On September 29 1985, a new show went to air. It was about a government special agent who was always prepared for adventure. An agent who took the impossible missions that no one else would take. He was the man they called when there was no one left to call.

He was an agent with a difference. He didn't pull out a gun and shoot the bad guys, he out thought them. He took whatever bits and pieces he could find laying around, used his vast knowledge of science and his trusty Swiss army knife, and created what ever he needed to solve his problem.   His mind was the ultimate weapon!

The show was so popular it ran for an amazing 7 seasons and still continues to be re-run in syndication the world over, 20 years on!

He was Indiana Jones without the whip, James Bond without the gun, he was and continues to be...

MacGyver!

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Messages from the fans.

I just wanted to say that I am very happy to be a part of this celebration. I wanted to tell you that MacGyver is my hero . I feel that there is no other hero that can do magic as he does. He has touched my heart in a way that makes me want to say " I love you " and also I want to say , " Congratulations " on the 20th anniversary . I will continue to support him and vow my allegiance to a wonderful man and a fantastic show ! Sincerely, Kate Mackay --------------------------------------------------- Hi, MacGyver walked onto my screen and into my life when I was about 8 years old. I saw the pilot and was hooked right away. Not only was the man cute as can be, he was also very intelligent, resourceful and entertaining. The fact that he hated violence and weapons in general only added to that perfect picture. I honestly could not find anything wrong with him. Looking back now, 20 years later I realize he might have had his flaws (being unable to commit himself into a relationship, maybe being too forgiving towards a certain archenemy...), but even those are not really flaws. As a result of this amazing character, portrayed so wonderfully by Richard Dean Anderson, I have set my goals in life to try be as perfect as MacGyver, while keeping in mind that everybody is human and entitled to make mistakes, including me. These are things MacGyver thought me. I am very glad I was around when it aired on TV originally and I am proud to call myself a fan. I only wish the world would have more people like MacGyver, maybe then it would be a better place to live. But we try our hardest with what we get. MacGyver-style. A special note to say I'm sad that Dana Elcar is not around anymore to celebrate this day with us. Congratulations to everyone who ever worked on MacGyver! I'm sure it'll live on for at least 20 more years! It's the spirit the made it great that's keeping it alive. Well done! Tessa (Mac) Carati, The Netherlands --------------------------------------------------- wow, has it been 20 years already. Although i wasn't born when MacGyver first started, i love watching it now, even if they are re-runs. I think Rick did an absolute fantastic job being MacGyver and i could watch him do what he does all the time. I think that MacGyver is a brilliant, top-dog show, and i think its funny when poepl quote on it all the time, especially Patty and Selma in the simpsons, which i can't wait to see Rick in. In a way, MacGyver has made me want to try and enjoy science more, and use my imagination more, although saying that, it hasn't nesecarily mean that i'm any good at it. What i think would be good if all the cast and crew got together and did one episode, sort of a reunion episode of MacGyver, that would probable get a lot of people watching. Nice job guys and gals, you've done a top job on the show. Luv Steph from the UK xxx --------------------------------------------------- to me macgyver is a great show. I like the idea about a guy who uses everday items to get out of a situation. He dosen't use a gun to blast his way out. he uses his brains and i like that. actually i have bought the first season on DVD and it is great. so here's to the next 20 years Macgyver Andrew Beet --------------------------------------------------- Dear RDA, Congratulations on your 20th anniversary of MacGyver. I have enjoyed each episode and continue to watch reruns, plus purchase the DVDs. Thank you for your contribution to making MacGyver a great series. Janet Marie --------------------------------------------------- Hi RDA and MacGyverfans around the world!!! Here by I would like to say that I'm proud of MacGyver. The best show around and my personal number 1 favourite. There's a lot you can learn from this show, like don't play with guns and don't use drugs. 1985-1992 were seven magical years and 1994 for the two tv-movies. After twenty years the series still rock big time. Episodes like the Pilot, The Challenge, Runners, Serenity, Passages, Humanity, The Wall, Lesson in Evil, Obsessed, Good Knight MacGyver and The Stringer makes this series worth while the watching. January 1 1990 was the first time they aired it in Belgium, so nice way to start the nineties eh? MacGyver rules, RDA rules too. They're the same person. I hope and as far as I'm concerned MacGyver will live on forever!!! Greetings, Mario from Belgium --------------------------------------------------- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MACGYVER!!!!! Wow! 20 yrs already? WOW! That is such a long time.. Macgyver is an awesome show and I am so glad that I was part of macgyver back then. See you in another 20 yrs!!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!! :):):):):):):):):):) Sonya --------------------------------------------------- I was about fourteen when I first discovered MacGyver. I read about the show in a kid's science magazine, and shortly afterword, started watching it. Of course, the MacGyverisms hooked me instantly, and as I kept watching it, I found more reasons to keep watching it. The show taught me so many good things, and still does, nearly twenty years later. I learned that violence is never the answer to any problem... it only makes things worse. That has stuck with me, and definitely fed into my current antiwar and antigun attitudes. The show taught me a lot about loyalty and friendship, that "Real friends stand by each other, through everything." (Pete, in "Obsessed," I think it was.) It also taught me that everyone is going to lose someone important in their life at least once, and how to keep that loss from destroying you. It taught me that everyone can make a difference in the world, no matter how small, and that we each have a responsibility to help make the world better. I learned that when faced with a tough problem, it never hurts to stop and think things through before you do anything. I learned that everyone has at least one regret that they never get over... and that learning to live with that regret and move on is essential to being able to live life. I learned that moving on after a disappointment or tragedy is one of the hardest things to do, but it has to be done somehow. I learned that there are more important things in life than money and prestige... and that money and prestige are usually way overrated. I learned that fear is always your worst enemy, and if you can learn to overcome your fear, there's no telling how far you'll go. I learned that everyone has a "Murdoc" in their life... something that just keeps haunting them and won't go away... whether it be a personal weakness, a certain life event, or something else. I learned that although we should always live our lives to the very fullest, there is nothing scary about death, and it really doesn't end anything... "it's just another step along the way." (Passages) I learned that "if you're afraid of dying, you're just going to end up being afraid of living." I learned that everyone knows someone like each one of those main characters... everyone knows a Pete Thornton, who's undyingly loyal... everyone has a Jack Dalton around, a hopeless schemer... everyone knows someone like Nikki Carpenter, who's put up a wall around their heart and lashes out at anyone who gets too close... and everyone knows a Penny Parker, who's sweet and well-intentioned but just can't seem to stay out of trouble. And, of course, everyone, whether they realize it or not, knows someone like Mac... someone who's brilliantly inventive, compassionate, and who truly makes a difference in the lives of everyone they touch. I learned that the best legacy one can leave the world is a life lived in courage and integrity and for the good of humanity. Linner --------------------------------------------------- Dear Richard Dean and cast, Thanks for 7 wonderful years of Macgyver. A timeless hero just as likeable today as when the series was conceived, a good guy who was truly a good guy. I loved the show when it first aired and through the magic of DVDs my children also love it. Jan --------------------------------------------------- Congratulations to Macgyver and the entire team behind the show for creating one of the most remembered shows on television. I am not a Macgyver viewer like all the other members of macgyveronline because I am not able to get the DVDs neither is Macgyver telecast on any of the channels that we view. So all I have is some fond memories of some of the episodes which I had managed to see on TV some years back. But those episodes changed some aspects of my life and I have been a Macgyver fan ever since. To see a person like Macgyver who even in adverse situations would place his friends and loved ones before his own life, his respect for life, his hate for violence even in violent times, his humility even with all his intelligence and a sense of humor would attract any person to become his fan. Once again Hats off to the entire Macgyver team (RDA, Dana, and all the others). Kevin Rodrigues --------------------------------------------------- To the Cast of Macgyver, I thank you for doing the show it helped me growing up to know you don't have to do what everybody else is doing so thank you for that. And to let you know as a fan I miss Dana Elcar he was a great actor. Candi --------------------------------------------------- When I was a child, I avoided all the "hard sciences" such as physics and chemistry. I was a numbers person, why did I need that stuff? MacGyver showed me how useful that knowledge could have been. JJ --------------------------------------------------- I just loved all the characters in this. Specificaly Richard Dean Anderson. I also liked Dana Elcar and Bruce McGill. They always looked like they were having fun. It was sad that Dana passed away. You always knew Mac wasn't going to shoot someone. The extras that were in it that are now stars are a plus now to watch. Thanks for making such a wonderful program that everyone can watch. I loved how Mac tried to help everyone and his relationship to his grandfather. Betsy --------------------------------------------------- Congratulations on 20 years of a wonderful show guys. MacGyver has had such a huge impact on so many lives and it inspired so many different emotions. Richard Dean Anderson touched many hearts in his role. Thanks again. All my love Tala (UK) --------------------------------------------------- Wow!!!! 20th years since Macgyver first aired!!! Macgyver is my all time favorite show!! I love that Mac doesn't carrie a gun!! I love that Mac uses his yummie wonderful mind for whatever comes his way. Macgyver is one a the few shows that everyone can sit down and watch. It's fun for any age to watch!! And I love the way that Mac looks in his Pants!!!!! Macgyver is the best Show ever!!! Love My Mac!! Hugs Shortea --------------------------------------------------- It's really exciting to be celebrating MacGyver's 20th. celebration! (Even if it does remind me that I'm over 20 now! :-) ) I grew up watching MacGyver from the original run in 1985 all the way to 1992 and to the two TV-movies in 1994. This is by far my most favorite show ever! It's really exciting to see MacGyver being released on DVD now and I would still love to see Richard Dean Anderson return for a movie incarnation of MacGyver! I still carry my Swiss Army Knife to this day and it has come in handy many times. MacGyver provides plenty of action and adventure and scientific know-how, but there are even more endearing qualities that I like. I really liked the fact that he was against guns, smoking, drugs, and drinking. I like that he rarely cursed- in fact he didn't curse at all after the first season. All in all, MacGyver is a great show that provides plenty of action and entertainment, actual useful knowledge, and a positive role model who portrays good morals. He also was one of the most caring heroes on TV who took time to help others just because they needed help. He really had genuine compassion and kindness towards others. He shook his hand after punching someone. It really showed a human side to him, that it's okay to say "ow" when you hurt. He was definitely a cool hero and those are all the reasons why I still love watching MacGyver today. MacGyver rocks!!! Nathan --------------------------------------------------- Congratulations to the cast and crew of Macgyver on its' 20th anniversary! Jean --------------------------------------------------- Hello to everyone, I have been trying to get a message of thanks to Richard Dean Anderson, I suppose all of the crew involved too. I wrote a short essay about who my main role models have been and although there are two others besides Mac' I thought it would be relevant to post here. If I go as far back as I can rightly remember, I was about six years old when I had my first ‘hero’ or role model. His name was ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ in the original 1977 ‘Star Wars’. I was born the same year the film was made and so it had been out a while when I saw it for the first time. To me ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ was a very kind and gentle man who (by definition of being a Jedi knight) also always tried to do the right thing and fought for the rights and safety of others. When I was about nine my role model was ‘Angus MacGyver’ from the TV series ‘MacGyver’. He was a man who always tried to do the right thing (even when he did not particularly want to), back then I saw the ‘A Team’ rolled into one man, yet better because he did make mistakes and he did get hurt and say ‘ouch’. There were not many situations or issues he couldn’t handle and he always knew what to say without being cocky or patronising. He used science and his wits to deal with anything, not violence. I always wanted to be the kid he was helping, he was realistic with feelings and depth, the sort of ‘hero’ you could imagine meeting, unlike ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ for instance. As I got older and wiser, so did my role model. In my early twenties I found a new role model, ‘Jack O’Neill’ from the TV series ‘Stargate SG1’. He had the same altruism and empathy of MacGyver yet had so much more. He was more complex and deeper with an amazing sense of humour. There really was nothing that you couldn’t discuss with him, Jack was so open minded, fair and he would always think of something to help the situation. He was the person you wanted to have around, whatever you were doing or whatever situation you were in. I would just like to point out that although MacGyver and Jack O’Neill are played by the same actor, ‘Richard Dean Anderson’, I did not realise it was the same person until after I had watched two or three episodes of Stargate SG1. When I first watched Stargate I had never heard of it before and found that it had already been running for about four years. I just wanted to state this as it may have seemed that I found Stargate because of MacGyver and this was not the case. It was purely a coincidence; however it’s funny how the same person has been a role model for most of my life. How have these people or characters affected my life so far? Due to the way my parents were, the only ‘family’ I had was my brother, who was three years my junior. This is most likely the reason I looked to television and films for my heroes. All four of my life’s role models are as close to my heart as if they were family. I was absolutely gutted when Alec Guinness died in August 2000, although he probably became ‘more powerful than you could ever imagine’ (he said this to Darth Vader just before he was killed in Star Wars). Although it was not actually Obi Wan Kenobi who died, Alec Guinness had become like a Grandfather figure for me. He was the first person to show me that ‘moral code’ of what is innately good and that you should always do what’s right. He also taught me that you should always push yourself to improve your skills, never give up and always have faith in yourself. I think it is a shame that he regretted doing Star Wars; I can’t have been the only one who saw him like this. He had such a positive affect on my life early on and I always wanted to meet him just to say thanks for ‘being there’ for me. I had been writing a letter to him when I heard he had died, so I never got the opportunity to tell him anything. With MacGyver, he was super cool. He was like the big brother I always wanted to have adventures with. Now I was at the age where I needed advice on life; I would often pretend he was there and ask his advice on everything. I had to come up with the advice myself, which meant that I had to think about what he would have said if he was with me or what he would do in that situation. Although I know it was me that found most of the solutions or advice, which is probably why I am good at problem solving and decision making, it was his influence that guided me. This led to me becoming very independent as I had to find out the information I needed to know myself. I became very good at studies and continued to be highly inquisitive outside the classroom also. I always wanted to do things that would have made MacGyver proud of me; I was adventurous, highly altruistic, always tried to ‘do the right thing’ and formed a deep sense of empathy for all living creatures. Even when I got a bit older and was at secondary school his influence was there I just did not realise. My favourite subjects were maths, science, particularly chemistry, ‘Craft, design and technology’ and humanities; subjects MacGyver would have been well into. When I was in my final year I moved schools and had to work extra hard as some of my course work was lost. I had to learn two years of biology in six months and my new technology teacher did not have the knowledge to help me with my electronics project. I’m glad to say I passed all the subjects that I took with flying colours. It was a big turning point in my life when I discovered Jack O’Neill. Life is vastly complex and he put things into better perspective for me. Lessons I have learned from him are many and most are too difficult to explain in words. My brother was almost like a son to me because I had brought him up, I understood the feelings Jack had about his own son who also died. Until I started listening to him I was deeply depressed and was quite morbid, Jack showed me it was O.K to carry on. Indeed it is a necessity to carry on to the best of your abilities, people you loose are always with you, they live through you. You can do this much better if you have a good sense of humour, can laugh at yourself and make others around you happy too. He taught me how to be a happy person again whilst making a success of my life in spite of everything that has happened. He has been like a Dad come brother come best friend. Yes once again I would want him to be proud of me, as well as proud of himself for what he has influenced me to be. I am now confident in myself and my abilities and can usually sort anything due to all of the above. At work I am now in a management position where I coach and develop my team members and I am also mentoring kids via email (volunteering through work). I have been looking for a career with helping and developing kids and I am now considering a career change into Youth Work, due partly to the voluntary work I am doing. I have decided to send this essay to Richard Dean Anderson. I feel that I need to say thank you to him for his help and guidance, just by being himself. Both of his characters are too similar, in some respects, for them not to be at least partly him, especially with them being long term roles. This is also why there are four main role models as mentioned earlier. End of essay I hope Richard never regrets any of the roles he has played, I know I am not the only one who he has helped in this kinda way! I also truly hope he has the time of his life looking after and playing with his daughter. Donna Green --------------------------------------------------- I like to watch MacGyver every chance I get. Melissa --------------------------------------------------- I'm sooo thankful I had a chance to watch MacGyver show! It was a great pleasure, pure joy, thank you all for that! Sanja, Croatia --------------------------------------------------- Thanks, Richard Dean Anderson for the wonderful character of MacGyver that helped me through my horribly cliche'd abusive childhood. MacGyver was a wonderful role model for all of us and he stood for his beliefs and let all of us who needed a strong and kind male role model see that not every man was violent. You taught us to take pride in ourselves and to use our minds and that above all...all things are possible if you use your mind and not your fists... You have no idea how much hope your character gave me....Thanks Sid aka Obsidiana Girl --------------------------------------------------- Happy Birthday, Mac!! Thank you very much Dana, Rick, Bruce, Michael, Lee, Henry, and the rest of the cast and crew for creating such a magnificent, irrefutable work of art; a piece of history that created an infrastructure for and emboldened many niches in society. Never did anyone believe that twenty years after its inception, the show would be ubiquitous. For some, MacGyver has come to be an ordinary household word. But for all of us fans, MacGyver means something much more genuine. MacGyver resembles all that is innovation. He (and the show entirely) is the centerpiece of all types of engineering and puzzle solving. Mankind has faced problems for its entire existence, and the tools we have developed to solve the problems shape our lives. Many of these tools were created by experimentation and without experimentation and innovation, our lives would be stagnant. It is apparent how MacGyver relates to our society as a whole but what has it affected specifically? The computer gaming industry is definitely a denizen of this society especially the Adventure genre. All different types of games stem from the early Interactive Fiction and Adventure games like Zork, King's Quest, and Maniac Mansion. Adventure games are completely about story, character development, and puzzles. It is quite obvious that MacGyver himself (and the mindset that the show encapsulated) influenced these Adventure games. In turn, this inspired a cult generation of Adventure gamers that still participate greatly in the Adventure genre and serve as a benchmark for games that are outside the box of the normal Shoot-Everything-That-Moves genre. MacGyver and Adventures share an enormous scope of characteristics and both are some of the best forms of entertainment and education in existence. Many think that MacGyver is stupid and is plagued with bad acting, writing, action, direction, scoring, etc. There were times where this is true but it's not about that. It's about a true Hero that doesn't have any powers; just his body, mind, and the world around him. No gun, no special tactics training. Just his ideas and everyday tools. Heroes are all about inspiration. Mac inspired me showing that you truly can make something out of nothing. Thinking outside of the box. Personally, I call this a dynamic mindset; in essence, a dynamic mindset is a ton of varying viewpoints that do not focus on one topic or solution. This mindset is also analogized via the SAK. A Swiss Army Knife is an all-purpose tool that can be used for any number of jobs; in essence a varying/dynamic tool. That is why they fit that well together. This show is not about whiz-bang action or drama for sole entertainment. It is about a TRUE hero, puzzle-solving innovation, and education. Thanks a lot, ~Ryan Beeler --------------------------------------------------- What a wonderful show. I first seen MacGyver when I was 15 and fell in love with the cast, mainly Richard Dean Anderson (I LOVE you!!). I have watched this great show for years. Now that its out on DVD, I can share this awesome show with my kids. I think its sad we lost Dana Elcar. What a great actor. He will be missed. To the cast and crew both, I thank you for all the enjoyable episodes and the wonderful memories I will have forever. Hope your having a great 20th anniversary. God bless you all. Amanda Kirk --------------------------------------------------- This is probably a little different from most submissions and a little long, but I think it was the best way to express my appreciation of MacGyver without saying what a lot of other people will say! Amy (Almost) Everything I Need to Know I Learned from MacGyver... There’s always someone who needs your help. Sometimes it’s your enemy. You can always rise above your circumstances. It’s OK to be smart. Study hard...someday your life might depend on it. The only thing cigarettes, alcohol and guns are good for are MacGyverisms. Sarcasm and a dry sense of humor don’t get you very far, but...hey, if it gets a smile... When all else fails, blow something up. Your past shapes who you are...so be who you are. You don’t need super powers to be a good guy. Always be prepared...carry duct tape and a pocket knife. Be someone’s best friend. They’ll always be there when you need them. Be nice to people, even if it backfires. Say “no” once in a while. But say “yes” more. Travel light...you never know what you’ll find along the way. It’s OK to say “ouch” when you get hurt. Sometimes you just can’t get rid of the bad guy, no matter how many times he dies. Eat healthy. Be a pack rat...you never know when you’ll need that. Each morning brings a whole ‘nother set of fresh possibilities. Life can’t be all work and people wanting to kill you. Have fun sometimes. It’s OK to make mistakes if you learn to live with them. Sometimes you have to climb that mountain...even if you hate heights. Be generous...share your life with some folks along the way. Enjoy nature...and take care of it. Everything you need is around you...if you know where to look. Not answering the phone doesn’t work if you, well, answer the phone. Sometimes your friends try your patience, and that’s OK. Be 100% devoted to what you believe in. One person really can make a difference. If you don’t know what you’re going to do next, no one else will, either. Help someone realize they’re potential...you’ll probably get a hug. Remember old times...it’ll get you through tough times. Learn from the wisdom of other people. They usually know what they’re talking about. You can do almost anything with a paperclip, ballpoint pen, a gum wrapper, a shoe lace, duct tape and a pocket knife. --------------------------------------------------- Ahhhhh what would the world be without MacGyver? A really sad, and cold one indeed. Mac and Pete(I miss him too! rest his soul) brought humor , warmth and honesty to a world were the bad guys didn't win and the fight for good was really the only alternative. I love the way MacGyver started to get better and better as it aged, like a fine wine. I read that as Richard took over a little more control of the plot lines it became more activistic and yet more real, more human and more believeable! I don't care if half of the things he did were unrealistic or 'can't really be done.' That was never the point of it for me.I laughed with Mac, I cried with him and Pete both. They made my life a lot easier to bear. I have never watched TV since it went off the air since I didn't get SG-1 on any channel. I have those DVD's also. I was hooked on RDA's hot looks, his love of hockey and the real look of compassion in his eyes on and off the set. I watched it sporadically at the beginning only because I didn't want to be around my (then) husband, but after he left I never missed a show and have them all on tape and am now adding all the DVD's. I love MacGyver, I love RDA and I loved Pete and Jack too. Long Live MACGYVER!!!!! Jana Gale Connell RVT --------------------------------------------------- I watched the pilot for MacGyver and continued watching on a regular basis for all of it's run on ABC. Since it would often get pre-empted by Monday night football, I would call the station to find out when it would air as not to miss an episode. I fell in love with MacGyver's charm and whit and the on screen chemistry between RDA and Dana Elcar. I also liked the idea that MacGyver used his brains instead of his might to get out of trouble. The show taught us about science and issues facing us today but not in a preachy sort of way. I liked that, learning while watching an entertaining program. To all the cast and crew, hats off to you as you celebrate 20 years of success! Shannon Hummel Seattle, WA --------------------------------------------------- Hi! I was a fan of MacGyver the moment I saw the first episode. There was just something really natural about this character that caught my attention. He was just so honest, decent, and down to earth, that it was hard to believe someone like him could do the things that he could do. The fact that he was extremely intelligent, but was always so modest about it, made the character even more appealing. Not to mention Henry Winkler getting an extremely good looking actor like Richard Dean Anderson to play the part was definitely a PLUS!! :-) Well actually looks weren't really the main requirement. The fact that Richard wasn't embarrassed to wear his glasses to read for the part, really caught Henry's interest, and that seemed to make a big impression on Henry. After that, Richard immediately became MacGyver, and the rest they say, is history! And an amazing history it was!! To me, MacGyver was the kind of guy that you wished every guy could be like! Unassuming, intelligent, brave, compassionate....I could go on, but the list would be too long. Aside from all those wonderful qualities, he also had the ability to teach people that nothing was impossible, that no matter how bad things looked, there was always a solution to the problem. And having the confidence and determination to go on in the face of adversity, was one of the things that always seemed to be a theme in every show. There have been comments that some of the later episodes tended to be "Preachy." But at the time they were being aired, I think they were justified. Sometimes you have to do a little preaching in order to get the point across, especially when people aren't paying attention, and they continue to do a lot of stupid things! Despite all the "preaching" I still enjoyed the episodes. I always learned a lot from them, and was always left with a feeling that there was still hope for everyone in the world. I Just want to thank Henry Winkler and everyone who was involved in creating MacGyver, for making such a wonderful show! I also would like to thank Richard Dean Anderson, Bruce McGill, Teri Hatcher, Michael Des Barres, and all the other actors and actresses who brought all those wonderful characters to life, and made them become a part of our lives. I also want to extend my sincere sympathies to the family of Dana Elcar, and let them know how much we all miss Dana. I will always remember him as a wonderful actor, and a really nice person. I saw him on a talk show years ago, when he was talking about his glaucoma, and he seemed like a really nice person. Very warm, and very unassuming. He will never be forgotten! Well, that's about all I have to say, except Thank God For DVDS! So far I have 3 seasons of MacGyver, and plan on getting the rest! I'm glad that MacGyver is still shown on TV Land and Spike tv for future generations to see! I think everyone who watched this show will agree that it definitely made an impact on their lives. And I hope that it continues to make an impact on other lives as well. You just can't help but love this show! It's an inspiration to everyone who watches it. Sorry if I've written too much, but there was just so much that I had to say about this really wonderful show! Thank you for allowing me to send my thoughts and feelings about MacGyver, and I hope you get many more responses! Sincerely, Nancy J. Smith --------------------------------------------------- CONGRATULATIONS MACGYVER!!! HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY... It has been a while since they last aired Macgyver live...not just on syndicated reruns... I have been watching this show since I was a kid. And it has always remained in me since. I have often watch it on reruns in my native Philippines and now here in Canada. And what an opportunity it is to own the DVDs of the series... I just bought my 3rd Season box set yesterday. I am very excited to buy the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th season box sets. Macgyver has been very influencial in my life. I believe I have assimilated within myself some of his Macgyverisms. It has always proved useful. I also have my own Swiss Army knife that I use quite often. (I am delighted to say that even though I bring it with me, it somehow escapes the security checks of airports wherever I go). Wow! It really is twenty years. Been a while. You know I could never imagine what my world would be without Macgyver in it. Thank you to the creators and writers who made it happen and a ton of thanks to the actors who made it real. Thank you RDA!!! More power. And more years of continuous broadcasts. Your loyal Filipino Fan, BERNARD ILARDE Toronto, Canada --------------------------------------------------- Cannot believe that 20 years have passed. My thanks to everyone involved for an unbelievably enjoyable programme. I am rediscovering it on DVD and despite the years it is still wonderful. May I make particular homage to Richard Dean Anderson for a wonderful portrayal. Jennette --------------------------------------------------- Happy 20th Anniversary! I don't know whether you'll see this or not...I want to thank you for such an inspiring portrayal of Mac! I try to think things through when I have a problem...hmmm what would Mac do in this situation? This is sooo inarticulate...but I wish you the best in the coming years...thank you for all the incredible performances you have given!! chocolate --------------------------------------------------- Congrats on MacGyver's 20th anniversary!! Ever since I saw it I have been addicted! The last few months have been the toughest of my life and it has been the one thing that has pulled me through. I watch it almost everyday and it's the highlight of the day! It is by far the best show on! Thanks so much for doing such a wonderful job on a wonderful show! Laura --------------------------------------------------- Hello Here is my "MacGyver story" : I'm with my family, it's Sunday afternoon in January 1987. A new show is about to begin on the second channel here in France. We all four sit in the living room, ready to discover a new American hero. Then appears Richard Dean Anderson. I'll never forget this moment ! He was so... everything ! Since that day, I never missed a single episode and this show learnt me so much. In 1987 I was 13 years old, I'm now 31 and MacGyver was the greatest school of all. The actors, the scripts, the reality of what was told and taught enabled me to become a responsible human being. So thanks to everyone involved from the star to the "minor" crew member (minor for lack of a better word), you all brought me the world as it really was. I think it was the most valuable gift a TV show could give me. And Mr. Anderson, if by any chance, you read my message, please know that you are the greatest human being on Earth. Thank you for everything you've done on screen and everything you've done off-screen. Thanks for being so aware of the world around you, about people, animals, environment. You learnt me so much about life. You're great ! Thanks again. I really miss you on SG-1 but if you're happy that's OK for me ! You deserve it ! Take care. Carine --------------------------------------------------- Congratulations!!! 20 years ago, I was in high school when this exciting new TV Show came along. Everybody was talking about it. Boys was trying to figure out the stunts and "how did he make that out of that stuff?" The girls was just drooling over this gorgeous hunk of a man:"Did you see what he was wearing this week?" The show had everything action, suspense, intrigue, romance plus a little compassion, understanding, and honesty. Everyone could understand this show, everyone tried to be like "MacGyver" I know I did and others. We couldn't wait to see the next episode so we could play "MacGyver" on the weekends. Some of the neighborhood kids and me would go in the woods and play. What memories it brings back. Thank you Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, John Anderson, Teri Hatcher, Bruce McGill, and Michael Des Barres for 20 years of great memories and many more. May God bless you all and enrich your lives like you did mine. I will never forget it. Thank You!!! Molly Ann Meridieth Mascot, Tennessee USA --------------------------------------------------- The best of the best to the best of heroes from a film world. MacGyver, you was a model to a little kid, who had about thirty videotapes with your adventures, who every saturday evening seated down opposite to TV ready for new Macgyverisms, who always keep his own swiss army knife in pocket. This is, because of MacGyver, I was interested in chemistry, physics and mathematics. I carried my experiments in garage ( which unfortunatelly burnt down someday - but don't worry nobody hurts ). Today I'm twenty couple years old and still try to live how MacGyver show mi to do that. Thank you, that was very nice to meet you! Best regards BratoN --------------------------------------------------- Hi ! I am a girl on 15 from Norway an i just want to thank you for making macgyver . It's the best show ever and it has afekted me in many ways ,it has made me the positive person i am to day , I'm forever greatfull Thank you Love Maria Fagereng mac_fan --------------------------------------------------- What MACGYVER means to me? My mothertongue is German and first thing that comes to mind is 'Geborgenheit' Unfortunately there is not one single word in english that really is expressing the whole meaning in German. Security, Safety, Comfort, feeling of belonging and love of a family are together a good way to translate it. Like Amy I learned almost all important things from Mac. I can only agree to everything she wrote. But he was much more then this. Since my birth I have Cerebral Palsy and my mother and father died when I was 9 and 10. I felt so lonly. With 13, I saw MacGyver for the first time and for me he not only became a role model to never give up, but a Dream-Surrogate-Dad as well. Here some quotes and things he did, that thaught me a lot and changed my life. Alexandra --------------------------------------------------- For me MacGyver has been a constant lighthouse in life. Maybe this sounds a bit extreme or even too much but the truth is that is this day and age the qualities and the beliefs that Mac stands for are highly underestimated. Frowned upon even. For who can take for serious a hero who hates guns, who believes that the core of humanity is goodness, that people are born explorers, that in this journey through life one is lucky to have a few friends to share the road, that there are things worth sacrificing for above the materialistic goals that our society has inflicted upon us, but also there are still things living for. MacGyver was a guy who approached everything, every situation or person with such a positive approach, such a will to help (with no concern most of the time for himself). A guy so loyal to his friends who would literally jump in flames for them (many times he actually did). He even helped his enemies for crying out loudJ As a scientist his eagerness to learn, his resourcefulness and his awe and admiration for the world, our universe was a constant inspiration for me. MacGyver really and truly loved this planet, our home and everything about it. And he made his love a constant way of life. So one could say that how could such a seemingly perfect but still not real TV hero have had any impact on your life? Ever since I remember myself, as a little girl, later a teenager, then a student etc all my actions, my decisions, the way I lived my life were always affected by Mac. I remember distinctively the first time I went on a journey (I love to travel) I kept thinking of what Mac said : "Mostly I like to see how the world works. Meet people. Learn how they're different - and the same." "Some people say that there are no more frontiers left for us to conquer. But then again, some people still go out into the wilderness in search of their dream." The same sense of adventure and exploration, the need to see the world, learn some new things is with me still. When I decided to change my course in college, chose Computer Science instead of Medicine I did it thinking : "I took physics because it was interesting, and it excited me - not to buy myself a job." Another important thing was his never ending hope. Hope for life. This kind of hope, not false one but the one that comes from a truly strong character who has retained the youthfulness of the child without the immaturity is unique. "Another day, a whole 'nother set of fresh possibilities . . . I'm a sucker for mornings." And about his open-minded approach to everything: "Only a fool is sure of anything, a wise man keeps on guessing." And about friendship: "When I was a kid, my grandfather used to say to me that . . . a fellow's life wasn't worth mentioning if he hadn't shared it with some folks along the way." And about personal freedom: "Some people are scared of anybody who runs free." And about honor and valour: "Walk in love, walk in service, and you will walk in honor, my beloved son, Angus." Here I go again, can't even write a decent piece about MacGyver without using his words. Goes to show about his influence on my way of thinkingJ The MacGyver series of course were not only Richard Dean Anderson but a whole team in front and behind the cameras. I loved Pete Thornton (Dana Elcar we miss you), Harry, Jack Dalton, Penny Parker, Zoë Ryan, Nikky and everyone behind the lights and of course the creator L.D.Zlottof. I am honestly grateful to them all for what they achieved. And especially to Richard Dean Anderson. His quality is what made MacGyver what he is. He may not admit it but the truth is he put a lot of himself in the character, in a degree that sometimes one could not distinguish where the acting ended and the reality started. I do not know how to end this piece. I've said my thanks, I've described a bit about Mac's influence on my life, what remains? I think a quote from another great guy, describing in my opinion the way MacGyver lived his life: "To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." E. E. Cumming Thanks for sharing a bit of the journey. Tatiana Iakovaki --------------------------------------------------- As a lifelong fan of Richard Dean Anderson, I started watching MacGyver on the very first broadcast. I was in high school in 1985 and was very involved in sports, but the VCR was always recording on Mondays. When I went away to college in 1988, I was devastated to find that I had a class that met on Monday nights. I made sure that my mother taped the show every week so I could watch them all on my weekend visits home. What the show and its cast members meant to me is difficult to put into words. My life was extremely chaotic at the time, and MacGyver was my escape from the turmoil that was my life. Although Richard was the initial reason for tuning in, I soon began to look forward to all of the adventures and stories. The stories were fun, but I enjoyed the people even more. The undeniable chemistry between the actors was a joy to watch, and now I get to relive those feelings every time I turn on the DVDs. Although Dana Elcar is no longer with us, I hope that his family and friends know how much he meant to his fans. To Richard Dean Anderson and all of the other people who brought 7 years of MacGyver's fun, laughter, tears, and thrills to the small screen...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!! Beth