, often playing authority figures. No matter the size of the role, his presence was always welcome, with some of his most notable projects including A League of Their Own and Twin Peaks. Hammond was one of his most recognizable parts and evolved throughout SG-1 from a stern authority figure to a more human figure who was intensely loyal to his team. Offscreen, Davis had several health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. That's why Davis opted to leave the main cast of Stargate SG-1 following the seventh season.

How George Hammond Returned To The Stargate Franchise

Following the season 7 finale, Davis left the show as a full-time cast member. From season 8 onwards, Anderson's Jack O'Neill took over Stargate Command, but while Davis scaled back his working commitments, he remained a recurring part of the ensemble. In the series, Hammond moved from Stargate Command to head of the Homeworld Security department, with the character making guest appearances throughout seasons 8, 9 and 10, in addition to appearing on Stargate: Atlantis.

Davis passed away from a heart attack in 2008, at the age of 65. His final onscreen appearance in the Stargate SG-1 franchise was the 2008 TV movie Continuum. The finale of Atlantis paid tribute to both Davis and Hammond, who is revealed to have died offscreen. A ship was later renamed George Hammond to honor his passing.