Richard Dean Anderson Then
Before playing the role of MacGyver, Richard Dean Anderson began his acting career as a soap opera star, playing Dr. Jeff Webber on ‘General Hospital.’ Yet acting wasn’t originally his dream. As a child who grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Anderson really dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player. But he broke both of his arms, and during recovery, he developed an interest in music, art, and acting.
Source: Giant Bomb
Anderson moved to LA after college, working odd jobs before landing TV gigs. He worked in a marine mammal show, was a musician in a medieval dinner theater, and even a street mime and juggler. His role as Angus MacGyver became his defining moment. After the show was canceled, he said: “MacGyver was seven years of being in virtually every frame that was shot and having absolutely no life at all.”