Lamman Rucker: Marriage On His Mind

ESSENCE.COM Dec, 16, 2009

Lamman Rucker caused many hearts to percolate as the handsome Sherriff Troy in Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” in 2007. Once again, the ESSENCE Do Right Man plays Will, a doting husband, in the new season of Tyler Perry’s TBS sitcom “Meet the Browns.” Despite his demanding work schedule, the D.C. native continues to give back to the community as a HIV/AIDS activist and is a member of The Black Gents of Hollywood ensemble. Here, the heartthrob reveals to ESSENCE.com why playing Will is like looking at the man in the mirror, what drama to expect in the “Married?” sequel and reveals his expectations of a potential leading lady of his own.

ESSENCE.COM: What do you have in common with your married doctor character Will?
LAMMAN RUCKER: A lot of things. He is the first in [the Brown family] to have an advanced degree. I know what a challenge that can be and the dynamic of being one of the people in your family who has had the privilege to go off to school. He’s really down to earth, has a great sense of humor and is very giving and supportive in his relationships. All of that I can relate to.

ESSENCE.COM: After playing a married man, what insight have you gained that would make great advice for Will?
RUCKER: Being on the show has exposed me to some new things. Denise [Boutte], who plays my wife, is actually married and it’s fun to hear her take on things as a married woman. I’m mature and have been in enough serious relationships to know what they take, so this reinforces what I know. For Will, as intelligent as he is, he [lacks] the common sense to anticipate things, so I would talk to him about that.

ESSENCE.COM: You’re reuniting with the cast for the sequel to “Why Did I Get Married?” as Sheriff Troy. What can fans expect from you this time?
RUCKER: I’ve seen a draft of the script and everyone is going to love this one! We’re filming this summer and it is a very interesting snapshot into marriage. The whole cast is returning and the film takes place a couple years down the line. When it comes to marriage and relationships, there is always a new adventure. Sheriff Troy will show an interesting side of himself and people will see his layers. “Why Did I Get Married?” did so well because it gave some real perspective on the realities of love.

ESSENCE.COM: Does playing these married men have this Do Right Man ready to settle down?
RUCKER: (Laughs.) I’m taking my time on all of that and the application process is still open. When I am ready it will take a woman who knows who she is. Many women are so wounded that they can’t love another person. I need a woman who is secure and loves herself first. Then she can share that love and light with me.

Catch Lamman Rucker in “Meet the Browns” on Wednesdays at 10:00 P.M. (EST) on TBS.