Male Spouse in Primetime
‘Army Wives’ star brings rare breed to small screen
by Babette Maxwell
Sterling Brown grew up a military brat and knows the community well – several of his cousins, his grandfather, father, two uncles and an aunt have all served.
What he didn’t expect when he was cast as Roland Burton on the Lifetime series “Army Wives” was how he’d fit in as a man’s man living in a woman’s world. Rather than playing a Soldier, Roland is married to his wife’s military career. Brown opened up to Military Spouse about portraying the role – and its role reversal. 
What has been the most difficult part of playing a male military spouse?
I understand that the percentage of male military spouses who are civilians is somewhere around 7 percent, and I think we do a fairly good job of portraying that on the show. The fact of the matter is that the world of military spouses is primarily a woman's world and being a man in that world can be very isolating.
Roland loves "the tribe," (CJ, Denise, Pamela, and Roxy), but it often seems like he's on the outside looking in. Claudia Joy and Denise are best friends, Pamela and Roxy are thick as thieves. Roland's almost like a third wheel to two perfect couples! Now I don't mean to minimize the connection Roland has with these ladies. They all know what it means to be married into the Army, and that's a big deal. But it doesn't seem like they'll ever be as close to him as they are with each other. Being a military spouse of the male variety can be a little lonely sometimes.
Have you learned anything about military spouses that you didn’t know before?
Military spouses are a resilient bunch. When their significant others are deployed, they have to play the role of both parents, which isn't easy. They take care of everything on the home front, so that their Soldiers can give their full energies to protecting the freedoms of this country. Being separated from their relatives, they become each other's families. And I know they say that blood is thicker than water, but the bonds between military spouses can be pretty thick. They also have tremendous pride in the job that their spouses are doing for this country.
How do you connect with your character?
When it comes right down to it, Roland and I are both kind-hearted people. Friendship is very important to the both of us, and I (like the good doctor) would consider myself to be pretty loyal. Neither one of us is perfect, but we strive to be our best.
As a married man, I am very proud of my wife, and support her in the pursuit of her own career. I think this is just one more thing that Roland and I have in common.
How do you connect with the female characters on “Army Wives” so successfully?
First, let me say thank you – you have no idea how much that statement touches me! Let me say, it is very difficult to fake a relationship in front of the camera. You have to spend time with people in life, if the relationships are to be believable on the show. And we are very fortunate to get along as well as we do. I have real affection for all of my cast mates, and hopefully, the camera sees that. In that regard, I really can't take too much credit, because they're all such good people. Now, if, on the other hand, they were all a bunch of lousy human beings, then I'd have to do some serious acting. But I don't think I'm that good.
Which was your favorite episode of “Army Wives” and why?
The episode where Pamela lets the young Army wife use her house for the "lingerie party." I think that is one of the funniest things we've ever shot, and the actress who played the young wife was outstanding! I'm sure that's not gonna be too many other people's favorite, but on a show that deals with so many deep issues that are life or death in nature, every once in a while, it's nice to have a good laugh.
Is there anything you’d like to say to Military Spouse magazine readers?
It is a great privilege we have – and an awesome responsibility – to give voice to your stories, to your lives. I know we don't always hit the nail on the head, but we do try our very best.
Is there anything you’d like to tell our male spouse readers about life as a man married to a military woman?
Make your presence felt. Go to an FRG meeting every once in a while... it will not kill you. I guarantee you your presence will be welcome. And then if more guys start showing up to events, then they may give Roland a fellow Army dad/husband buddy... oh, happy days!
ABOUT STERLING
Favorite Pastime: Going to the movies
Hobbies: Working out, playing basketball, football, reading, taking online IQ tests.
What’s on Sterling’s playlist: Jay Z, Kanye, Norah Jones, Miles Davis, Mary Mary, John Mayer, Robin Thicke, Wicked (the musical), and much much more (I'm all over the place, yo).