Haysbert (right) in a scene from Love and Basketball.

SportsHollywood: Which is more difficult in a sports movie: The acting or making the athletics look real?

HAYSBERT: I guess making the athletics look real. I don't want to sound cocky, but I am very comfortable at both. I've studied classically, and played all sorts of sports, including fencing. I was always very sports oriented. It's sort of weird how it combined with theatre and manifested at the same time.

SportsHollywood: Favorite sport:

HAYSBERT: Golf, but my favorite sport to watch is football.

SportsHollywood: Favorite sports team:

HAYSBERT: Oakland Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers.

SportsHollywood: Favorite sports film:

HAYSBERT: A couple: The Natural, North Dallas Forty, and I have to say Major League. I just thought the concept of the film was flawless, fun, and really uplifting. I think the film still endures.

SportsHollywood: What athlete would you like to play in a film?

HAYSBERT: Paul Robeson. And also Reggie Jackson--that would be very interesting. I would also love to do a serious, in-depth look at O.J. Simpson. A biography, to really get into his heart and mind. We have met on several occasions.

SportsHollywood: Would you rather be an actor or a pro athlete?

HAYSBERT: Actor.

SportsHollywood: Was your character in Major League based on any real players?

HAYSBERT: No. I totally created him from what was on the page and what we thought he would be. I think that's why he worked so well.

SportsHollywood: Who was the best baseball player among the Major League cast?

HAYSBERT: Me! Just watch the film! I apologize--I don't mean to sound cocky. Charlie Sheen is also a very good pitcher. He has a very strong arm.

SportsHollywood: Favorite Major League film:

HAYSBERT: One.

SportsHollywood: Do you approach playing a voodoo-practicing baseball player the same way you approach a dramatic role?

HAYSBERT: As far as research--yes.

SportsHollywood: Was Tom Selleck really any good at baseball in the film you did together?

HAYSBERT: Yes he was. Tom was a very strong baseball player, and he loves the sport.

SportsHollywood: Okay, Eastwood vs. Ford vs. DeNiro -- who is the most intimidating to act with?

HAYSBERT: You also might want to throw Hackman in there--but the thing I have found with stars is that the bigger they are, the better they are at their jobs. They are great to work with because they are so professional, and I've learned a great deal working with them. It's not "intimidating" as much as "was I nervous?" Yes--I got a heightened sense of professionalism and wanting to be prepared while working with people that I have admired.

SportsHollywood: Which was a bigger thrill: Getting your first job on Lou Grant or meeting Jesse Jackson while making the show?

HAYSBERT: At that point, meeting Jesse Jackson. But getting my first role was a pivotal point, and that episode actually won an Emmy.

Interview by Melissa Jones

Dennis Haysbert Movies: Love and Basketball (2000), The Thirteenth Floor (1999), Random Hearts (1999), The Minus Man (1999), Standoff (1998), Major League 3: Back to the Minors (1998) Absolute Power (1997), Widow's Kiss (1996), Amanda (1996), Suture (1995), Waiting to Exhale (1995), Major League II (1994), Mr. Baseball (1992), Love Field (1992), Navy Seals (1990), Major League (1989) Television: Now and Again (1999), Widow's Kiss (1994), Widow's Kiss (1994), The Writing on the Wall (1994), Hallelujah (1993), Return to Lonesome Dove (1993), Queen (1993), K-9000 (1991), Just the Ten of Us (1988), Off the Rack (1985), The Return of Marcus Welby, M.D. (1984), Grambling's White Tiger (1981), Code Red (1981)