TV Tattler: Celebrity Interviews

Related Links 'The Unit' Listings More About Dennis Haysbert

April 10 -- Dennis Haysbert is a man who commands respect.

As the upstanding President Palmer on the Fox thriller '24,' Haysbert became known for his authoritative on-screen persona.

So '24' fans were understandably shocked to witness Palmer's assassination during the show’s season premiere. Fortunately, Haysbert has returned in the CBS military drama 'The Unit,' starring as the leader of an elite special forces team known as Delta Force.

While in Cannes promoting 'The Unit,' Haysbert spoke to AOL Television editor Geoff Bennett about his latest role, his disapproval of Palmer's untimely death, an upcoming portrayal of Nelson Mandela and a shameless devotion to 'Battlestar Galactica.'

How does it feel to have earned the distinction of being one of America's favorite TV presidents?
It's great validation of what I've been working toward my entire career. I've never been as successful and as happy as I am now with my work and with getting work. I've had other jobs that were really good but didn't seem to lead to anything, you know? So it's pretty gratifying. I just pray it continues.

You’ve said before that you at first resisted the move to kill off the character of President David Palmer. What concerned you?
First of all, let me say that my hat goes off to ['24' executive producers] Bob Cochran and Joel Surnow and all the guys [who] are connected with '24' for giving me the opportunity. Having said that, I think it was a mistake to kill this character off.

How so?
It buys into the legacy of the country. Every charismatic, wonderful leader we've ever had -- they've shot him. And we could've broken that legacy by letting David Palmer live on. And also it gives the show somewhere to go.

How do you think it has affected the show?
Look at [the character of] Jack now. Jack has no one of any great power to fall back on. He has help here and there but no one [who] can really help him substantially in the ways that he would need it. Sure he has [Secret Service agent] Aaron Pierce now, but he isn't David Palmer.

So you are still following the show, then?
Oh yeah! I have a great many friends [who] are still involved in the show, and I have to follow it because I love those guys -- in front of the camera and behind. So there are a great many people there [who] I enjoy and love, and I will continue to support them.

How is it that you have managed to consistently play characters who are in positions of authority?
I don’t know how I can answer that and stay kind of ego neutral. (Laughs.) I can play a lot of different characters, and I can probably play really bad guys. But it just seems to be a niche role for me. But, you know, it’s not limited to playing political characters.

Right. Like your character, Jonas Blane, in 'The Unit.'
The character is really charismatic and a leader and strong and he's a warrior. He'll blow you away.

Is that what drew you to the role?
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, great men's man 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.

What kind of research have you done for it?
Eric Haney, who wrote the book 'Inside Delta Force,' on which the show is based, is not only our technical adviser, but he's also one of our producers. And he's a 12-year veteran and founding member of Delta Force. So he was one of the first guys going out to do what we do in the show.

But most of their operations are covert, right?
We can only do about 5 percent of what they actually do. We can only show you that much. And still, that 5 percent is more than any other show has ever come through with.

How do you feel about the relevance of 'The Unit' with American soldiers currently fighting overseas?
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.

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