Soap Opera Weekly: Did you and Shari Headley (Mimi) discuss Mimi and Garret's offscreen history?
Lamman Rucker: Yes. We talked a little bit about how the characters met, how Garret may have courted her, what it is that they like about each other, that kind of thing. Like, why is Mimi with Garret? It's different than what Shari and Lamman may find attractive about each other. Garret likes Mimi's assertiveness. He finds that even though she can be very impulsive, there is something about that honesty in her that he finds appealing. As a businessman, you're not allowed to really use how you feel; it's about numbers, what's going to be profitable and the bottom line. Being with her gives him a certain amount of emotional freedom and passion that he lacks in his own life.

Weekly: Will Mimi's ex-hubby, Derek, cause any problems for the lovebirds?
Rucker: Well, he already has. Derek's a good guy and he's been a great father to Danielle, and Garret acknowledges that. But, naturally, they both have their own macho oppositions.

Weekly: Have you had the chance to hang out with anyone from AMC outside of work?
Rucker: No, not yet. I haven't really had the opportunity to get that familiar with anybody. Over time I think we will.

Weekly: Do you keep in touch with anyone from ATWT?
Rucker: Not directly. Most of the people [I worked with] have left. I speak with Tamara (Tunie, Jessica) from time to time, and her husband. Stephanie Mcgee, who's a makeup artist over there, kind of became my surrogate mom. Peter (Parros, Ben) is always great. I can pretty much pick up the phone anytime, even just to say "Hey." I've been in Los Angeles for the last year working, but now that I'm back in New York there are definitely some people I want to reach out to. I'm looking forward to that. Renee [Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline) from ONE LIFE TO LIVE is a good friend of mine, also.