Biography
An accomplished character performer who also excelled in leading roles, actor Dennis Haysbert quietly amassed a long résumé that included a wide array of television and movies that often benefited greatly from his assured presence. After getting his start as a guest star and eventually regular player on episodic television, Haysbert delivered a memorable performance as a Cuban baseball player who practices voodoo and is unable to hit a curveball in the hit comedy "Major League" (1989), a role he reprised in its two sequels. More supporting parts in big movies like "Heat" (1995) and "Absolute Power" (1997) preceded arguably his most recognized character, playing the President of the United States on the hit series "24" (Fox, 2001-2010). While on the show, Haysbert was hailed for his performance as a compassionate gardener who strikes up a too-close-for-comfort relationship with a 1950s white woman in "Far From Heaven" (2002). After leaving "24," Haysbert returned to the small screen for a starring role on "The Unit" (CBS, 2006-09), while serving as the spokesman for Allstate insurance - all of which underscored the actor's unique ability to bring a calming assurance and comfortable presence to just about any project he chose.
