IN CONVERSATION WITH TONI TRUCKS
interview JANA LETONJA
Multi-faceted actor Toni Trucks spent her early career in New York before making her TV debut as the female lead on Showtime’s series ‘Barbershop’. She is best known for her roles on ‘SEAL Team’, ‘Franklin and Bash’ and ‘Made in Jersey’. Toni will be back on our screens on 11th August, when ‘SEAL Team’ returns for its seventh and final season on Paramount+.
Toni, we’ll soon be seeing you in the seventh and final season of ‘SEAL Team’. What can the fans expect from the final season?
The fans can definitely expect a wild ride in this final season. The stakes are exceptionally high with this team, and knowing everyone is going to be coming to their own crossroads as characters adds an extra layer of twist and turns. Viewers should hang on to their hats and their tissue boxes.
How important and empowering was the role of Lisa for you, getting to play a female Intelligence Officer in the highly male dominated world?
Playing Lisa Davis was extremely empowering for me. The actual military women that inspired this character are so impressive that it is impossible to not feel full of pride.
Saying goodbye after starring in a series and portraying a character for so many years must be bitter sweet. What are your fondest memories from the years of being a part of ‘SEAL Team’, and how has this series impacted you?
I think some of my fondest memories are from the infancy of the show, when we didn’t know exactly what the show would be or how popular it would become. There was this hum of excitement and energy that charged every scene we filmed. We just were so full of hope that the show would touch people hearts, and it did. I loved that.
Before making your TV debut, you’ve been performing in theatre. Do you ever miss it and what did you enjoy the most about being on stage?
Theatre is my first love. I spent so much of my life on the stage. I absolutely miss performing in that avenue, but I still get a very big burst of life when I go see a play. I recently enjoyed a trip to New York City with my father where we saw five shows. It is truly my favorite thing to do. The magic that happens in theatre is one of the few mediums that requires people to be firmly in the moment. You turn off your phone, sit back and have this shared human experience. It’s beautiful.
Acting involves also fashion. What excites you the most about exploring fashion through your work, and what do you love the most about fashion in general?
I don’t think I ever got over the thrill of playing dress up. I love being able to use clothing as a way to fully transform for a role. What I love most about fashion is the way it can totally change the way a person feels and moves through space. During my time on ‘SEAL Team’, my main look was a uniform. Differing shades of camouflage, but essentially the same silhouette. But even in this seemingly narrow space, I found people attempting to express themselves. I had the pleasure to meet the founder of a female veteran owned company called Torch Warrior Wear before filming this last season. They are making the most beautifully tailored bodysuits for underneath military uniforms. Most of the time, service people are subjected to wearing ill-fitting and very stiff shirts, which only adds to the boxy and rigid experience in a uniform. Even on set, I was wearing a crunchy child’s T-shirt most days, so making the switch to this buttery and beautiful bodysuit made a huge difference. My posture even changed. You can find the power of fashion in the most unexpected places.
Having a young son, it must be really important to find balance between your family life and work. How do you make sure to have that balance in life?
Well, because my son is still small, I have had the luxury of taking him with me when I am filming out of town. Other than that, you really get good at prioritizing your day. Knowing how precious our time is together, I have gotten a lot better about putting my work away until he is asleep. Staying up late to memorize lines is worth every moment I get to spend with him.
One of the important things in your life is also maintaining your self-care routine. Tell us more about it and what it involves.
I think movement is the key to my self-care. I started out as a dancer and that has always been the cornerstone of me feeling centered and happy. These days, my go-to is Pilates, which feels like a natural progression from dance. In addition to a wonderful workout, there is a real focus on intentional and deep breathing that happens in Pilates. That connection to breathe is incredibly impactful to how a person feels daily.
You also serve on California’s Death Penalty Focus Board. Tell us more about your work in this area and what makes it so important to you?
I’ve been on the board of DPF for almost 5 years. Knowing how deeply flawed the judicial system is in our country, working with people to fight for the humanity and dignity of those incarcerated feels vital. Capital punishment is a dated and barbaric practice. I am hopeful that in our not-too-distant future we will see the end of it.
What are your hopes and wishes for the future of your acting career?
It’s of course bitter sweet to say goodbye to Lt. Lisa Davis, but I am excited for my next project. I don’t yet know what is on the horizon, but reading new scripts has been really fun. I hope that whatever comes next, comes soon. Creating new characters and the camaraderie of a cast is something I crave.
TEAM CREDITS
photographer BEN COPE
stylist DOUGLAS VANLANINGHAM
hair KYLEE HEATH
makeup SEAN HARRIS
