Haysbert has been acting in film and television since 1978, starting with a guest role in "The White Shadow". His television guest starring roles include "Lou Grant", "Growing Pains", "Laverne & Shirley", "The A-Team", "Night Court", "Dallas", "The Incredible Hulk", "Magnum, P.I.", "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century", and "Duckman". In 1993, he had a featured role in "Return to Lonesome Dove" as outlaw Cherokee Jack Jackson. In 1999, Haysbert starred with Eric Close in "Now and Again", which was cancelled after one season.