Todd Stashwick Reflects on 12 Monkeys Legacy
Actor revisits the series that turned his brief guest role into a career-defining journey.
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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Todd Stashwick, who portrayed Oliver in Syfy’s time-travel thriller 12 Monkeys, recently took fans on a journey back in time. In a heartfelt #TBT Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ83fl3tuAm/), he reminded viewers what made the show such a defining chapter in his career. Initially signed on for just two episodes, Stashwick ended up as a series regular—and that change, he says, “changed everything.”
From Guest Star To Series Regular
Stashwick’s post underlines a rare Hollywood turn of events. “I was brought on initially as basically a two episode guest star,” he wrote. “It turned into a series regular job that changed my life.” The five-season run of 12 Monkeys not only extended his screen time but raised his profile across genre and mainstream audiences. He notes there was “my career before 12 Monkeys, and then there was my career after.”
A Gloriously Challenging Role
The actor didn’t mince words about the demands of the production. “It was a gloriously challenging job,” he recalled, pushing him harder than any role before. Stashwick praised the writing and directing team for layering complexity into the show’s central mystery, which explores time loops, dystopian futures and human resilience. He added that its rewards—both creative and professional—were unmatched in his two decades on screen.
Memories Beyond Filming
Beyond the shooting schedule, Stashwick emphasized the off-set experiences that bonded the cast and crew. “The conventions, the travel, the dinners, and most importantly the friendships,” he wrote, have left indelible marks. From Comic-Con panels to small-town fan events, he said the series’ global fan base turned every appearance into a celebration. “It has taken me to places I could never have anticipated,” he noted.
A Fan’s Circle: Scavking Tribute
The 12 Monkeys community keeps growing. In a related Instagram clip from earlier this year (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJjcvjWNn15/), Stashwick shared a photo of a miniature ScavKing-themed gift from friend Tiffany Smith. He captioned it, “Isn’t it gorgeous? A wee dram fit for a ScavKing. #12Monkeys.” The gesture underlines how the show’s sci-fi lore resonates not just with viewers but with everyone who helped bring it to life.
Stashwick also gave a nod to co-star Katee Sackhoff, pointing readers to a Terry Matalas interview with “@therealkateesackhoff,” which sparked his trip down memory lane. His gratitude extends to the showrunners, fellow actors and post-production teams who crafted a story that balanced high-stakes drama with heartfelt character work.
For those who haven’t yet boarded the time-travel ride, Stashwick issues a friendly challenge: “Get to it!” He describes 12 Monkeys as “rare science fiction at its best” and vows he “will never stop talking about this show.”
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a newcomer curious about top-tier genre television, his reflections offer a window into why 12 Monkeys still resonates. It remains a landmark in Stashwick’s repertoire—a turning point that redefined his trajectory and cemented his place among the genre’s most memorable characters.
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