If you saw the Tyler Perry movie, “Why Did I Get Married?” then you definitely will remember the — character, “Sheriff Troy” played by Pittsburgh native, Lamman Rucker. A truly progressive television and movie star, Rucker continues to light up both the small and big screens with memorable roles but also has a strong heart towards community empowerment and keeping God first. Lamman took a second to tell us where he’s at and what’s on the horizon.
InChiCity: Hi Sheriff Troy! LOL. No really, why do you think that character resonated so strongly with black women?
Lamman Rucker: I think the character “Sheriff Troy” resonated strongly with black women because Troy personified many of the traits that most women truly need in a man: sincere, supportive, firm (not cruel, but no ‘punk’, either), a friend, intelligent, attractive, protective, communicative, a good listener, encouraging, a man of God, patient and accepting!!! It was an honor to be chosen to honor the black man by trying to bring those things to life and also to remind the black woman that those things still exist and that black men still think the world of the black woman and need her in our lives! We must each love ourselves first and “get our selves together individually” first before we can build a relationship together and try to be true friends, equal partners, husband & wife, passionate lovers, fathers & mothers!!!
ICC: You have your Mother, Father, and Teachers listed as heroes. What are some of the life lessons they taught you that you still adhere today?
LR:The most consistent and ingrained lessons that my parents and teachers taught me were the following five (5) things:
1. You are loved: as a child of God, a son, a grandson, a big brother, a member of the family, member of the community in which I live, an extension of the centuries of phenomenal african peoples of the world - I am loved!!! I’m a living miracle of God’s grace and hope for the world! Through God and with the help of the good-willing people of the world, the wisdom of my elders, and the protection of ancestors, all things are possible and all challenges can be overcome!!! I have value! I am worthy! And I belong!!!
2. You are accountable for your own actions and choices: this speaks for itself! You must learn to be a responsible citizen and uphold the responsibility that comes with the blessing of what is laid out in point #1.
3. You have infinite potential: God has given you everything you need to live a fulfilled, productive and healthy life! It’s like knowing that you have “super powers”! Thing is, “what kind”??? Each of us is a creative, spiritual, emotional, sexual, intellectual and physical being that can do “anything” we put our minds to. With the proper “access” to opportunity, information, and time to develop the skill, self-esteem and talents we’re given, we have the power to shape our lives into whatever we choose!
4. You are destined for great things: with the blessings, protections, responsibilities and “super powers” potential listed above, you must accept that your purpose here on earth is going to be “positive” and full of success, joy and love. Even when bad things happen, remind yourself of this simple fact and you will stay encouraged!!! Believe that your “super powers” are to be used for “good” and you will see how wonderful the world really is - and how much that is a reflection of “your” greatness, as well!
5. Do the work: all of the things that you want out of life and all of the things that God has laid out for you can & will come true if you do “your part”. Great destinies will not manifest unless “we” do the work required to actualize them! God will not reward the lazy, selfish and impure of heart! Have discipline! Apply yourself! Give back to others! Honor God by showing love & respect at all times and you’ll be fine. It must come from a “pure place”, though. You can’t cheat God. Why try??? Meet the challenge of pushing yourself to your limits!!! You will see the fruits of your labor and sacrifice and the clouds will open up for you.
ICC: What keeps you grounded in the crazy world of the entertainment business?
LR: Everything I just said above.
ICC: You have been involved with several different non-profit organizations. One in particular is Tied To Greatness, a national outreach program that is a self-image improvement effort targeting at-risk, inner city high school males. Why do you feel it’s important to support our youth particularly in this case young black men?
LR: Once again - everything I stated in question number 2!!! I think one of the major breakdowns in our African American family and community, is the emasculation, mental enslavement and collective cowardice of the black male! The only one who can change, heal or eradicate that is… The black man! Through Tied To Greatness, we remind our young black boys and men that they are tied to a long legacy of greatness that extends back throughout world history - and into the heavens! They must be taught, reminded, and some - retrained, to believe that they, too, are great and must behave likewise!
We show them love, respect, encouragement and affirmation. We reinforce the importance of discipline, accountability, self-worth, skill development, and collective cooperation. We also set the example for the young men & boys by modeling these behaviors ourselves. Men come together to work collectively as accomplished black men from all walks of life and various backgrounds—carrying themselves with pride, joy, class and positive self-image. “Tied To Greatness” founder, Alex Ellis, also applies principles of fashion to the equation by having all of the men teach all the boys how to tie a necktie! This ritual is not only symbolic but also a practical example of the “hands-on” and direct approach that is necessary for men to have with boys in order to bond with them and teach them the things they need to know so they can grow up to reach their full potential and become the incredible men they are destined to be!!! We have a responsibility to them and we have been failing them as their fathers, brothers, teachers, mentors, protectors, and disciplinarians! That has to continue to change! “Tied To Greatness” has a plan to restore the black male image and give our young men what they need to be successful, responsible and self-sufficient! (www.tiedtogreatness.org)
I’m also a founding member of an all black male theatre company in Los Angeles called “The Black Gents of Hollywood” (www.myspace.com/blackgents) whose function is similar but instead an arts organization who promotes/reinforces positive black male image, social responsibility, and education & literacy through the use of quality theatre and film.
ICC: “Lets Talk” BET’s award winning film on HIV/AIDS was yet another project (you starred in) that you felt passionate about. In your opinion what message is falling on deaf ear in our communities about HIV/AIDS?
LR: I think the message that is ‘falling on deaf ears’ when it comes to HIV/AIDS is that we “can” actually change our plight with regards to HIV/AIDS if we just believe in it and do the work! We must discipline ourselves, educate ourselves and love ourselves enough to make a difference! It’s not “too big” a problem for us to conquer!!! Sometimes, I think the “tragedy” of the pandemic is stressed so much, we forget to reinforce the “hope” and potential for successfully eradicating AIDS!!! We can do it!!!
ICC: Speaking of films you have a new one out on DVD called “I’m Through With White Girls”. Can you tell us a little something about your character (Drake Moore) and how he assists with the mission in the film of “Operation Brown Sugar”?
LR: Drake assists in “Operation Brown Sugar” by encouraging his best friend, Jay Brooks (Anthony Montgomery) not to screw up his chances of happiness with Catherine (Lia Johnson) by doing the same stupid and immature crap he did in all of his earlier relationships! He cares a lot for Jay but isn’t afraid to give him the “tough love” that he thinks he needs in order to get his life together!
ICC: What projects are on the horizon that you can talk about?
LR: “Meet the Browns” the sitcom (pilot) –currently on TBS; Films: “The Greatest Song”, “Ball Don’t Lie”, and “N-Secure” as well as two other films already in the pipeline for 2009/2010.
ICC: Now Mr. Rucker I would do a disservice to our audience if I didn’t ask. Are you single/looking, dating, or engaged?
LR: Single and looking, I guess. Not “hunting”, though - but my eyes and heart are open! Not interested in a relationship right now because I’m focusing on building the proper foundation for my future and on developing the content of my character. When the right woman is ready for me, I want to be prepared for her! I’m being patient, doing the work and trusting God’s plan for me! My queen will be revealed to me, eventually!!! Remember, I’m destined for great things!!!
ICC: In closing, if you have ever been to the city, what do you like about Chicago?
LR: Have not been to Chicago since college over 10 years ago!!! Love the people of Chicago, the food, and (believe it or not) the weather, too!!! I look forward to being able to visit Chicago again soon! Hope I’m invited sometime in the near future!!!