The Ultimate MacGyver Cast Update: Where Are The Stars Of The Original And Reboot Now In 2025?
The enduring legacy of *MacGyver* is unique in television history, spawning two distinct eras of ingenious problem-solving: the classic series (1985–1992) starring Richard Dean Anderson and the modern reboot (2016–2021) featuring Lucas Till. As of late 2024 and early 2025, public curiosity about the actors who brought these iconic characters to life remains incredibly high, especially following the reboot’s abrupt cancellation.
This comprehensive update, current as of December 2025, dives into the lives and careers of the key players from both the original and reboot series. We uncover their latest projects, surprising career pivots, and the real reasons behind the Phoenix Foundation team disbanding on screen.
The Original MacGyver Cast: Then and Now (1985–1992)
The original series cemented Angus MacGyver as a cultural icon, and its core cast members have maintained a dedicated following for decades. While some have stepped away from the spotlight, others remain active in the fan circuit and the entertainment industry.
Richard Dean Anderson (Angus MacGyver)
- Role: Angus "Mac" MacGyver, the resourceful secret agent who refused to carry a gun.
- Birth Date: January 23, 1950.
- Notable Post-*MacGyver* Projects: *Stargate SG-1* (Colonel Jack O'Neill), *Stargate Atlantis*, *The Simpsons* (Guest Voice).
- Current Status (2024/2025): Anderson officially retired from acting in 2013, but he remains highly engaged with his fanbase. In 2024, he made several high-profile appearances at fan conventions around the world, including Comic Con France in March, meeting with dedicated *MacGyver* and *Stargate* fans. His official website maintains current updates on his activities, confirming his continued enjoyment of the convention circuit.
Bruce McGill (Jack Dalton)
- Role: Jack Dalton, MacGyver's perpetually unlucky pilot friend and occasional partner in crime.
- Birth Date: July 11, 1950.
- Notable Post-*MacGyver* Projects: *My Cousin Vinny*, *Animal House*, *Shades of Blue*.
- Current Status (2024/2025): McGill is known for his extensive career as a character actor in film and television. In September 2024, he was featured in a radio program about jazz, demonstrating his diverse interests outside of acting. He continues to take on roles, having appeared in a recurring capacity on the NBC police drama *Shades of Blue*.
Dana Elcar (Pete Thornton)
- Role: Pete Thornton, MacGyver’s best friend and boss at the Phoenix Foundation.
- Life and Legacy: Dana Elcar was a beloved actor who was famously written into the storyline after being diagnosed with glaucoma, mirroring his real-life struggle. He passed away in 2005. His character remains an emotional core of the original series.
The MacGyver Reboot Cast: Where Are They Now? (2016–2021)
The reboot series injected new energy into the franchise, building a team-based dynamic around a younger MacGyver. Despite its popularity, the show was canceled after five seasons. The cast has since moved on to major new projects, proving their versatility.
Lucas Till (Angus "Mac" MacGyver)
- Role: Angus "Mac" MacGyver, the young, brilliant field agent for the Phoenix Foundation.
- Birth Date: August 10, 1990.
- Notable Post-*MacGyver* Projects: *X-Men* franchise (Havok), *Monster Trucks*, *Son of the South*.
- Current Status (2024/2025): Lucas Till has secured a major new role in a high-profile streaming project. In March 2024, it was announced that Till had joined the cast of the Netflix Western series, *The Abandons*. This new series, created by Kurt Sutter (creator of *Sons of Anarchy*), represents a significant and exciting pivot for Till, moving him from network procedural to a prestige streaming drama.
Tristin Mays (Riley Davis)
- Role: Riley Davis, the team's brilliant and sarcastic hacker and cyber-security expert.
- Birth Date: June 10, 1990.
- Notable Post-*MacGyver* Projects: *The Vampire Diaries*, *Thunderstruck*.
- Current Status (2024/2025): Mays continues to build her career in film. She is starring in the upcoming action crime film *Bang* (2025), distributed by Saban Films. The film is scheduled for a VOD and Digital release on July 11, 2025, and sees Mays take on a significant role alongside Jack Kesy and Peter Weller. Additionally, Mays has branched out into the digital space, gaining a following by streaming on Twitch.
Justin Hires (Wilt Bozer)
- Role: Wilt Bozer, MacGyver's best friend and roommate, who evolves from a filmmaker to a Phoenix Foundation agent-in-training.
- Birth Date: June 24, 1985.
- Notable Post-*MacGyver* Projects: *Rush Hour* (TV series), *Stomp the Yard*.
- Current Status (2024/2025): Justin Hires has returned to his comedic roots and found success in film and animation. In 2024, he co-wrote and starred as the character Curtis in the comedy film *Half Baked: Totally High*. Looking ahead, Hires is set to voice the character Chin Check in the BET+ animated series *Freeridge* in 2025.
Henry Ian Cusick (Russ Taylor)
- Role: Russell "Russ" Taylor, a wealthy, former MI6 agent and new head of the Phoenix Foundation.
- Birth Date: April 17, 1967.
- Notable Post-*MacGyver* Projects: *Lost*, *The 100*, *NCIS: Hawai’i*.
- Current Status (2024/2025): Cusick maintains a packed schedule with multiple high-profile projects. In 2024, he is starring as Detective Culver in the thriller film *Fluxx*. His upcoming slate includes a role in the Amazon series *Butterfly* and a leading role in the independent film *Fugitive from Asteron*. Cusick is also expanding his repertoire by taking on his first Spanish-speaking role, showcasing his commitment to diverse acting challenges.
George Eads (Jack Dalton – Reboot)
- Role: Jack Dalton, MacGyver's partner and former Delta Force operative.
- Departure and Current Status (2024/2025): Eads, best known for his long-running role on *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* as Nick Stokes, left the *MacGyver* reboot early in Season 3. His departure was reportedly due to a desire to be closer to his family in Los Angeles. While he has kept a lower profile since, Eads signed with the agency Artists & Representatives, signaling his continued interest in new roles and projects in the entertainment industry.
The Real Reasons Behind the MacGyver Reboot Cancellation
The cancellation of the *MacGyver* reboot in 2021, after a solid five-season run, surprised many fans, especially since the show maintained respectable viewership numbers. However, the decision by CBS was a result of a combination of factors, not just a single issue.
The Showrunner Controversy and Toxic Environment
A major underlying entity in the cancellation was the firing of show creator and executive producer Peter Lenkov in 2020. Lenkov was dismissed following an internal investigation into allegations of a toxic work environment on the sets of both *MacGyver* and *Magnum P.I.* This significant change in leadership undoubtedly destabilized the production, even though the show continued for another season.
Low Ratings and Financial Reasons
While the show was not a massive hit, it was a dependable performer for CBS. However, by its fifth season, its average weekly viewing figures had dipped to just under 5 million, a metric that network television often uses to justify renewal decisions. Furthermore, actor Justin Hires publicly stated that CBS cited "financial reasons" as a factor in the decision, suggesting that the cost of production relative to the ratings was no longer favorable to the network.
The End of an Era
Despite the end of the 2016 iteration, the *MacGyver* franchise remains a powerful entity in pop culture. The show’s cancellation has only fueled fan speculation about a potential third version or a reunion movie, especially given the current, active careers of its talented cast members. The legacy of using a Swiss Army knife and duct tape to save the day continues to inspire a new generation of viewers.
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