Toni Trucks is currently kicking ass and taking names as Lisa Davis on the CBS hit series SEAL Team. In her interview with Jejune, Toni tells us what originally drew her to the character and what she has learned from playing this role. Inspired by her role on the show, this October Toni curated family themed boxes in partnership with Military Made. The boxes feature fun and luxurious items for the whole family and are made by entrepreneurs who were either in the military or are military spouses. Partnering with Military Made has given Toni the unique opportunity to engage and bring awareness to the military community. You can continue to purchase the boxes well into the New Year and of the proceeds go directly back to the business owners and Military Made. For her next role, Toni is gearing up to become a mother, as her and her partner Brandon are expecting a baby boy! Read on to learn more about her various roles, her partnership with Military Made and other charitable organizations, and the advice she has received regarding motherhood.

Where are you based?
I am based in Los Angeles.

You have an extensive list of acting credits in television and film, including Franklin and Bash, NCIS: New Orleans, Grimm, Twilight Breaking Dawn- Part 2, and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. What drew you to acting?
I honestly think my initial love of acting was a product of being a highly energetic and slightly nervous child. Focusing that energy into performing was my happy place. I loved being in front of people with the intention of bringing them joy on stage. As an adult my love of acting has evolved. I really appreciate the magic of storytelling and how it can shift people's hearts and minds.

You currently star as Lisa Davis on CBS’ hit series SEAL Team, which recently premiered it’s newest season on Paramount+. What are your thoughts on this season so far? Any favorite moments?
Oh yes!! The move to Paramount Plus has been really great. We have a new freedom and authenticity in our storytelling. This season we find Davis taking back her strength inside and out. She has been finding her footing in the workplace for sometime now, so in this season we get to celebrate her return to being fearless. Davis really excels when she trusts her instincts. Not to give too much away, but I am really excited for viewers to see her get up from behind the computer and show the muscle that comes with her mind.

What drew you to this character? Do you see yourself in her?
Davis' confidence and swagger stood out to me immediately when reading the pilot. I see a lot of myself in Davis. She is ambitious, loyal and takes her job seriously. Where we differ is the fun part. Davis has a thick emotional armor she can't quite shake and insane intuition when it comes to the SEAL Team missions.

Your character is tough as nails and an overall badass. What have you learned from playing Lisa Davis?
Davis can seem rigid but she really has a wonderful willingness to change. I love the risks she takes in her professional and personal life in the name of growth. She is not afraid to be uncomfortable. That's a good lesson.

Why do you think it is important that we see more characters like Lisa Davis portrayed?
MORE WOMEN, PERIOD!! That being said, seeing images of women in STEM is extremely impactful to young eyes. Also celebrating women in the military is extremely important. We quite frankly don't see enough women in the military portrayed in TV or film despite the fact that they are kicking ass in every level of service.

You tend to veer towards active roles. How do you usually prepare for a new role? Especially one so intense?
I love when I can be active in my storytelling. My character has been particularly action packed this season on SEAL Team. I normally train weekly and do pilates. I come from a dance background so I love movement. My pregnancy gave us a unique obstacle this season, but it didn't stop me from tackling some people and doing some ax throwing for the show.

Anna Kendrick once famously said that she forgot she was even in Twilight. Do you have any memories from that set?
Oh my gosh YES!! We filmed TWILIGHT for about 4 months. There are so many hysterical memories from that shoot. We shot in Baton Rouge for most of it while filming the epic battle scene found in Breaking Dawn Part 2. We had long days but fun days. All of that "snow" was actually recycled paper. We were on the battlefield for hours so we were always making up games to entertain ourselves or planning pranks. I met some of my favorite life long friends on that film in Michael Sheen, Noel Fisher and Valorie Curry. I am seriously thankful for my time on that film and all of the intensely loyal fans that came with it.

In October, you curated family themed boxes in partnership with Military Made. The boxes feature fun and luxurious items for the whole family and are made by entrepreneurs who were either in the military or are military spouses. Can you tell us a bit about these boxes and what inspired them?
I love to find new ways to engage with the Military in my free time. It helps me feel more connected to them when filming SEAL Team. Partnering with Military Made felt like the perfect opportunity to learn about some really unique businesses coming out of the Veteran and Military Family community while directly supporting their entrepreneurship.

Did being a part of SEAL Team inspire you to get involved with supporting vets, or has this been a cause you have been passionate about for awhile now?
SEAL Team inspired my involvement 100%. What we see on TV and news is truly only a small part of the story. I wanted to engage and learn about all the different kinds of people connected to the military. Their personal stories excite me, not the headlines.

Are these only available for the holidays or will we see more of them? Where do the proceeds go towards?
You can continue to purchase Military Made boxes well into the New Year. ALL of the proceeds go directly back to the business owners and Military Made. What I love most is that all of the businesses have their own charitable initiatives as well. So the purchase of this box reaches far. You support not only these vets and military spouse owned businesses, your contribution then goes on to support the autism community, women Veterans, mental health and more!! Not to mention that the box is filled with a gift for everyone in your family.

What has been your favorite item within the curated box?
I picked all the items so I love them all.

Can you explain the mission of Military Made and how you got involved with the organization?
Military Made's goal is to highlight Veteran and Military Spouse owned businesses. They do this by compiling a unique assortment of items from different companies for their Military Made boxes every season. Their efforts directly go to helping those businesses and families thrive.

You support several other charitable organizations such as Historic Idlewild Museum, Solving Kids Cancer, Kitten Lady and Music and Memory. Why is it important to you to give back to the community?
I come from a family of activists. I have always watched my parents give back and get involved at both the community and national level. Advocating for others has this wonderful way of making you feel good as well. Also acting is all about seeing the world from someone else's point of view. There is no better way to do that than showing up for them.

Our team here at Jejune wants to congratulate you on your pregnancy! How are you preparing to become a mother?
Thank you!!! My partner Brandon and I are really enjoying getting ready for our baby boy. There is a lot we don't know so we are asking lots of questions and relying on the help of friends and family. I don't know how one effectively prepares to become a mother. I am definitely trying to create a space of love and flexibility. We want to leave a lot of room for us all to learn from each other as we go.

How do you maintain your mental health and self care routine during a busy film schedule, especially while being pregnant? Can you touch on the importance of making time for yourself?
Filming and being pregnant has been an adventure for sure. I honestly felt very strong throughout the season. The last two days of filming season 5 were my hardest. Filming until two am can make anyone a little loopy though. My biggest obstacle was "pregnancy brain." Things do get a bit mixed up as you are a growing person inside you. At moments trying to rattle off military jargon became a bit comical. But we made it!!

Parenting during the pandemic has proven to be a challenge. Have you received any advice from friends or family?
We have observed from friends that parenting in a pandemic can require some creative efforts to keep kids entertained. That being said, I know Brandon and I are up to the challenge.

How are you staying positive during the current wave of the pandemic?
I am an optimist by nature. These are no doubt wild times, but I am extremely grateful to the scientists and health care professionals guiding us through.

What is your motto in life?
Hmmm I don't have a motto persay. I think a good perspective is to stay a perpetual student in life. Approaching people and new experiences from a place of curiosity always births patience and understanding.

To keep up with Toni, you can follow her on the platforms below.
Instagram: @tonitrucks
Twitter: @tonitrucks
Facebook: @tonitrucks

Team Credits:
Photographer: Ren Pidgeon at Exclusive Artists
Stylist: Michelle Wu
Hair: Diane Dusting at Opus Beauty
Makeup: Siasha Beecham at Artist Management

Layout: Prachedes Germano

COVER: Toni Trucks- Military Mother Made