MacGyver: What You Didn’t Know About The Classic Show

Dana Eclar’s Eyesight

Dana Eclar was beloved in his role as Pete Tornton, Mac’s best friend and boss at the Department of External Services. Along with MacGyver, he’s also the only regular character in the series. In 1991, Dana Eclare started to develop an upsetting medical condition.

Eclar developed glaucoma, a degenerative condition of the eyes, and began to go blind. However, he was such a fan favorite that going on without him would’ve been very difficult for the show. Instead, the writers of MacGyver decided that Pete Thornton, the character Eclar portrayed, should also develop the disease. Sadly Eclar passed away in June 2005.

Jack Dalton: The Comical BFF

Jack Dalton, played by Bruce McGill, was always there to provide some comic relief. He was one of MacGyver’s best friends, though it seemed like MacGyver was always trying to get him out of some get rich quick scheme. He also hit on every woman who crossed his path in the series. Jack Dalton also had a clear tell when he was lying—his left eye started twitching.

Jack Dalton wasn’t Bruce McGill’s only funny role—you might remember him from the comedy classic Animal House. He continued to appear in guest roles on TV after MacGyver ended. During the 2016 US Election, Bruce McGill narrated several commercials for Donald Trump’s campaign.