Jack Bauer

"I see fifteen people held hostage on a bus, and everything else goes out the window. I will do whatever it takes to save them, and I mean whatever it takes. ... Laws were written by much smarter men than me. And in the end, these laws have to be more important than the 15 people on the bus. I know that's right. In my mind, I know that's right. I just don't think my heart could ever have lived with it."

- Jack Bauer on why he used wrong methods for the right reasons.

Jack Bauer is a specal agent of the CTU and the main protagonist from the TV show 24. His character has worked in various capacities on the show, often as a member of the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) based in Los Angeles, working with the FBI in Washington, D.C. during season 7 and working with the CIA during the ninth limited series Live Another Day.

He is portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland, who also portrays David Breckinridge and Wayne Slater and voiced Big Boss.

Biography
Within the 24 storyline, Bauer is a key member of CTU and is often portrayed as their most capable agent.(in Season 1, Bauer was actually the Director of the CTU). Bauer's job usually involves helping prevent major terrorist attacks on the United States, saving both civilian lives and government administrations. On many occasions, Jack does so at great personal expense, as those he thwarts subsequently target him and his loved ones. He is not a crooked agent; however, Bauer's frequent use of torture to gather information has generated much controversy and discussion. He is also well-known for frequently shouting "dammit!".

Actor Kiefer Sutherland portrays Jack Bauer in the television show and video game. The television series was originally set to end on May 24, 2010 after eight successful seasons but was renewed for a ninth season, which premiered on May 5, 2014. A feature film was set to be released; however, discussions ended over a contract dispute with Fox.

TV Guide ranked him #49 on their list of "TV's Top 50 Heroes" and Sky 1 listed Jack as #1 on their list of "TV's toughest men". Entertainment Weekly named Jack Bauer one of The 20 All Time Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture. In June 2010, Entertainment Weekly also named him one of the 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years. Jack Bauer has blonde hair, wears a plain clothing, CTU armor & suit. Jack wields a Heckler & Koch USP Compact pistol, although earlier in the show he carried a SIG-Sauer P228 pistol.