Dana Elcar (October 10 1927 – June 6 2005) was an American television and movie character actor. Although he appeared in about 40 films, his most memorable role was on the 1980s television series MacGyver as Peter Thornton, an administrator working for the Phoenix Foundation. Elcar had appeared in the pilot episode of MacGyver as Andy Colson (a completely different character), but was then cast as Pete Thorton, making his first regular appearance in the 11th episode of the first season.

Born as Ibson Dana Elcar in Ferndale, Michigan, Elcar was an alumnus of the University of Michigan where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Elcar was also a student of legendary acting coach Sanford Meisner. He brought this education to bear when in 1986, with fellow character actor William Lucking, he formed the Santa Paula Theater Center. Elcar sat as artistic director for six years.

Elcar had supporting roles in W.C. Fields and Me, The Sting, 2010: The Year We Make Contact, All of Me, The Learning Tree, Herbie the Matchmaker, and Baretta, in which he played Baretta's supervisor, Inspector Shiller. He also had a recurring role in the popular 1970s television series Baa Baa Black Sheep. Another of his recurring roles was as Sheriff Patterson #1 on Dark Shadows. He also guest stars in two A-Team episodes, in 1984 and 1985. blank">Dana Elcar In 1987 he also guest starred on _Matlock. He was often mistaken for his MacGyver stunt/photography double, Don S. Davis, and vice-versa. He also appeared in the cult hit series Knight Rider in the 1983 episode "Merchants of Death" and as a corrupt sheriff in The Incredible Hulk episode "Escape from Los Santos" in 1978 where Banner is on his way to Phoenix.

In 1991, Elcar began to develop glaucoma. This condition was written into the show, MacGyver, with Elcar's character developing the disease. After MacGyver ended, he guest starred on Law & Order, The Magic School Bus and ER. In each he played a blind character although The Magic School Bus was animated and it would have thus been unnecessary for the character to be blind. Once blind, Elcar took on the challenge of playing Vladimir in Waiting for Godot complete with white cane. This was his theatrical swan song, and he retired in 1992.

On June 6, 2005, Elcar died at the Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California due to complications from pneumonia, aged 77.

He is survived by his son, Dane Elcar; his three daughters (Nora, Chandra and Marin); a stepdaughter (former soap opera actress and current writer Emily Prager); a sister; a half-sister; and his long-time partner, Thelma Garcia.

Went blind due to Glaucoma c. 1991 and required special computer equipment to read printed text for the rest of his life.

When he started going blind, his character Peter Thornton on "MacGyver" (1985) was also written with the same affliction. His blindness was also written into his guest appearance on "Law & Order" (1990), resulting from Diabetic Retinopathy.

Most recently played a blind character in a guest spot on "ER" (1994).

Did not appear in either of the two "MacGyver" (1985) TV-movies: MacGyver: Lost Treasure of Atlantis (1994) (TV) and MacGyver: Trail to Doomsday (1994) (TV)

Bald and beefy American character actor from the off-Broadway stage, a noticeably gruff presence in scores of 70s TV crime shows and action adventure.

At the time of his death in 2005, he was survived by his companion, Thelma M. Garcia, one son, Dane, and three daughters, Nora, Chandra and Marin.

Married and divorced three times. Was long-time companion of Thelma M. Garcia, at the time of his death.

Father of son, Dane Elcar, daughters, Nora Elcar Verdon, Chandra Elcar, and Marin Elcar, and stepdaughter, Emily Prager. Brother of Marie E. Hewitt and half-sister Janet K. Melville.

Parents were Danish immigrants. Father was a butcher; mother was a nanny.

Attended University of Michigan. Founded Ann Arbor Theater, while in college. Joined the U.S. Navy in 1948: Was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada.

Founded L.A. Actors' Theater in mid-1970s. Founded Santa Paula Theater Center in 1987.

Died the same day as Anne Bancroft (I).

His body double on "MacGyver" (1985) was Don S. Davis (I) who would later star on "Stargate SG-1" (1997) with Elcar's co-star Richard Dean Anderson.

The second season of "MacGyver" (1985), on which he played the role of Peter Thornton, was released on DVD in the United States on June 7, 2005, only one day after his death.

While Elcar's death was directly caused by pneumonia, the pneumonia was a complication of diabetes. His glaucoma was also a complication of the same disease.