Colin Cunningham
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Colin Cunningham – Life, Career, and Memorable Roles
Colin Cunningham (born August 20, 1966) is an American actor and director known for compelling roles in Falling Skies, Stargate SG-1, Da Vinci’s Inquest, and Blood Drive. Explore his early life, career trajectory, creative works, and lessons from his journey.
Introduction
Colin Cunningham is an American television and film actor, director, and producer whose versatile presence has made him a familiar face in science fiction, crime drama, and genre television. He’s best known for playing John Pope on Falling Skies and Major Paul Davis in Stargate SG-1. Over his career, he has expanded into directing, producing short films, and pursuing music.
In this article, we trace his background, career highlights, creative projects, and what aspiring actors might learn from his path.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Colin Alexander Cunningham
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Date of Birth: August 20, 1966
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Place of Birth: Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
His parents are noted as Kay Cunningham and Willie John Hanna (birth name Bill Cunningham)
As a young man, Cunningham traveled extensively and explored different life directions before settling into acting.
A pivotal moment came when a friend dared him to audition for a public casting call; he did—and landed a role. That experience sparked his interest in acting.
He co-founded the Open Fist Theatre Company in his early career as a way to produce and perform theater.
Cunningham later attended Vancouver Film School, studying directing.
Career and Achievements
Early Career & Breakthroughs
Cunningham’s first screen appearances date to the mid-1990s. The X-Files, The Commish, The Marshal, The Sentinel, and The Outer Limits, gradually building his television résumé.
He also worked in theater and regional production early on, but his screen roles became more prominent over time.
Major Roles & Genre Television
One of his most enduring roles is Major Paul Davis on Stargate SG-1, a recurring character across 15 episodes.
Another key part came in the Canadian crime drama Da Vinci’s Inquest and its sequel Da Vinci’s City Hall, where he played detective Brian Curtis.
Cunningham’s defining international exposure came through John Pope in Steven Spielberg’s Falling Skies (2011–2015), in which he played a rogue survivor character amid an alien invasion.
He also starred as Julian Slink, the flamboyant ringmaster, in SyFy’s Blood Drive (2017).
In the more recent era, he had a role in Preacher (AMC) as TC in 2018.
Film & Independent Projects
Cunningham has appeared in feature films, including The 6th Day (as Tripp), Elektra (as McCabe), Best in Show, Antitrust, Stealing Sinatra, and others.
He also wrote, directed, and starred in the short film Centigrade, which earned acclaim and was short-listed for an Academy Award nomination consideration.
Cunningham has directed music videos (notably for Country Music Television, CMT) and engages in musical projects.
He plays tenor saxophone and is band leader for a funk/soul group named WHAT-THE-FUNK! formed in 2013.
Historical Milestones & Context
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His transition from guest/recurring TV roles to a lead role in Falling Skies marked his shift to larger genre audiences.
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Producing his own short film (Centigrade) and crossing into directing shows he’s not just an actor but a multi-hyphenate creator.
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His involvement in sci-fi series (Stargate, Falling Skies, Preacher) places him in a niche of actors strongly identified with genre television.
Legacy and Influence
Colin Cunningham’s legacy lies in his steady, reliable presence in television and genre storytelling. He’s a flexible performer who has sustained a career across decades without being typecast too narrowly.
He also demonstrates how actors can expand into directing, producing, and music, building multidimensional careers in the industry.
For fans of sci-fi and genre TV, his portrayal of morally complex and eccentric characters (e.g. Pope, Slink) makes him memorable.
Personality, Beliefs & Interests
While personal life details are less documented publicly, the following traits and interests emerge:
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He is musically inclined (saxophone, songwriting) and participates in performance beyond acting.
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He values creative control: forming a theatre company (Open Fist), making short films, directing videos.
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In interviews, he’s described a grounded approach to auditioning, sometimes not wanting knowledge of a project to influence his performance.
Memorable Quotes & Reflections
Cunningham is quoted in various sources with motivational comments. For instance, from his IMDb page:
“Be Bold. Impossible: Redefine It.” “The most valuable thing that anyone will ever give you is their time. Not their money.” “Don’t EVER give up … That little speck of light way off in the distance, don’t stop until you’re standing in it.”
These lines echo his tenacity and focus on perseverance.
Lessons from Colin Cunningham’s Journey
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Embrace flexibility
Rather than confining himself to one genre or medium, Cunningham has moved fluidly between TV, film, directing, and music. -
Create your own opportunities
By founding a theatre company and making short films, he didn’t wait for parts — he generated work for himself. -
Stay true to niche while growing
His presence in sci-fi and genre TV gave him a stable platform, even as he explored other roles. -
Perseverance over overnight success
His career is a model of building steadily over years, not banking on instant fame.
Conclusion
Colin Cunningham is more than just a supporting actor on sci-fi shows — he is a creative force who acts, directs, produces, and plays music. His career shows that longevity often comes from adaptability, diversified skills, and persistence.