Daniel L. Haynes (June 6, 1889 â July 28, 1954) was an American stage and film actor and clergyman. He is best known for starring as Zeke in King Vidor's early talking film Hallelujah, the first film ever to feature an all-Black cast. On November 28, 1910, he married Rosa Belle Sims in Chicago. In his last years, he left show business and became a full-time Baptist minister.
Despite Hallelujahs controversial depiction of Black Americans, Haynes thought highly of the film. He is quoted as having said: "I cannot say what our race owes King Vidor and Metro-Goldwyn-MayerâÂÂthere are not words forceful enough for that. Hallelujah will, as Moses led his people from the wilderness, lead ours from the wilderness of misunderstanding and apathy."