Joe Flanigan

Actor Joe Flannigan is very familiar to fans of the popular sci-fi television program "Stargate Atlantis," having appeared in all 100 of the show's episodes as the lead character, Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. Flanigan initially pursued a writing career before switching to acting in the early 1990s. Small roles in such television movies as the Danielle Steel adaptation "Family Album" soon followed, as well as a multi-episode stint on the family drama "Sisters." Additional one-shot television appearances followed, as well as a handful of small recurring roles before he landed the role of Lt. Colonel Sheppard on "Stargate Atlantis," the equally popular sequel to the cult favorite science fiction series "Stargate SG1." In addition to acting on "Stargate Atlantis," Flanigan also managed to put some of his writing talents to use on the show, serving as the writer of the 2005 episode "Epiphany" and 2008's "Outcast." Flanigan also appeared in guest roles on a variety of other television series during and after the run of "Stargate Atlantis."