Should Barack Obama go on to be the first African-American president in the history of the United States, he’d better thank Dennis Haysbert, who opened the door for a black president (and helped us forget about Morgan Freeman in Deep Impact) with his portrayal of the decisive, dignified President David Palmer on Fox’s 24:
“If anything, my portrayal of David Palmer, I think, may have helped open the eyes of the American people…
“And I mean the American people from across the board — from the poorest to the richest, every color and creed, every religious base — to prove the possibility there could be an African-American president, a female president, any type of president that puts the people first.”
Haysbert went on:
“I also believe that my portrayal of Pedro Cerrano in the film Major League helped pave the way for Latin Americans to play baseball, even if they sacrifice livestock in the locker room and can’t hit curveballs until the big final game.”
“Furthermore, I believe that my role as the gardener in Far From Heaven who Julianne Moore falls in love with helped open the door for actual African-American domestic laborers to conduct affairs with their employers, even if they are ultimately rejected by a really colorful fifties society.”
“Additionally, my Allstate commercials have helped pave the way for African-Americans to acquire Allstate insurance. Could they acquire it before my commercials? I don’t suppose we’ll ever know. You’re welcome, everyone.”
“I’m also really hoping that my upcoming 2009 film, Vanilla Gorilla, paves the way for whatever the hell the movie is about. Gorillas who love ice cream? Man, I hope so.”
