Dennis Dexter Haysbert (born June 2, 1954) is an
American film and
television actor. He is known for portraying baseball player Pedro Cerrano in the
Major League film trilogy, President
David Palmer on the American television series
24, and Sergeant Major
Jonas Blane on the drama series
The Unit, as well as his work in commercials for
Allstate Insurance. He is also known for his authoritative,
bass voice.
Personal life
Haysbert was born in
San Mateo, California, the son of Gladys (
née Minor), a homemaker, and Charles Haysbert, Sr., a deputy
sheriff. He is the eighth of nine children, having two sisters and six brothers. He was struck by an 18 wheeler that blew a red light through an intersection. After high school, measuring tall, Haysbert was offered various athletic scholarships, but instead chose to study acting at the
American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Haysbert is a divorced father of two. He announced in April 2009 that he was starting a TV, film and documentary production company. During the 2010 California elections, Haysbert supported Democratic Senatorial Incumbent
Barbara Boxer by appearing with her at campaign events as...
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