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Jessie T. Usher on how he found his comedic voice in Survivor's Remorse

Cape Town - Jessie T. Usher is living the American dream as Cam Calloway in the hit comedy Survivor's Remorse

The series produced by Lebron James follows Cam as he enters the big league when he signs a million dollar pro-basketball contract. He takes his family along for the ride when he relocates to Atlanta. 

If Jessie were to describe the show in one word it would be complex, he says during a telephone interview with Channel24

"When I watch this show I go through a rollercoaster of emotions. There is such great balance between the drama, the comedy, the relationships and the personal desires."

He continues: "It tackles real life issues and really makes you think about things. We want people to actually start conversations about the themes the series explores. The series has developed so much and in season four it's more of a dark comedy – that makes you think. "

The show has had a successful run which Usher attributes to the incredible writing team. 

"I think the secret to the show's success is the incredible writing. It is so sharp and the topics aren’t things you see every day on a television show. In addition to the great writing is the ensemble. We have great chemistry and everyone brings out their best because we all want the show to do well."

FINDING HIS COMEDY LEGS

For Jessie the biggest challenge in taking on this role was to keep up with seasoned comedians Erica Ash who plays half-sister Mary Charles, Tichina Arnold who plays mom Cassie and Mike Epps who plays Uncle Julius. 

"It was definitely my biggest challenge because they do it so effortlessly. I had to find and carve out my own comedic timing within the show. I didn’t want to emulate someone else's but work together to make it different."

He continues: "I didn't foresee how funny they would be. I had a great time and the writers and directors really helped me develop Cam."

If he was to meet Cam in real-life they would definitely be friends says Jessie. 

In fact they actually have a lot of the same qualities: He is genuine, likes to have fun and laugh and he is a family guy.  

And, what's the first thing he would buy if he was handed a $10m cheque?

"I would buy a mansion with a waterfall in the backyard. It would be my own little piece of paradise."

Watch the trailer for season 4 here:

Survivor's Remorse season 4 is exclusive to DEOD.

(Photos: Getty Images)

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