Title: President Wayne Palmer on 24
Age: 38
School(s): SUNY Albany, Yale School of Drama
On the job: “No matter what decisions you make as President, no one knows what you’re going through but you. There must be an incredible sense of loneliness that goes with the job.”
D.B. Woodside is the most powerful man in the free world – or at least, the world that exists inside my TV. Playing President Wayne Palmer on the hit Fox show 24 is a dream come true for this New York native and in-the-closet political junkie who was always a big fan of the show. Woodside has been a working actor for years (you may recognize him as Principal Wood from Buffy the Vampire Slayer). However, the recognition he has received for this current role on 24 is on a totally different level than anything he has done before.
“You can never prepare yourself for the attention. I’m an extremely private, low key person,“ Woodside tells me, “but it is really nice to be recognized for your work.”
The story of D.B. Woodside’s big break is a classic tale with a phenomenal twist: boy meets girl; boy loves girl; boy loses girl; boy gets role on 24! When Woodside’s heart was broken one summer, he got through that tough time by watching 24 DVDs. The show uplifted him so much, he called his manager and told him, “I don’t care what it takes, I don’t care what the role is, I want to look back when I’m an old man and say, I was a part of that show.”
He was thrilled to be cast in season 3 as the meaner, tougher brother of then President David Palmer. What was supposed to be a 10-episode stint ended up growing into a recurring role -- and eventually the title of President of the United States!
As a huge fan of the show, I had to ask him, “If you were mugged on the street today, who would you rather have with you: Kiefer Sutherland or a real-life member of the United States Secret Service?” To my shock and dismay, he chose the Secret Service guy. Why? “No offense to Kiefer, but in real life, he’s not that tough,” jokes Woodside. (Personally, I would still choose Kiefer!)
Those who reach 'destination success' in life all seem to have stories like Woodside’s -- a mix of luck, timing and sheer perseverance. However, we must remember that success is a journey, not a destination. The next stop on Woodside’s journey: writer, director and cerebral actor.
“I’m really not a suit and tie guy. Playing these roles are fun but not what I really love to do. I want to write, direct and play characters who are regular guys with a lot of grey – conflicted people,” says Woodside.
But for now, D.B. Woodside is very happy to enjoy his time as President Wayne Palmer. Let's hope he returns next season to help Jack save the world one more time.
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