Jeff Kober Says He Was Hired on “24” After First Two Actors Were ‘Intimidated’ by Kiefer Sutherland

Jeff Kober, the seasoned character actor best known for his roles in series such as *Sons of Anarchy* and *The Walking Dead*, recently shared insights about his experience working alongside Kiefer Sutherland on the acclaimed series *24*. In a candid interview with The A.V. Club on August 19, Kober reflected on his extensive career and the impressive ensemble of talent he has encountered, particularly during his stint on *24*.

Kober, now 72, joined the series in its fifth season, which aired in 2006, taking on the role of Conrad Haas, a character whose ominous mission involved assassinating former U.S. President David Palmer, portrayed by Dennis Haysbert. He recalled that he was the third actor cast in the role after two previous candidates struggled with the pressure from Sutherland, who portrayed the intense Jack Bauer throughout the show’s run.

“I was called in for this role — to assassinate the president — and they explained that other actors had filmed sequences from behind and in more distant shots, but those performances didn’t pan out,” Kober recounted. This unexpected turn of events allowed him to step into a crucial scene, despite his bewilderment about the production’s choice of filming angles.

Interestingly, Kober revealed that he encountered a surprising level of concern from crew members when he first arrived on set. “People kept coming up to me, asking if I was okay,” he noted, indicating that there was an underlying fear that he too might falter under the weight of Sutherland’s demanding performance. Kober, however, maintained a different perspective: “I’ve learned to work with whoever you’re working with,” he said, highlighting his adaptability as an actor.

During their time filming, Kober was involved in a particularly memorable scene where his character is left gravely injured by Jack Bauer. “After I’m hit, I need to get to a hospital, and Jack Bauer agrees to help if I provide him with information,” he explained, with a hint of humour, noting that the cold exchange ends in his character being left to die. Kober vividly recalled the aftermath of the scene, lying in a pool of fake blood and debris while Sutherland walked away.

In an unexpected gesture that Kober cherished, Sutherland turned back to acknowledge him, running back to extend his gratitude. “He shook my hand and thanked me for being there — it was a nice moment, and it struck me how committed he was to his character,” Kober reminisced. This incident underscored the dedication Sutherland had to his role and clarified why previous actors faced difficulties in working alongside him.

*24* ran successfully for eight seasons from 2001 to 2010, followed by a television film and the revival series *24: Live Another Day* in 2014. It spawned a spin-off titled *24: Legacy*, which aired in 2017. Kober’s encounter with Sutherland speaks to the high stakes and pressures that the cast often faced on such a gripping show.

After *24*, Kober continued to thrive in his career, most recently appearing in *The Pitt* as Duke Ekins, a supportive figure to Noah Wyle’s character, Dr Robby. His performance in this role earned Kober a nomination for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, an achievement that reflects his enduring dedication to craft.

In his interview, Kober also expressed a personal distaste for hospitals, drawing parallels between his real-life discomfort and that of his character. “I hate being stuck in those environments, waiting around for doctors,” he remarked. Yet, he recognised that this personal experience contributed to his portrayal, enhancing the authenticity of his role in the medical drama.

While Kober reflects on his career, Sutherland has remained a prominent figure in television, starring in *Designated Survivor* from 2016 to 2019 and more recently in the Paramount+ series *Rabbit Hole* in 2023. The evolution of both actors serves as a testament to the diverse roles they have taken on, with Kober’s story illustrating the resilience required in the acting profession, especially when paired with an intense lead like Sutherland.