Toni Trucks: From SEAL TEAM to Empowering Rebirth in Fashion and Femininity

In the realm of television, few journeys are as resonant as Toni Trucks’ portrayal of Lisa Davis on SEAL TEAM. As the show approaches its seventh and final season, Trucks reflects on her transition from military combat boots to the versatile world of heels, symbolising a broader reinvention. The end of this chapter isn’t just about bidding farewell to a beloved character but about embracing new facets of identity and power. Trucks’ role as the only female series regular in a predominantly male cast provided her with unique insights into gender roles and military representation. Now, as she prepares to step into new roles and explore fresh creative avenues, Toni Trucks embodies a powerful narrative of rebirth—melding her experiences with a renewed sense of feminine strength and fashion-forward expression.

Photographer Sela Shiloni

SD – Toni, as SEAL TEAM approaches its seventh and final season, how are you processing the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye to one of television’s most watched shows? What will you miss the most about playing Lisa Davis?*

TC – It’s taken me a minute to accept that it really is coming to an end. Seven seasons is almost unheard of these days, so I feel really lucky to have had such a beautiful run. I think one of the biggest things I will miss about playing Lisa Davis is her tenacity in the workplace. It’s been really fun to be in someone’s shoes that is so dead set on excelling and making a difference in her field. She leans into challenges and I am going to try to take that little piece of her with me.

SD – Playing the only female series regular in a male-dominated show like SEAL TEAM must have offered unique insights. Can you share the perspective you gained portraying a female Intelligence Officer and how it has influenced your view on gender roles in the military and beyond?*

TC – Women in the military are largely ignored in mainstream storytelling. So, I felt quite a responsibility to make them proud. That being said, what has delighted me in this process is being able to see firsthand the impressive expanse and scope of the impact women are having in the military. I think my takeaway is that we should hear more about their experiences!

SD – As a woman of colour leading a series like SEAL TEAM for all seven seasons, how has this experience been empowering for you personally and professionally? What message do you hope your role has conveyed to the audience?*

TC – Since we don’t see these stories very often, being able to embody such an accomplished Lieutenant especially as a black woman has filled me with a lot of pride. I found myself over the years being quite protective of her journey. My hope is that seeing Lt. Lisa Davis rise in the ranks, season after season, in spaces where she is outnumbered, will ultimately feel like a win to any woman of colour watching, regardless of their occupation.

SD – Becoming a mother often brings profound changes. How has motherhood influenced your approach to your career, and in what ways has it made you more courageous in both your professional and personal life?*

TC – Motherhood has a beautiful way of energizing both my foot on the gas and my hand on the emergency break. I think my desire to be creative, work, and provide for my family has definitely been ignited. But at the same time, I feel freed up to take life moment by moment. Being completely present can be its own very sweet kind of thrill.

Photographer Sela Shiloni

SD – You’ve mentioned wanting to embrace different types of characters and push the limits with fashion. Can you elaborate on how you plan to express yourself through clothing and how this new chapter of owning your femininity is shaping your career choices?*

TC – It’s funny to think about characters and fashion when I have literally been living in camouflage for the past seven years. Being a uniform so often was an interesting departure from how I normally express myself. I have a bit of a denim habit so I am loving all of the new silhouettes happening there. Denim design has a way of feeling playful and practical that I really like.

SD – Your career spans an impressive array of roles in television and film. Looking back, which roles have been most transformative for you, and how have they prepared you for this next phase of your journey?*

TC – I have always really enjoyed the physical transformations that can happen with characters.  One of the most memorable experiences I had was in TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN 2. It’s a trip to look back at the images of my wild curls and red vampire eyes. I had a similar experience on GRIMM playing a deputy by day and mythical flesh-eating creature by night. I would love to do something sci-fi based. Perhaps centred around a graphic novel or comic. It’s fun to explore characters that can take you out of earthly norms.

SD – With such a rich history in diverse roles—from SEAL TEAM to TWILIGHT and beyond—what kind of characters are you most excited to explore next? How do you plan to continue challenging yourself and evolving as an actress?*

TC – I’m looking forward to whatever comes next!! Roles that feel scary tend to be the ones worth examining. It would be nice to revisit working in the theatre. It’s such a wildly different muscle and one I really want to keep strong.

The 10-episode series will release weekly on Paramount + taking us through the first part of October.