Breaking Boundaries: An Exclusive Interview with Toni Trucks
Updated: Jul 25
Miami Living Magazine had the pleasure of speaking with Toni Trucks, a standout actress renowned for her role as Lieutenant Lisa Davis on CBS/Paramount+’s hit series SEAL Team. As the show approaches its highly anticipated seventh and final season, premiering August 11th, Toni reflects on the journey of portraying the only female series regular in a male-dominated environment and the empowering experience of playing an Intelligence Officer. Beyond her role in the series, Toni shares insights into her life outside of her career and her excitement for future roles that will showcase new dimensions of her acting talent. Join us as we delve into Toni’s remarkable career and the diverse experiences that shape her life.
Miami Living (ML): SEAL Team is about to wrap up its seventh and final season. Can you share your thoughts on the bittersweet experience of saying goodbye to a show that's been such a significant part of your career?
Toni: When the news came that this would be our final season, I can definitely say I didn’t feel ready. We have had the privilege over seven seasons to create such full characters. It felt like they all still had a lot of stories to tell. That being said, the writers have done such a beautiful job with this season that I am really excited for the fans to take this ride with us.
ML: You’ve portrayed Lt. Lisa Davis, the only female series regular on SEAL Team. Can you walk us through the training regimen and challenges you faced to authentically portray this character?
Toni: My character doesn’t normally find herself on missions these days. It’s been really fun over these past 7 seasons to go from packing parachutes and running coms to becoming an officer and helping to steer the SEAL Team from a different angle. My training during our time has run the gamut. Fitness, firearms, axe throwing, stunt fighting and phone books worth of technical jargon that would make your head spin.
ML: Being a woman of color in a male-dominated series must have come with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Can you reflect on how this role has been challenging and/or empowering for you?
Toni: Women currently make up roughly 22% of the military and women of color are even less. This extreme imbalance was something I considered often in my portrayal of Lt. Lisa Davis. Numbers aside, women are excelling at all levels in the military. Lisa is a nod to the incredible women I know already exist. I am filled with pride to be playing someone who is whip-smart, navigating tricky spaces and doing an excellent job! My hope is that Lisa’s story will ultimately inspire young women of color in any field.
ML: You’re involved with TAPS, a charity supporting surviving military families. Can you tell us more about your work with this organization and what it means to you personally?
Toni: I was introduced to TAPS and their important work through my outreach at SEAL Team. I was so impressed with the women in particular at the helm of this organization that I really wanted to get involved. I am now proudly serving as an honorary board member. One of the things I absolutely love is their work in youth programming, curating experiences that children may have missed out on with their loved one now gone. TAPS is serving people at every age and in every stage of grief. It is important and beautiful work.
ML: You’ve had a diverse career with roles in everything from action-packed series to charming comedies. If you could switch places with any of your previous characters for a day, who would you choose and what would you do?
Toni: You know, I did a Comedy Central series some years back called CORPORATE. In it I played a ridiculous news anchor named ‘Karen James’ and had the privilege of being the love interest of the late Lance Reddick, who was absolutely brilliant. Being in that wild world and working with Lance again would be a dream. CORPORATE was definitely a show that I wish I had spent more time on. If you have never seen it… find it.
ML: What’s one of your favorite ways to relax and recharge when you’re not working?
Toni: My go-to relax mode includes lots of quiet time (NO TV) and sunshine. A beach or pool are equally welcome. Now when I am really wanting to energize my spirit, I absolutely love taking a trip to New York City and filling my days and nights with theatre. I always come home feeling inspired and ready to jump into the next project.
ML: Looking ahead, you’ve mentioned excitement about playing a character unlike any you’ve portrayed before. Can you give us a hint about what this new role entails and what attracted you to it?
Toni: I don’t yet know what is to come but I am looking forward to a new role. Meeting your next character is like meeting a new best friend.
CREDITS
Photographer: Ben Cope
Hair: Kylee Heath
Makeup: Sean Harris
Stylist: Douglas VanLaningham
SOCIAL MEDIA:
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