Being a single
dad is just as
hard as being a
single mom
however you
don't get as
much credit nor
as much pity. In
fact, single
dads are rarely
congratulated
mostly seen as
'doing the job
they're supposed
to'. While dads
are less likely
to get a pat on
the back, Mike
(Leon) doesn't
mind the small
shimmer of
spotlight as he
gladly tends to
not only being a
good dad to his
own daughter but
a substitute
father to some
and a chance at
being a little
bit more with
Ocean (Monica
Calhoun). Leon
talks about the
significance of
his characters
role in the
show.
What process do
you draw on to
play your
character?
Leon:
Being a father
of a 10 year old
daughter, I had
a lot to draw
on. I actually
just had to draw
on my own
feelings.
You've played a
significant
amount of roles
in your acting
career. How
would you say
this role has
transcended your
acting
abilities?
Leon:
It’s harder
to play a
role that
you're not
showing
emotion. You
have to cast
a shadow and
presence.
You look at
this piece
and you see
Mike that
wants to be
a good man.
I just drew
on how I
would feel
as a single
father. The
most
important
thing is
being able
to stay true
to that.
Without that
you don't
have
balance.
What was it
like working
with the
legendary
Bill Dee
Williams?
Leon:
The great
thing for me
was just
watching
Billy Dee,
on stage or
off. Most of
our scenes
didn’t
really
include him
a lot. We
were on at
separate
times, but I
got to be
around him.
Any guy who
has done a
leading man
role has to
look at
Billy Dee.
He is what I
call a true
movie star.
What's
involved
in
putting
the show
together?
Leon:
In the
very
first
season
it was
important
for me
to
establish
my
character
as the
guy who
wants to
do
right.
We talk
about
baby
mommas
but
there
are baby
daddys
too. And
Mike
represents
that
man.
What was
it like
working
with
Robert
Townsend?
Leon:
It’s
great.
Robert
will
always
let me
do what
I need
to do.
As a
director
he will
look at
it and
he’ll
play
with it.
I
usually
with
have the
opportunity
to do
another
take.
What was
it like
working
with
Monica
Calhoun?
Leon:
I’ve
known
Monica
for
awhile.
She
is
perfect
for
the
role.
She
has
a
lot
to
bring
to
this
role.
She’s
real
and
very
dedicated.
