Actor / Director Profile

James Lesure gives new meaning to the term, Hollywood Hunk. His magnetic charm, both on screen and stage, complement a firmly grounded personality.Named one of the next generation's leading men by GQ Magazine and one of the hottest bachelors on television, Lesure consistently delivers inspiring performances. He stars in the new ABC comedy "Mr. Sunshine" (2011) with Matthew Perry and Allison Janney. Lesure is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the suave, competitive head of surveillance, "Mike Cannon", on the hit series "Las Vegas" (2003), opposite legendary actor James Caan. Lesure made his series debut on the comedy "For Your Love" (1998) as attorney "Mel Ellis", co-starring actress Holly Robinson Peete. He has also appeared in recurring roles on the hits "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (2006), "Lipstick Jungle" (2008), "The Division" (2001) and "Alias" (2001). His other television credits include guest-starring roles on "Lost" (2004), "Sherri" (2009), "Seinfeld" (1990), and a notable turn as a resolute military officer on the acclaimed series, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" (2006).His film roles include various independent productions and the feature films The Ring Two (2005), starring Naomi Watts, Our Family Wedding (2010), alongside America Ferrera, and Crimson Tide (1995), starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman.Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, his path to Hollywood began with a few unexpected turns. He served in the Air Force Academy before attending the University of Southern California where he received a BFA in Theater. During his time at USC, he also studied abroad at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. While there, he performed in the productions "Hair" and "The Island". In addition to performing abroad, he was able to fulfill a life-long dream - becoming an amateur boxer. A natural in front of the camera and on stage, Lesure has also worked in a professional theater company in Los Angeles, where he played the role of "Macduff" in William Shakespeare's great tragedy "Macbeth".Lesure is noted for both his on-screen performances and charitable efforts. He is the recipient of the Celebrity Honoree and Distinguished Support Awards from the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation; Outstanding Male Actor in a TV Drama presented by the MIB Prism Awards; a sports enthusiast, he is a two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Entertainment League.He resides in Los Angeles, CA.