Dennis Haysbert has played several roles that made him appreciate and gain a better understanding of patriotism and what serving one's country is all about. But among the characters he has portrayed, which includes
24's President David Palmer, his part on
The Unit is what he considers most identifiable with American soldiers currently fighting overseas.
Haysbert, a 53-year-old actor, is currently playing Jonas “Snake Doctor” Blane, the Alpha Team's Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge on CBS'
The Unit. On the show, he is often deployed, along with his squad, to execute covert assignments intended to counter terrorism.
“I think it has a great relevance. First, I think it helps the public feel safer when they go to sleep. Secondly, I think it helps the public understand what our elite troops have to go through. And, also to bring it home to the public that they have families, and yet they go out and protect our way of life, so we should take care of how they're deployed. That goes for every soldier carrying a weapon and happens to be in Iraq or any other dangerous part of the world right now,” Haysbert told AOL.
Haysbert also takes pride in depicting his character, Jonas, who possesses many positive attributes.
“What drew me to the role initially is that it was going to be action-oriented. What I got, which is a blessing, is a sympathetic, charismatic… and friend. This guy is everything. He is a father, he's a husband, he's a leader, he's a friend, he's a warrior and he's compassionate,” he said. “The character is really charismatic and a leader and strong and he's a warrior. He'll blow you away.”
Based on show producer Eric Haney's book,
Inside Delta Force,
The Unit is an action-drama series created by David Mamet. It centers on a top-secret special forces team and their mission abroad, as well as the impact of their careers on their personal lives. Aside from Haysbert, the cast includes
Regina Taylor (Molly Blane),
Scott Foley (Staff Sergeant Bob Brown),
Audrey Marie Anderson (Kim Brown),
Max Martini (Master Sergeant Mack Gerhardt),
Michael Irby (Charles Grey),
Robert Patrick (Colonel Tom Ryan) and
Demore Barnes (Sergeant First Class Hector Williams).
Catch Dennis Haysbert and the rest of his team on
The Unit, which premieres on September 25 on CBS.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: AOL
(Image courtesy of CBS)