Dennis Haysbert Biography: Wife, Children, Awards, Height, Parents, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Movies

Dennis Dexter Haysbert, fondly known as Dennis Haysbert, is an American actor, voice actor, and producer known for his commanding roles in 24, The Unit, and Major League, as well as his iconic voice in Allstate Insurance commercials.

Profile

• Full Name: Dennis Dexter Haysbert
• Stage Name: Dennis Haysbert
• Born: June 2, 1954
• Age: 71 years old
• Birthplace: San Mateo, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor, Producer
• Height: 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm)
• Religion: Baptist
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Haysbert
• Siblings: Charles Haysbert Jr., Rita Haysbert, Lenier Haysbert, Stanley Haysbert, Adam Haysbert, Al Haysbert, Jeannette Haysbert, Allen Haysbert
• Spouse: Lynn Griffith and Elena Simms
• Children: Charles Haysbert, Katharine Haysbert
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $14 million to $25 million

Early Life

Dennis Haysbert was born on June 2, 1954, in San Mateo, California, a sunny coastal town that shaped his grounded upbringing. He was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Haysbert. His father worked as a deputy sheriff and airline security guard, while his mother was a homemaker and part-time house cleaner.

As the eighth of nine children, Dennis grew up with six brothers—Charles Jr., Lenier, Stanley, Adam, Al, and Allen—and two sisters, Rita and Jeannette. His ethnicity is African-American, and he was raised in the Baptist faith, which gave him a strong sense of community and values.

Born with a heart defect, Dennis couldn’t play sports as a young child, so he acted out games with his siblings, sparking his love for performing. By high school, his condition had improved, allowing him to excel in basketball and football, but his heart was set on acting. Inspired by his brother Charles Jr.’s advice before passing from cancer in 1974, Dennis chased his dream with determination, proud to represent his family and heritage.

Education

Dennis Haysbert attended San Mateo High School, where he played football and graduated in 1972. His towering height of 6 feet 5 inches earned him athletic scholarships, but he chose acting over sports. He enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, California, graduating around 1977.

Career

Dennis Haysbert began acting in 1978 with guest roles on TV shows like The White Shadow and Lou Grant. His deep voice and strong presence quickly stood out. In 1989, he gained fame as Pedro Cerrano, a voodoo-practicing baseball player in the comedy Major League, a role he reprised in the 1994 and 1998 sequels.

He starred alongside Charlie Sheen and Michelle Pfeiffer in films such as Navy SEALs (1990) and Love Field (1992), demonstrating his range in action and drama. His most significant break came in 2001 as President David Palmer in 24, becoming the first African-American to play a U.S. president on a primetime series.

His powerful performance earned him global recognition and inspired many, including Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, as Dennis himself noted. From 2006 to 2009, he led The Unit as Sergeant Major Jonas Blane, portraying a tough yet caring soldier.

Dennis also voiced characters in films like Wreck-It Ralph (2012) and played Nelson Mandela in Goodbye Bafana (2007). Since 2003, he’s been the trusted voice of Allstate Insurance commercials, adding to his iconic status. His work reflects his pride in breaking barriers and representing America’s diversity.

Awards & Nominations

• Saturn Award: Best Genre TV Supporting Actor (Now and Again, 2000) – Won
• Golden Satellite Award: Best Supporting Actor, Drama (Far from Heaven, 2003) – Won
• Black Reel Award: Best Supporting Actor, Theatrical (Far from Heaven, 2003) – Won
• Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Award: Best Supporting Actor (Far from Heaven, 2002) – Won
• BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award: Best Vocal Ensemble (Wreck-It Ralph, 2013) – Won
• Golden Globe Award: Best Supporting Actor, Series/Miniseries/TV Movie (24, 2003) – Nominated
• NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (24, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) – Nominated
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series (24, 2003, 2005) – Nominated
• Golden Satellite Award: Best Actor in a Drama Series (Now and Again, 2001) – Nominated

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @dennishaysbert
• Facebook: @idhaysbert

Personal Life

Dennis Haysbert, 71, is single and lives in California, where he enjoys a quiet life focused on his passions. Standing 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm), he has a tall, muscular build and a deep voice, making him a striking figure. He was married to Elena Simms from 1980 to 1984, and later to actress Lynn Griffith from 1989 to 2001.

With Lynn, he has two children, Charles and Katharine, whom he loves dearly and keeps out of the spotlight. Dennis is a certified deep-sea diver, a skilled painter whose work has been shown in galleries, and a licensed pilot who enjoys flying. He’s passionate about giving back, supporting charities for veterans and children.

His love for golf and cooking keeps him grounded, and he shares fun moments with fans on social media, like reminiscing about Major League on X. As a proud American, Dennis values his roots and inspires others with his journey from a small-town kid to a Hollywood icon.

Net Worth

Dennis Haysbert’s estimated net Worth is between $14 million and $25 million. His wealth comes from a long career in film, TV, and voice acting, including significant roles in 24, The Unit, and Major League. His work as Allstate’s spokesperson since 2003, earning an estimated $1 million annually, has also boosted his income. Additional earnings come from royalties, sponsorships, and his artwork. His success shows the rewards of hard work and talent, making him a respected figure in American entertainment.

Filmography:

• Major League (1989) – Pedro Cerrano
• Navy SEALs (1990) – Chief Billy Graham
• Love Field (1992) – Paul Cater
• Mr. Baseball (1992) – Max “Hammer” Dubois
• Heat (1995) – Donald Breedan
• Absolute Power (1997) – Tim Collin
• The Thirteenth Floor (1999) – Detective Larry McBain
• Far from Heaven (2002) – Raymond Deagan
• Jarhead (2005) – Major Lincoln
• Goodbye Bafana (2007) – Nelson Mandela
• Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) – Ox (voice)
• Wreck-It Ralph (2012) – General Hologram (voice)
• Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014) – Manute
• Dear White People (2014) – Dean Fairbanks
• Dead Rising: Watchtower (2015) – General Lyons
• Secret Obsession (2019) – Detective Frank Page
• 24 (2001–2006) – David Palmer
• The Unit (2006–2009) – Jonas Blane
• Incorporated (2016–2017) – Julian
• Lucifer (2020) – God