Alimi Ballard
A character actor who brings grounded intensity to roles ranging from an FBI agent to a mystical quizmaster.
Born 1977 (age 49)·American actor·Birthday: October 17·Generation X
Biography
Alimi Ballard has built a steady and respected career by mastering the art of presence. While many know him as the earnest and capable FBI Agent David Sinclair on the cerebral drama 'Numb3rs', his range extends far beyond the badge. He first captured attention as the enigmatic Quizmaster on 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch', a role that showcased a different, more whimsical charm. Ballard's strength lies in his ability to fully inhabit characters, lending them a palpable authenticity whether he's in a police procedural, a sci-fi series like 'The Last Ship', or a legal drama. He approaches his work with a quiet professionalism, often becoming the reliable anchor in ensemble casts. His journey reflects the path of a dedicated craftsman who finds depth in every part, making him a familiar and welcome face across television.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Alimi was born in 1977, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alimi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1977
#1 Movie
Star Wars
Best Picture
Annie Hall
#1 TV Show
Happy Days
Alimi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1977Born
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1982Started school
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1990Became a teenager
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Could drive
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1995Could vote
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Turned 21
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2007Turned 30
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2017Turned 40
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 49 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed a series regular role as FBI Agent David Sinclair on the hit CBS drama 'Numb3rs' for over 130 episodes.
- Played the recurring role of the mysterious Quizmaster on 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'.
- Had a significant recurring role as Sgt. Azima on the TNT post-apocalyptic drama 'The Last Ship'.
- Appeared in the acclaimed HBO series 'The West Wing' as a Secret Service agent.
Did You Know?
He is a trained martial artist, holding a black belt in Taekwondo.
He made his television debut in 1994 on the soap opera 'All My Children'.
He is an avid photographer and often shares his work on social media.
He played college football at the University of New Mexico before focusing on acting.
“I don't need to be the lead; I need the role to be true.”
