When fans think of memorable villains in science fiction television, one name that often comes up for Stargate SG‑1 viewers is David Palffy. He isn’t a household name like some Hollywood stars, but in genre TV circles and among long‑running sci‑fi franchises, Palffy has carved out a distinctive niche. Whether playing imposing alien lords or navigating the ups and downs of life off-screen, his journey reflects both creative ambition and personal resilience.
In this profile, we’ll explore who David Palffy is, how he built his career, what people often search about him — including his age, background, and family — and what makes his story interesting without exaggeration or rumor.
David Palffy – Quick Facts & Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Palffy |
| Birth Date | March 5, 1969 |
| Age | 56 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Welsh & Hungarian descent |
| Height | ~6′0″ (1.83 m) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Famous Roles | Anubis and Sokar (Stargate SG-1), Castillo Serrano (House of the Dead), Caleb Reece (Need for Speed: Underground 2) |
| Notable TV Shows | Stargate SG-1, The X-Files, First Wave, Blade: The Series, Andromeda |
| Spouse | Erica Durance (married 2005 – divorced 2024) |
| Children | 3 sons: David Laszlo Palffy, Lochlan William Palffy, Liam Jeffrey Palffy |
| Net Worth | Approx. $800,000 – $1.3 million |
| Education | University of Calgary (Law studies), Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Drama) |
Early Life, Background, and What Shaped Him
A Canadian With Diverse Roots
David Palffy was born on March 5, 1969, in Canada and is 56 years old as of 2025. He has a mixed background of Welsh and Hungarian descent, reflecting a multicultural family heritage.
Growing up in Canada, Palffy initially studied law at the University of Calgary, a path quite different from acting. However, a shift in passion led him to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, a prestigious school for actors. That choice set him on a path from legal textbooks to scripts and stage performances.
Size, Looks, and Presence
Standing around 6 feet (1.83 m) tall, Palffy has a commanding physical presence that casting directors often select for intense roles on screen. He’s described as having a bald head and sharp features — traits that helped him stand out in genre productions.
Career Highlights — From Sci‑Fi Villains to Guest Appearances
When people search “David Palffy Stargate” or “David Palffy Anubis,” they’re referring to the role that many fans regard as his signature work: the powerful Goa’uld villain Anubis on Stargate SG‑1. In that series, Palffy played Anubis as well as another antagonist named Sokar. Those characters became memorable because of their lasting impact on the show’s mythology, with Anubis in particular recurring across multiple seasons.
While Stargate SG‑1 is his most recognized credit, Palffy’s acting résumé includes other TV shows too. He appeared in episodes of:
- The X‑Files
- First Wave
- Blade: The Series
- Andromeda
He’s also crossed over into film roles, including playing Castillo Serrano in House of the Dead, a movie adaptation of a popular video game. Additionally, he lent his voice to the racing video game Need for Speed: Underground 2 as antagonist Caleb Reece.
Though Palffy’s roles are concentrated in genre and television work rather than blockbuster headliners, he’s demonstrated range — going from science fiction to horror and action — in a career that has spanned more than two decades.
Personal Life, Family, and the People Closest to Him
Marriage, Children, and Milestones
David Palffy was married to Canadian actress Erica Durance, best known for her role as Lois Lane on Smallville. The pair married on January 8, 2005, and their marriage lasted nearly two decades before they divorced in 2024.
Together, they share two sons:
- Lochlan William Palffy (born February 10, 2015)
- Liam Jeffrey Palffy (born December 7, 2016)
In addition, Palffy has an older son, David Laszlo Palffy, from a previous relationship, born on March 29, 1999. This means he balanced life as a stepfather long before his marriage to Durance — a role she embraced during their years together.
Family life for actors can sometimes feel like part of a TV plot — juggling schedules, public attention, and privacy. But in public mentions, Palffy and Durance generally kept personal details grounded and focused on their roles as parents. That quiet focus often resonates more authentically with audiences than gossip or sensational headlines.
What Life Off Screen Looks Like
Actors often pivot to teaching, coaching, or creative production behind the camera, and Palffy has been involved in some of these endeavors. For example, he founded the Yaletown Actors Lab, a training environment for performers looking to refine their skills and navigate an often challenging industry.
Where Money Comes In — Net Worth and Career Value
Talking about an actor’s net worth can be tricky because public numbers are often approximations. For David Palffy, estimates mostly fall in a range between about $800,000 and $1.3 million. These figures reflect earnings from acting, guest roles, voice work, and other creative ventures across film and television.
To put that into context, think of a professional who steadily works in a specialized niche — like a seasoned engineer or consultant who builds a solid career without ever becoming a corporate CEO. Their income can support a comfortable life and creative freedom without necessarily matching celebrity paychecks. That’s a bit like Palffy’s situation: respected and successful in his field, even though he isn’t among the highest-paid actors in mainstream media.
Why David Palffy Matters to Fans and Viewers
You might wonder why an actor like Palffy — who isn’t world-famous — still draws searches and attention. The answer lies in how people connect with long-running shows and characters that stick with them over years. When someone enjoys the way a villain shapes a story, or when they revisit episodes of a favorite show like Stargate, the actors behind those performances naturally become part of the conversation.
For many, Palffy’s work represents a specific era of television — one where science fiction shows built loyal followings and durable fictional worlds. His performances helped bring those worlds to life in a way that stayed with audiences.
Even if he isn’t the lead on every poster, there’s a respect that comes from consistency, craft, and a solid body of work across decades — traits that matter to both fans and colleagues alike.
Conclusion
David Palffy’s story isn’t about overnight fame or headline stardom. It’s about a Canadian actor with roots in law school and theater training who found his place in genre television and carried memorable roles through long-running franchises. He’s balanced work behind and in front of the camera, maintained a family life that endured for years, and built a career that resonates with fans of shows like Stargate SG‑1.
In the bigger picture, his path offers a reminder that success in creative fields can come in many forms: steady, respected, and shaped by dedication rather than tabloid buzz. For readers on Vista News, that kind of grounded storytelling reveals as much about human experience as it does about any specific personality.
Frequently Asked Questions About David Palffy
1. Who is David Palffy?
David Palffy is a Canadian actor best known for his roles in science fiction television, including playing Anubis and Sokar on Stargate SG‑1. He has also appeared in shows like The X-Files and Andromeda.
2. How old is David Palffy?
He was born on March 5, 1969, making him 56 years old as of 2025.
3. What is David Palffy’s net worth?
Estimates of his net worth range from $800,000 to $1.3 million, earned from acting, voice work, and other creative projects over his career.
4. Who is David Palffy married to, and does he have children?
David Palffy was married to Canadian actress Erica Durance from 2005 to 2024. He has three sons: David Laszlo Palffy, Lochlan William Palffy, and Liam Jeffrey Palffy.
5. What are some notable roles and TV shows of David Palffy?
He is best known for Stargate SG‑1 (Anubis, Sokar) and also appeared in The X-Files, First Wave, Blade: The Series, Andromeda, and House of the Dead.
