Dennis Haysbert was born on June 2, 1954 in San Mateo, California. In high school, he measured 6'4" tall and was offered many athletic scholarships. Despite this opportunity, he opted to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He got his first break by appearing as a guest on the television show The White Shadow. Other television credits included Magnum P.I., The A-Team and Duckman. Later, he was included in movies such as Random Hearts, Absolute Power and Far From Heaven. Moreover, he became part of the popular series 24 as David Palmer. Currently, Dennis is playing Jonas Blane on The Unit. David Palmer is the African-American senator who later became the president of the United States. He has an ex-wife named Sherry Palmer, a daughter Nicole Palmer and a son Keith Palmer. Eventually, he gets assassinated and is mourned by politicians and the nation.