The Conrad Haas actor says Kiefer Sutherland’s intense performance played a role in two earlier castings failing
Summary
– Jeff Kober revealed he was the third actor cast as Conrad Haas on 24
– Kober said two previous actors were reportedly intimidated by Kiefer Sutherland
– Sutherland later thanked Kober after they finished their final scene together
Jeff Kober has revealed that he was actually the third actor cast to play assassin Conrad Haas during the fifth season of 24, with Kiefer Sutherland’s intense approach to playing Jack Bauer reportedly contributing to the previous two actors not working out.
Speaking with The AV Club, Kober recalled being brought in to play Haas for a 2006 episode involving a plot to assassinate the president. Once filming began, he noticed that production was only shooting certain angles and eventually learned that scenes featuring the character from behind and in wider shots had already been completed with earlier actors. Kober was primarily needed for close-ups and dialogue after those performers were replaced.
Kober said members of the production repeatedly checked on him during filming because they were concerned about how he was handling his scenes with Sutherland. According to Kober, he was told that the previous actors had apparently been intimidated by Sutherland, who remained intensely committed to the Jack Bauer character while working.
The veteran actor said he had learned throughout his career to work with whoever was opposite him, allowing him to handle Sutherland’s approach without an issue. Kober eventually filmed Haas’ final scene, where the wounded assassin gives Bauer information after being promised medical attention, only for Bauer to leave him behind.
Kober recalled being covered in blood and waiting for the crew to help him after the scene when Sutherland began walking back toward his trailer. Sutherland then turned around, returned to Kober, shook his hand, thanked him for coming in, and complimented his work.
That moment helped Kober understand that Sutherland’s intimidating presence during filming was tied to how deeply he remained in character. Despite the intensity surrounding Jack Bauer, Kober remembered Sutherland showing his appreciation once their work together was complete.
Kober has continued working steadily since his appearance on 24 and is now receiving recognition for another television role. He earned a 2026 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Duke Ekins on The Pitt.
