Black Is Back: RonReaco Lee Thanks Cable for Reviving Urban Sitcoms

Filed under: Interviews, Television

Actor RonReaco Lee has had roles on a bevy of shows like 'Sister, Sister,' 'The Shield,' 'In the Motherhood,' 'Do Not Disturb,' 'E.R.' and 'Girlfriends.'

Now the 33-year-old actor stars on BET's breakout hit sitcom, 'Let's Stay Together,' the Queen Latifah-produced show described as an "urban 'Mad About You.'"

The 30-minute series, which also stars Bert Belasco, Erica Hubbard, Joyful Drake and Nadine Ellis, became the number two show in BET history with a debut of 4.4 million viewers.

"I'm thrilled by the strong numbers," Lee told BlackVoices.com. "My hope is that people will continue to check us out as we keep growing as a show."

The actor, who also starred in Tyler Perry's 'Madea Goes To Jail,' shared that 'Let's Stay Together' is really going to evolve as the season continues.

"At its core, 'Let's Stay Together' is a show about love and relationships. We'll continue to explore those dynamics in a funny yet real way. I don't want to give anything away, but know this, the writers are constantly sprinkling a little 'funk' on the story lines to keep things new," he offered.

There are no Black sitcoms on network television, yet BET, TBS and now TV One are all enjoying success with the format on their channels. The Decatur, Illinois-bred actor believes that the cable networks understand the value of the urban-themed sitcom.

"At the end of the day, it's lucrative," he began. "Cable networks have figured that out and God bless them for it! They're helping resuscitate the Black sitcom. We all grew up watching sitcoms and we all watched them slowly disappear. When 'The Game' wasn't renewed on the CW a couple of years ago, I had this feeling of, 'what do we do next?' It didn't take long for us to figure it out. First TBS with Tyler Perry and Ice Cube, then TV One with Martin Lawrence and now BET with Queen Latifah and the creators of 'The Game.'"

'Let's Stay Together' shoots in Atlanta and Lee is enjoying being back in the city so much, he's contemplating relocating there from Los Angeles.

"I grew up in Atlanta and although the city has changed a lot in regards to its nightlife scene, it'll always be home to me. When I'm not working, I'm usually with my family and friends. Having said that, does a brotha get out and about in the 'A' every now and then and try and party like a rock star? Absolutely! There is fun to be had there and I try to indulge every now and then," he expressed, before adding: "Not too much though!"

In addition to celebrating the success of his new show, Lee is also enjoying life as a newlywed. Shortly before production began on 'Let's Stay Together,' the actor wed his girlfriend Shea.

"It's great," Lee beamed about married life. "It's been a little different in that I've been working. Grinding really! As soon as we jumped that broom, I was in Atlanta on the set of 'Let's Stay Together.' As soon as we wrapped, I was off traveling again for work. The biggest difference is that marriage has forced me to step up my game. It's not just about me anymore. I now have a family to take care of and that, well that changes the game."

Lee is currently in Bogota, Colombia working on a movie for USA Networks.

"It's actually a prequel to the show, 'Burn Notice.' It focuses on one of the lead characters on the show, Sam Axe played by Bruce Campbell. I portray a doctor that runs a medical clinic deep in the Amazon jungle. The clinic comes under attack and I'm forced to team up with Sam Axe to protect my patients. The project also stars Kiele Sanchez from AMC's 'The Glades' and is directed by Jeffery Donovan, the star of 'Burn Notice,'" he shared.

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