Star of cult series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Bones and SEAL Team, David Boreanaz will reflect on his extraordinary career through iconic roles and unforgettable experiences on set.
The actor will also take on the role of the legendary investigator made famous by James Garner in the new version of The Rockford Files.
Moderator Hakim Zejjari
Biography
David Boreanaz has built one of the most steady and consistent careers in television, distinguished by leading roles in multiple long-running series across genres. Over nearly three decades, he has transitioned from cult television star to established network lead, producer, and director.
After graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in cinema and photography in 1991, Boreanaz moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. His early years were marked by minor roles and guest appearances, including a small part on Married… with Children in 1993. His major break came in 1997 when he was cast as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Originally intended as a recurring role, Angel quickly became central to the show’s mythology. The character—a cursed vampire with a soul seeking redemption—allowed Boreanaz to portray both romantic vulnerability and darker, villainous complexity. His performance helped shape the tone of the series’ early seasons and gained a dedicated fan following.
The character’s popularity led to the spin-off series Angel (1999–2004), in which Boreanaz took the title role. As the lead actor, he carried the series for five seasons. The show shifted toward darker, noir-influenced storytelling and gave him greater range, including action-driven plots, dramatic character arcs, and moments of humor. This period firmly established him as a bankable television lead capable of anchoring a series.
In 2005, Boreanaz entered the next major phase of his career with Fox’s crime procedural Bones. Cast as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, he starred opposite Emily Deschanel in a partnership-driven drama that blended forensic science, investigative storytelling, and character-based development. Bones ran for 12 seasons, totaling 246 episodes, and became one of the longest-running scripted dramas of its era. The series was a consistent ratings performer and achieved strong international syndication success. During this time, Boreanaz expanded his responsibilities beyond acting, serving as a producer and directing multiple episodes, marking his transition into a more substantial creative role behind the camera.
In 2017, he returned to network television as the lead of SEAL Team, portraying Master Chief Petty Officer Jason Hayes, the leader of an elite Navy SEAL unit. The role demanded a physically rigorous performance and emphasized tactical realism alongside emotionally layered storytelling about military service and leadership. The series ran for seven seasons and later transitioned from CBS to Paramount+. As with Bones, Boreanaz served as both executive producer and director on the series, reinforcing his standing as not just a lead actor but a creative contributor.
David Boreanaz’s career is notable for its longevity and rare consistency. Few actors have headlined three separate long-running series consecutively across different genres—supernatural drama, crime procedural, and military action. His body of work reflects versatility, sustained audience appeal, and a steady evolution from actor to producer and director within the television industry.