Las Vegas' James Lesure joins NBC's Lipstick Jungle - Today's News: Our Take

James Lesure by Mitchell Haaseth/NBC Photo

It's a sad world where Las Vegas' reliable Mike gets second billing behind Rosie Perez. Yet that's what happened last week at the TCA press tour, when NBC trumpeted the guest-casting of the sometimes polarizing Latina on Lipstick Jungle, then virtually added, as an aside, "Oh, and James Lesure, too."

How does the Vegas vet fit into the Jungle's sophomore season? Sources tell me Lesure will be playing the role of Griffin, boss to both Kim Raver's Nico and Brooke Shields' Wendy. I'm also hearing that over the course of Lesure's multi-episode run, Griffin might strike up a certain chemistry with Nico, though it might not necessarily lead to (her busy) boudoir.

What do you say, Vegas fans? With Josh off doing Transformers 2 and the reunion movie pretty darn squashed, are you glad to see "Mike" back on TV? — Matt Mitovich

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Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Jul 25, 2008 3:28 PM

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Rosie Perez still gets work? She is so incredibly annoying. Meanwhile, I guess James Lesure lost a bet, he's better then this.
Posted by wildbill Jul 25, 2008 4:09 PM Report Abuse

Part of the Las Vegas appeal was the chemistry between Lesure and Duhmel. At times, it was just short of slapstick but they could be serious too. It will be interesting to see how he comes across in Lipstick Jungle.
Posted by Smertz Jul 25, 2008 4:26 PM Report Abuse

I agreee with Smetz. Mike is so much better than this. I don't even watch Lipstick Jungle. Guess I'll have to check it out now because I love him....
Posted by ssb812 Jul 25, 2008 4:45 PM Report Abuse

I'm glad to hear Lipstick Jungle will be back on!! And yes, I'm glad to see "Mike" back on TV. That whole cast got screwed when the show got cancelled.
Posted by Tootsie2 Jul 25, 2008 5:21 PM Report Abuse

DEFINITLY HAPPY!!!
Posted by lauramushkat Jul 25, 2008 5:24 PM Report Abuse

No and Yes. No because I want him back on Las Vegas and since the idiot suits at NBC are not going forward with the show, then Yes at least he is back on the tube. I do not like Jungle, but I will try and watch it just so I can watch James the man is a natural hunk.
Posted by misled Jul 25, 2008 6:58 PM Report Abuse

I hope he has time to do another episode of Lost this year. Would love to see him pop back up on it.
Posted by gwilliams Jul 26, 2008 3:23 AM Report Abuse

Lesure was negatively profiled. Vegas was worth watching but NBC's not knowing what to do next will have them behind the Catoon Network soon. They used to lead but what can one say. Jungle is not my style so I'll stick with Discover and History.
Posted by depthtaz Jul 26, 2008 10:12 AM Report Abuse

Of all the cast, he's the last one I expected to see get a series. Mitch in the wheelchair maybe, Danny for sure, Tom Selleck we need to see more of. JL not at all.
Posted by doolforever Jul 26, 2008 2:58 PM Report Abuse

I adore James Lesure. I think he would be a good addition to the show it will add a little color. I was so disappointed that Las Vegas was cancelled. The shows they have in mind for the fall aren't that great.
Posted by tsowens Jul 26, 2008 3:36 PM Report Abuse

I love James Lesure and I'm happy for him. But I would rather see him on Las Vegas every Friday night. I miss Vegas and the whole cast. Lipstick Jungle is just not a very good show and I'm sure NBC will cancel if after this season...but I wish James luck.
Posted by annie1293 Jul 26, 2008 6:08 PM Report Abuse

Am I glad? I'm ecstatic!! I love JL - he is not only a sexy, handsome man but a very talented actor who can take on any role. He is funny for comedies and great in serious/dramatic roles. I miss Las Vegas big time but I'm glad to have him back on TV in anything just to be able watch him in something new. He needs to be back as a headliner on a regular series soon - he did it with For Your Love and Las Vegas so I have no doubt he'll do it again as soon as the right project comes along!

Posted by CinnaBlaze

Jul 27, 2008 12:13 AM

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It's a sad world where Las Vegas' reliable Mike gets second billing behind Rosie Perez. 'Spoken' by someone who has obviously never seen 24 Hour Woman. I like Rosie and James a lot. Both deserve better.
Posted by DaMess Jul 28, 2008 3:27 AM Report Abuse

Glad to see James found new work so soon. Would also like to see more of Mitch (the actor in the wheelchair who worked in security on Vegas).
Posted by wonderwoman42 Jul 31, 2008 12:35 PM Report Abuse

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