"Dirk Benedict"---Space & Action Hero From The 70's & 80's!

Dirk Benedict, film & television star, made his first big splash when he landed the role of Lieutenant "Starbuck" for the television pilot (which was also released theatrically) and subsequent TV series---"Battlestar Galactica" (the original version: 1978-79).Starbuck was a deep-space fighter pilot, who was a frequent gambler, sometimes con artist and avid 'ladies man'; usually juggling relationships with two lovely ladies; Cassiopeia & Athena (played by Laurette Spang & Maren Jensen, as seen in the top photo above). He was an expert 'Viper' pilot, who was basically the wilder one of the bunch. Although the big-budget show didn't last too long, Dirk achieved an honored place in 'Sci-Fi' TV history for his role as Starbuck. A hit revival series of "Battlestar Galactica" (with a different cast) arrived in the 2000's. The role of Starbuck was now a woman, played by Katee Sackhoff.

For the next few years, Dirk appeared in several minor movie roles. In 1982, his TV acting career took off like a rocket, again! Dirk was cast in the role of Lieutenant (again!) Templeton "Face" Peck on the hit action series "The A-Team". The show had a fantastic ensemble cast which included---George Peppard as "Hannibal" Smith; Mr. T as B.A. Baracus; and Dwight Schultz as "Howling Mad" Murdock (as seen in the bottom photo). "Faceman" (Dirk Benedict) was the team con-man, who was also very mechanically-inclined (on manufacturing special weapons & vehicles to fight the bad guys; usually on extremely short notice); and he was always the one sent to deal with and charm the ladies. The cast played off each other well, amid all the action, wrecked cars, and explosions.The show lasted for 5 seasons. Dirk even made a cameo in "The A-Team" movie (2010), which featured a different cast. "Face" was played by Bradley Cooper in the movie.

Although Dirk has been in a number of movie, TV & stage appearances; the roles he will always be best remembered for, are "Starbuck" & "Faceman"!

I got the privilege of talking with him and getting his autograph at the "Emerald City Comicon" (held in Seattle, WA), earlier this year!

Thanks Dirk, for the enjoyment of watching you perform these 2 fantastic roles (along with so many others)!!!