Interview with James Lesure

James Lesure had his break through in 1998 when he got the leading role in the TV show "For Your Love" where he played alongside Holly Robinson Peete, Tamala Jones ("Castle"), Dedee Pfeiffer and D.W. Moffett ("Friday Night Lights"). He was later seen in "Alias" and got a leading role in "Las Vegas" as Mike Cannon. Fans of TV shows might also know him from "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "Lipstick Jungle". In this interview James told myFanbase about his work on "Alias", "Las Vegas" and "Lipstick Jungle" and spoke a little bit about his love for sports and his T-Shirt company.

Foto: Copyright: Manfred Baumann Photography
© Manfred Baumann Photography

The interview is © myFanbase 2010. Please do not copy it to other websites or message boards.

1. Even though you grew up close to Hollywood it was not always sure that you would become an actor. How did you get started in acting?

I took a class at a junior college and then went on to study at the University of Southern California (USC).

2. Your guest stint on "Alias" was back in 2002, but do you still have any anecdotes or memories you could share with us?

I remember auditioning for Ken Olin. I was a big fan of "Thirty Something". It used to be one of my favorite shows.

3. What was it like to work on the show with actors like Jennifer Garner and Victor Garber?

Frustrating because, I believe, at the time that Jennifer Garner was single and I had no scenes with her. :)

4. You played Griffin Bell on "Lipstick Jungle" who was brought in as the new manager for a prestigious company. Was it fun to play the chic antagonist?

Yeah, that was a blast! My first day at work I got to fire Brooke Shields.

5. Griffin had a little romance with Kim Raver's character Nico Reilly. There was a great chemistry between the two of you even though the audience might have rooted for Kirby and Nico. Was it always planned to be a brief romance or would it have turned out differently had the show gone on for longer?

I think it would have. The intention was for there to be more of a romance between Kim's character and my character.

6. You played Mike Cannon on "Las Vegas". What did you like most about your character and his storylines in the show?

I liked that Mike was smarter than everyone and I thought that was fun. I like that he got to be a problem solver that worked with hot babes.

7. Is it hard to say goodbye to a character, your co-actors and crew after five years and 106 episodes?

Yeah, I find that it feels like a loss. There's some sadness with it.

8. There have been many guest stars on "Las Vegas". Who did you like working with the most? Do you keep in touch with your colleagues?

I do communicate with a couple of colleagues. I enjoyed watching Alec Baldwin work.

9. Which has been your favorite episode of the show?

There was a 60's themed episode that I really enjoyed.

10. What was the funniest or most difficult scene you had to play on "Las Vegas"?

I laughed alot with Josh Duhamel. Most of the scenes in the security surveillance room were a big crack up; working with Josh Duhamel, James Caan and Mitch Longley!

11. You were cast for the role of Alonzo in "Mr. Sunshine", Matthew Perry's new comedy. What can you tell us about the project and your character?

Matthew Perry's character is supposed to be a self-absorbed guy and my character (Alonzo) is the opposite. A beacon of light. An example of an unselfish person.

12. You do a lot of sports. Is this your way to relax from a stressful day of work or is it as important to you as acting?

Yes, it's as important to me as acting.

13. You play basketball in the Entertainment League. How can we picture such a game? Is it really competitive or just for fun?

It's both, competitive and fun.

14. Apart from being an actor you also own a t-shirt company that promotes blending cultures. What was the idea behind building this business?

It's a way for us to learn more about each other as human beings. And to celebrate our heritage and be more accepting of our differences.

15. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

Yes. "Mad Men", "The Office", "30 Rock" and I'm warming up to "Modern Family".

Catherine Bühnsack, Nicole Oebel & Maria Gruber - myFanbase