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Courtesy of Pinnacle Public Relations

As a star on CBS’ Numb3rs, Alimi Ballard rarely has a dull moment on set. He plays the dynamic FBI Agent, David Sinclair, and savors every moment of the action his character gets thrust into. “I love blowing [things] up,” he says with a laugh. “We blow up cars, we blow up buildings, we jump off buildings. I run and tackle people. They shoot at me. I shoot back. And it’s all legalized.”

It’s understandable that Ballard enjoys the show’s action sequences given that he grew up idolizing the fictional action hero John McClane in “Die Hard.” “I’m still an eight-year-old kid [at heart],” Ballard confesses.

While Ballard enjoys playing out his boyhood action fantasies on the show, he also acknowledges that his role has given him an enhanced level of respect for the daily trials real law enforcement officials endure. “Being trained by people who do it for a living, you get another perspective of the use of force,” he says.

“Even at a traffic stop,” he uses as an example. “I get [the cop’s perspective] a little bit more. It’s hard to get it when you’re the one being stopped. It really is. After working with these guys, I get it a little bit more. I understand that everyone just wants to go home safe.”

Ballard says he tries to incorporate that sobering reality into his performances. “My job is to try to make you feel something,” he says of trying to connect with viewers.

“That’s the pinnacle of entertainment,” he elaborates, “bringing someone closer to your work.”

It’s undoubtedly that type of diligent acting philosophy that fuels Numb3rs’ longevity. Although he says it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact reason why the series resonates with viewers, Ballard remarks, “We have great scripts, and people come to work that really enjoy acting and really enjoy telling a good story… It’s quality, smart television. We make you believe for an hour.”


The season finale of Numb3rs airs today at 10 p.m. on CBS.