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     *As an actor it can be pretty hardcore to get their foot in the door, but once they've accomplished that, the next step can prove to be even harder, getting that part they can finally write home to mama about. 

     NBC's "Las Vegas" star James Lesure has one of those parts.  This year his character Mike Cannon, is moving up to the big leagues as new head of security and surveillance, at the "Montecito Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada."

   "(He) started initially as a valet, then my character moved into security," explains Lesure in a phone interview with EURweb, about the stages his character went through, before his most recent promotion.

   "Las Vegas," created by Gary Scott Thompson, is a dramatic comedy, centered around a high-end Hotel Casino.  The cast: Josh Duhamel (Danny McCoy), James Lesure (Mike Cannon), Vanessa Marcil (Sam Marquez), and James Caan (Ed Deline), form a security and surveillance team.  Their job at the "Montecito" consist of looking for cheaters, hosting and protecting the famous and taking personal care of those who win too much.

   "I liked the pilot written by Gary Scott. I liked the feel of the piece," Lesure says about the reasons he got on board with the project. "My character had this MIT background, (and) this brain, this problem solving aspect of his personality, I thought was appealing."

   Lesure also adds that he's proud to portray a character, with intelligence, integrity, and who's also entertaining.

   In some cases, actors will be working on several projects all at once. But Lesure admits, that's just not his style.

   "I get really committed to a script, and the job at hand.  I don't want to divide my attention," he said.

   Just because Lesure is committed to Las Vegas, doesn't mean he isn't interested in more roles.  It's been in the air, for Lesure to play the role of the late, great Gregory Hines due to his similar physical appearance.

   "I got to meet him personally a few years ago and his spirit was so bright.  (He's) just charming, charismatic, (and) I feel like its something I could do."

   On a personal note, if you're wondering, Lesure says he's a very private person.

   "My privacy is important to me.  I'm not one looking to be in the tabloid magazines. I just like to have a great life, and keep it to myself."

   As a word of advice, he jokingly says the best way for actors to keep the paparazzi out of their hair is to, stay out of home video's with Paris Hilton and don't date Britney.

   Catch James Lesure on NBC's "Las Vegas" at 10/9c on Friday nights. Lesure also communicates with his fans on his website with a new podcast series. Go to www.jameslesure.com.