IN CONVERSATION WITH OLIVIA SWANN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Olivia Swann returns as the sharp and fearless Michelle Mackey in new episodes of Season 3 of NCIS: Sydney, continuing a breakout freshman run that drew over 8 million viewers per episode and ranked #1 on CBS. Previously beloved for her role as Astra Logue on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and seen opposite Adam Brody and Leighton Meester in River Wild, Olivia balances action-driven performances with a refined creative sensibility off-screen. A London-based actress originally from Birmingham, she has a passion for fashion and jewelry, collecting statement rings and currently studying jewelry-making, blending artistry with edge in every facet of her life.

Season 3 of NCIS: Sydney is in full force. How did it feel returning to Michelle Mackey?

It’s always so exciting to step back into Mackey’s boots. When I first started playing her three years ago, she felt so far away from who I was. But as I’ve grown with her, I’m noticing so many more similarities between the two of us, which is a really exciting thing as an actor, having the chance to bring more of yourself to a character, and Mackey is teaching me so much as a result.

What can fans expect from Mackey in the upcoming episodes?

We delve a lot more into Mackey’s past and her personal life in upcoming episodes. There’s so much at stake for her and we start to understand what she’s been through and how her actions have led her to become the person she is now. It’s pretty compelling stuff and it really pushes and tests her in a way we’ve not seen before. She lets her guard down with JD a lot more too, which adds even more layers to their already complex dynamic.

Mackey is strong, strategic, and emotionally layered. How do you approach balancing those traits?

The main thing I wanted to do was honor all of those traits and not shy away from them. I think it’s very easy for TV shows to avoid making their female leads too stoic or tough so they’re not seen as ‘intimidating’ or ‘unlikeable’, and what I admire about Mackey is that she’s so unapologetically, unwaveringly strong. Having that as a base really allowed me to play with the layers of her emotions and really find specific moments to reveal different sides of her. She’s such a fascinating woman and I learn something new about her constantly.

What makes NCIS: Sydney distinct from other shows in the franchise?

The whole of the NCIS franchise works because the audience comes for the crime, but stays for the characters, and in addition to that, I think it’s our rag-tag team of misfits that makes us a little different. Having the team learn to work with each other and trust each other is such a great way for the audience to connect with our characters, whilst also watching a fun found-family dynamic unfold.

Having worked in both the DC universe and the NCIS world, how do you shift between genres?

Surprisingly, it wasn’t too much of a shift. I think the main thing I do is make sure I’m committing to the world of the show. Legends of Tomorrow was whimsical and fantastical, but it was reality for the characters in that world, the same way that NCIS is rooted in reality too, albeit in a much more conventional sense. You have to fully commit to whichever reality you’re in, whether you’re solving crimes or fighting aliens, and that commitment is always a good starting point for me.

Do you feel more at home in action-heavy roles, or are you drawn to something entirely different next?

NCIS: Sydney is such an action-heavy show and one of the main reasons I love playing Mackey is that she’s an absolute powerhouse, and I get to work on some awesome fight sequences. That, coupled with her layered emotions, makes her a dream role for me. I do feel very at home in a role like this, which is why I would love to do something completely different for my next role, to mix things up for myself and explore. A period based drama, a horror or a British indie would be on the top of my list. I’d love voice an animation too.

Off-screen, you have a love for fashion and jewelry. Where did that passion begin?

My love of jewelry definitely started when I was a kid. I used to collect so many things, jewelry, keychains, watches. And as I got older, I started collecting silver rings. I started stacking them on all of my fingers one day and kept experimenting with how they looked and how many would fit. I think my record is 35. I felt so comfortable expressing myself through my jewelry and it’s just become part of my identity now.

You collect rings. Is there a story behind your favorite piece?

That’s such a hard question. I must own around two hundred rings at this point, so I couldn’t possibly choose. My favourite piece right now is a ring I bought in New York recently, from an Australian designer Millie Savage. It used to be her engagement ring, but she remade it into a pinky ring when she got divorced, which I think is pretty badass. It’s a stunning, quirky piece and what a cool story.

What inspired you to start taking jewelry-making classes, and do you see yourself designing a collection one day?

When I was nineteen, I was at a bit of a crossroad in my life. I hadn’t fully decided what I wanted to do, so I applied for drama classes in Birmingham and a jewelry course in London. I heard back from the drama class first. If it had been the other way around, maybe I’d be a jewelry designer right now. I think that’s why I was drawn to taking up classes so many years later. It’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do and now I can make jewelry alongside acting which is incredible. And yes, absolutely, a goal of mine is to have my own collection one day.

How does fashion influence the way you inhabit a character, and what does personal style mean to you right now?

The clothes my characters wear give me a huge insight into how I can inhabit them. How they walk, stand, carry themselves, are they comfortable in what they wear, etc. Take Mackey for example. She’s a former US Marine who basically still wears a uniform. The same combat boots, a pair of cargo pants and a vest make it clear that she’s a practical woman who’s ready to spring into action. While I’m working and I spend most of my days in someone else’s clothes, my personal style leans into comfort and ease more than anything else. My rings make such a statement that I’m happy throwing on an oversized T-shirt with a pair of jeans and calling it a day.

In an industry that often boxes women into archetypes, how do you protect your individuality?

Aside from my rings, which are a very easy way for me to channel my individuality externally, I think my core group of friends really encourages me to remain individual. Having such grounded, kind and open minded people so close to me helps me remain my truest, most genuine self.

How do you unwind when you’re not on set?

I hang out with Mavournee as much as I can outside of work. We love grabbing coffee or food together. We can chat for hours. We’ve become such close friends it’s always easy to unwind with her after a big week. But on the rare occasion I’m not on set, I’m usually at home asleep. It’s important to prioritise rest because my days are so long there’s only really time for eat, sleep, work, repeat.

As NCIS: Sydney continues to grow, what is coming up next for you?

We’re just about to start filming Season 4 and I can’t wait to jump back in.

TEAM CREDITS

photographer DAVID REISS
stylist KEELEY DAWSON
make up EMMA MILES AT CAREN AGENCY
hair NICOLA HARROWELL AT PREMIER HAIR AND MAKE UP
hair assistant MELODY CHANTLER