Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert
Haysbert in March 2015
Born	Dennis Dexter Haysbert (1954-06-02) June 2, 1954 (age 62) San Mateo, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1978–present
Spouse(s)	Elena Simms (1980–1984) Lynn Griffith (1989–2001)
Children	2

Dennis Dexter Haysbert (born June 2, 1954) is an American film and television actor. He is best known for his appearances in commercials for Allstate Insurance. He is also known for portraying baseball player Pedro Cerrano in the Major League film trilogy, Secret Service Agent Tim Collin in the 1997 political thriller film Absolute Power, and Sergeant Major Jonas Blane on the drama series The Unit. He is also known for playing U.S. Senator (later President) David Palmer on the first 5 seasons of 24 and has appeared in the films Love Field, Heat and Far from Heaven. As of late autumn 2016, Haysbert co-stars in the science fiction series Incorporated.

Haysbert was born in San Mateo, California, the son of Gladys (née Minor), a homemaker and house cleaner, and Charles Whitney Haysbert, Sr., a deputy sheriff and airline security guard. He is the eighth of nine children, having two sisters and six brothers. His parents were from Louisiana. Haysbert was raised Baptist.

Haysbert graduated from San Mateo High School in 1972. After high school, being 6 ft 5 in tall, he was offered athletic scholarships but instead chose to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Haysbert is a twice divorced father of two. He announced in April 2009 that he was starting a TV, film, and documentary production company. His first project was to be a documentary for HBO about an up-and-coming boxer. During the 2010 California elections, Haysbert supported Democratic Senatorial incumbent Barbara Boxer by appearing with her at campaign events, as well as recording radio commercials.