Catching up with Lamman Rucker

The second season of GREENLEAF, the prime-time sudser that follows the trials and tribulations of the Green leaf clan of Memphis and their sprawling family-run mega church, just kicked off on OWN, and Lamman Rucker admits that he still pinches himself that he gets to work with Executive Producer Oprah Winfrey, who also recurs on the show as Jacob’s Aunt Mavis.

- Tom Stacy

“She is so down-to-earth that we have to remember, ‘Oh, yeah. That’s Oprah!’ ” chuckles Rucker. “She’s equally as gracious as someone who shares experiences with you as she is as a superior. What’s so graceful about her is that no matter what, she’s just Oprah. She’s the same generous, gracious, respectful person who is just super-smooth to get along with. She’s a great listener. She has a lot to share. She’s always encouraging and supportive. She’s a talented woman, so it’s really cool to see her step down from the executive level to become the artist and actress that she is. No matter what she does, she’s an exceptional person — and that’s not kissing up to my boss. It’s nice to actually say these things and mean it [laughs].”

Rucker is equally enthusiastic about GREENLEAF. His alter ego is a philandering family man who constantly clashes with his father, “The Bishop,” over the family business. The actor teases that there’s more tumult in store for Jacob in season 2. “We’ve got Jacob fighting to turn a corner,” Rucker explains. “Last season, this character was raw, really in a state of defiance. Even though he’s a grown man, he was acting like a rebellious teenager. His version of running away from home was running into bed with another woman. He was sticking his middle finger up to his parents and the church, and as the prince of the palace, he could do whatever he wanted. But when his father fired him, it now presents Jacob with an opportunity to prove himself. He’s conflicted and confused and still a little lost, but he’s doing the best he can to keep it all together without it all falling apart.”