Michael Garrett Shanks ( b. December 15 1970 , Vancouver , British Columbia ) is a Canadian actor . He became famous for his role as Dr. Daniel Jackson on the television series Stargate SG-1 . Michael Garrett Shanks ( born December 15 , 1970 ) is a Canadian actor who achieved fame for his role as Dr. Daniel Jackson on the long-running science fiction television series Stargate SG-1 .