David Palffy is a Canadian film and television actor of Welsh-Hungarian descent.
He is best known for portraying the powerful Goa’uld villains Sokar and Anubis on the long-running series Stargate SG-1.
With a background in classical theatre training and appearances in both European and North American productions, he has built a career spanning film, television, stage, writing, and directing.
| David Palffy | |
|---|---|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Name: | David Palffy |
| Born: | March 5, 1969 (age 57 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Canada |
| Nationality: | Canadian |
| Height: | 1.82 m |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Palffy |
| Siblings: | Jeff Palffy |
| Spouse: | Erica Durance (m. ?—?) |
| Children: | David Laszlo Palffy, Liam Jeffrey Palffy, Lochlan William Palffy |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Net Worth: | $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education
David Palffy was born on March 5, 1969, in Canada to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Palffy. He has one publicly known sibling, his brother Jeff Palffy.
He pursued higher education at the University of Calgary, where he studied law and earned an LLB, and he also spent time at Harvard University.
He later left law and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. He is Welsh-Hungarian and Christian.
Career
David Palffy began his professional path after completing classical training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, performing in notable stage productions including A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Oberon, Richard III, Miss Julie, and Speed-the-Plow.
While living in London, he appeared uncredited in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. He then took the lead role in the Dutch war series De zomer van ’45 and worked with the National Theatre Company before returning to Canada and the United States.
His screen career expanded with guest and recurring roles on series such as The X-Files, First Wave, Cold Squad, Blade: The Series, and Andromeda.
He gained particular recognition for playing the formidable Goa’uld antagonists Sokar and Anubis on Stargate SG-1 across multiple seasons.
Additional film credits include House of the Dead and various independent and television movies. Beyond acting, he founded the Yaletown Actors Lab in Vancouver, where he taught and directed.
He later worked as a writer, producer, and director on projects including the 2023 short film Deuteronomy. He has also pursued design and renovation of luxury homes in Vancouver.
Palffy’s body of work reflects a versatile performer who moved fluidly between classical theatre, international television, science-fiction roles, and behind-the-camera contributions, maintaining a steady presence in the Canadian and North American entertainment industries for more than three decades.
Personal Life
David Palffy married actress Erica Durance in 2005; they divorced in 2024. The couple share two sons, Lochlan William Palffy and Liam Jeffrey Palffy.
He also has an older son, David Laszlo Palffy, from a previous relationship. After his marriage ended, he has remained single.
Filmography
- Full Metal Jacket (1987)
- De zomer van ’45 (1991)
- Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007)
- House of the Dead (2003)
- Blade: The Series (2006)
- The Building (2009)
- Fatal Performance (2013)
- Deuteronomy (2023)
Net Worth
David Palffy has an estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 million, built through decades of work as a film and television actor, stage performer, writer, director, and acting coach.
Additional income has come from luxury home design and renovation projects in Vancouver.