Dennis Haysbert, Narrator

Born on June 2, 1954 in San Mateo, CA, Dennis Haysbert was raised by his father, Charles, a sheriff’s deputy, and his mother, Gladys, a homemaker.

Though his large frame and height made him a natural for a variety of sports and led to athletic scholarship offers, Dennis instead chose to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

His professional career began in episodic television via appearances on such popular shows as “Lou Grant” (CBS, 1977-1982), “Laverne & Shirley” (ABC, 1976-1983), “Dallas” (CBS, 1978-1991), and “Magnum, P.I.” (CBS, 1980-1988). He soon advanced to regular and recurring roles on several series, including “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” (NBC, 1979-1981), “Code Red” (ABC, 1981-82), and the short-lived sitcom “Off the Rack” (ABC, 1984-85).

Following episodes of “Growing Pains” (ABC, 1985-1992), Haysbert made an indelible impression in his feature debut, “Major League” (1989), followed by  ”Navy SEALs” (1990). In “Mr. Baseball” (1992), he was the teammate of an arrogant, but washed-up Major League baseball player (Tom Selleck), which earned him his big break and selection to star in the civil rights drama “Love Field” (1992).

Beginning in 1995, Dennis landed key supporting roles in prominent features, such as “Heat” (1995), and “Waiting to Exhale” (1995). Meanwhile, strong performances in “The Thirteenth Floor” (1999), “The Minus Man” (1999), and “Random Hearts” (1999), raised his profile and solidified his image as a dependable actor with a commanding screen presence, which allowed him to soon become the President of the United States in “24″ (2001-2010).

After leaving “24″, Dennis enjoyed a thriving side career as a notable voice actor and narrator for documentaries, commercials, animated projects, and video games. He also enjoyed a long stint as the official spokesman for Allstate Insurance Company where he met his now friend and Allstate agent, Wilbert Smith. The two collaborated with veteran Hollywood director Brett Leonard to film the award-winning, life-story entitled “Hole In The Head: A Life Revealed” (2011), which Haysbert eloquently narrates.