Dennis Haysbert (June 2, 1954) is an African-American actor perhaps best known as the character David Palmer from the American television show 24.

Haysbert has been acting in film and teelvision since 1979, with a guest role in The White Shadow .

His television guest starring roles include Laverne & Shirley, The A-Team, Magnum, P.I., and Duckman.

On film, Haysbert has appeared in Absolute Power, Random Hearts and Far From Heaven among others.

In 1999, Haysbert starred with Eric Close in Now and Again, which was cancelled after its first season.

In 2001, Haysbert became well known when he was cast in 24 playing the African-American Senator (later President) David Palmer. Over the course of the first season - with 24 episodes taking place over one "day" - Palmer was the recipient of an assassination threat, while also dealing with his manipulative wife Sherry (Penny Johnson Jerald). In the second and third seasons, Palmer was President of the United States. However in the third season, his morality - which was the focus of his campaign and subsequent presidency - had to be put aside to deal with both professional and personal problems, and ultimately was forced to drop out of the race for re-election, giving victory to John Keeler (Geoff Pierson ).

Haysbert is expected to return to 24 for its last 6 episodes of the fourth season, which will air in April and May. It is unknown how he will be involved in the storyline, but some speculate it will link to the current threat on President Keeler.

In addition to television and film acting, Haysbert has also done voice work for various video games, most notably Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow and Call of Duty: Finest Hour.

Currently, Haysbert is the official spokesman for Allstate Insurance company.

Selected filmography

• Major League (1989)
• Navy SEALS (1990)
• Mr. Baseball (1992)
• Major League II (1994)
• Heat (1995)
• Waiting to Exhale (1995)
• Absolute Power (1997)
• Random Hearts (1999)
• 24

External links