Have you ever watched an episode of "Battlestar Galactica" and thought, "Hey, I know that guy!" but can't quite place his name when Doc Cottle appears steps in front of the camera? If so, you're not alone. And actor Donnelly Rhodes is perfectly happy with that level of anonymity.

"I consider myself a journeyman actor," Rhodes told the Vancouver Sun. "I've never liked to categorize actors as movie stars, TV actors and stage actors. Actors don't particularly like that, speaking as an actor myself."

The Canadian actor, who has a string of credits to his name ranging from family-oriented shows like "Danger Bay" to solid genre winners including "Smallville" and "Battlestar Galactica," is due to collect a Sam Payne Award for Lifetime Achievement. Actress Babz Chula also is being recognized for her humanity, artistic merit and encouragement of new talent within the Canadian filming industry.

In his youth, Rhodes sought work in Los Angeles due to its status as the hub of all large-scale productions, but later moved to Vancouver, British Columbia as this allowed him to work and also remain close to home. And in all of his experience he has come to understand that, as an actor, he is just one part of a much larger entity. He has even suggested that the greatest award any actor could be given is the "best actor in a lousy script" ... it's doubtful that the Motion Picture Association of America will ever introduce such an honor.

Acting is "not just a collaboration between cast members but a collaboration between the entire production company, the crew, everyone," he said. "They bring their own energy, and when everybody is doing that, it makes it easier on everyone. It's about respect, about making the other actor look good."

His character on "Battlestar Galactica" was created out of such a situation. Doc Cottle was put together on the fly as the writers needed him following his initial one-episode contract. According to Rhodes, Cottle started to form his own personality through his defiant act of smoking in almost every scene -- even during surgery -- which became part of his trademark.

And even through the smoking, Rhodes confirmed that Cottle will survive the series finale when it airs on March 20.

"Battlestar Galactica" airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on SciFi Channel.