James Lesure is not new to television. 

He's been starring on some of the best shows on the small screen since his career first began in 1995, with a small role on a made-for-TV movie about OJ Simpson.

Over 20 years later after featured roles on For Your Love, Las Vegas and Men at Work, he's wooing Lisa Edelstein's Abby on Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.

As Coach Mike Brady, Lesure is the feared leader of little league Abby can't resist. He gets to turn otherwise disgusting habits sexy and play at turning Abby's head.  

He carries on a warm and inviting conversation and has a genuine and infectious laugh. Get to know him better by reading more below.

TV Fanatic: You have been on so many comedies and dramas over the years, how does working on Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce compare?

James Lesure: This feels a little more grown up than some of that stuff I worked on in the past, so I would say it's a bit more mature, which I like. It's sophisticated.

Sophisticated. That's a good word.

Well, yeah. I'm working with sophisticated young ladies, and it's nice.

Speaking of that, what's it like being a male working on a female driven series?

[laughs] I'm OK with that. I feel comfortable. The ladies have been welcoming and warm and I definitely respect their abilities, so it's good to be where I am.

Being one of the guys, it always seems like the guys have a special spot on the show. What's it like on set?

It's a really joyful set. It's warm. People are working hard, yet refraining from taking themselves too seriously. People are quick to laugh and make jokes, especially Lisa. She's sort of sets the tone for that on set, and I think it's sort of permeated the whole place. It's great.

So far, Coach Mike is a part of Abby's life and scoring points not only as Abby's son's mentor, but they're kind of getting their flirt on...

Yes. I get your metaphor, I get your metaphor. I like it.

What we've seen as viewers so far is that he's also going to be a character in Abby's book, not by name but by sexual innuendo.

Right. [chuckles]

So how fun was it for you making spitting sunflower seeds on a woman look sexy? [laughs]

[laughs] Just so you know, this is what I walked into. This wasn't my suggestion! This is different than how I would normally show affection or affect for a woman, but Mike Brady is a different kind of cat in his life right now, and it was going someplace new for me personally [lots of laughter].

But, you know, I gotta go into it seriously, so I'm committed to it.

Can you tease if there are more scenes like that coming up?

With sunflowers insanities? Who knows. We may. You know, it was really about Abby's character taking to it, so Mike, you know, he loves it, but she might really have found a turn on for herself. I'll leave you with that. So, who knows? Who knows what we'll see later on? We may move to macadamia nuts. I don't know.

Because, you know, I'm thinking Abby's fictional life and her desires, whether or not they're going to spill into reality. Maybe she'll ask him to call her Deliliah...

[laughs] Well, I gotta refrain from giving you too many of the nuggets that lay ahead of you over there.

Let me ask you, as James Lesure, what's one questionable thing that you've done that you wish women would find sexy?

[laughs] Oh wow! That's a loaded question. Oh hmmm. Let me see. You know, I love to take naps, and I would love for that to be a turn on to women, and I have yet to find the young lady that has sparked to my penchant for taking naps.

[more laughter] It's hard to find a women who wants that to be quite THE thing, isn't it?

Oh no, no, no, no. Because I've been blessed with some beautiful women in my life, and most of them like to travel, act, do this and do that. But when I go, hey, you mind if we take a nap, nobody's really getting too excited. So, I'm hoping for that to turn around at some point.

Coach Mike is written for Lisa Edelstein's Abby character, of course, but there are four other wonder characters on the show. Which one in your heart of hearts, do you think Coach Mike would want to date?

[laughs] Ah, hmmm.

Isn't this fun?

Yeah, and this question I never thought about so who do I need for this question? You know, he might spark to [Barbara] because they have a little bit of that sports thing in common, so they might find some comfort and similarity in that, you know. She's funny. So he might spark to [Barbara].

Then they can eat some poppers and fries, too, which is much more fun than sharing a bowl of salad.

[laughs] Right!

If you wrote your ideal role, having been on so many shows and now tried on this interesting flavor, what would it look like?

Do you remember Michael Keaton's older film Mr. Mom? I liked that. Something like that would suit me just fine, as well.

Maybe we need to get a TV show revival of that going with you as the star.

OK! Now we're talking. Now we are talking. This is how things get done. Yes.

Right. We'll put this into NBC's ear. After all, the whole NBC Universal world is now listening.

I appreciate that. Hello, hello!

What is it about that particular role you like?

I thought it was realistic and charming. I tend to like stuff like that, that's based in reality in a way, but that can bring joy to the world, in a way.

With TV and movies and the way they've gotten darker recently, is that why it draws you?

You know, having that option...I do love shows that are willing to go [darker], but I'm OK with having options in life, and sometimes bringing lighter energy to the world is something I'm really comfortable with.

I like watching it, too. It's a nice change of pace. Is there anything else you'd like to share with the world?

To the world out there, keep tuning in, and we hope you enjoy it, because we love doing it for you.

Be sure to tune into Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Season 3 Episode 4 to see if things heat up between Coach Mike and Abby, and be here for a full review afterward. It airs tonight on Bravo at 10/9c.

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.