Olivia Swann enters season three of “NCIS: Sydney” with a character—and a career—in motion. As Michelle Mackey continues to evolve from a guarded, by-the-book leader into a more emotionally open presence, Swann has leaned into the shift, allowing vulnerability and personal instinct to shape the role.
Now leading a major franchise with global reach, the British actor reflects on growth, discipline, and the confidence she’s found both on and off screen, tracing her path from “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” to the expanding world of “NCIS.”
NCIS: Sydney returned for its third season on Oct. 14. What has stepping back into Michelle Mackey’s world allowed you to explore at this point in the series?
This season, I think it’s been really cool to throw ourselves back into the world of NCIS. Obviously, leading on from the end of season two, there was a bit of tension between Mackey and JD, so being able to deal with that right at the top of the season has been really fun. Just leaning back into our characters has been great. There’s so much growth and depth this season for everyone. We see the team really come together and work better together than we ever have before. It’s been awesome to delve into the team dynamic, as well as the cases that we know and love—the ones that are really interesting, exciting, and explosive. It’s been so much fun.
The show debuted as CBS’s top program in its first season. How did that response shape your approach moving forward?
It’s honestly just made us want to work harder. It was a really lovely surprise to see those numbers and hear those figures, because none of us ever went into this expecting that. It allows us to push for bigger, bolder, better stories, and it pushes us to challenge ourselves and make even more exciting television for everyone.
What aspects of Mackey’s leadership resonate with you, and how has she evolved since season one?
What I love about Mackey is that she’s so different from me. In season one, we really saw her as this militant, very hard, intimidating leader—someone who was strong-willed and a bit of a maverick. She still is, but in season three I’ve allowed myself to bring more of myself to her. There’s more vulnerability and softness. We see a little more lightness. It’s been really nice to bring myself and Mackie together, and the audience gets to see a different side of her this season. We see her armor strip away a little bit, which is always exciting with a character who is so closed off and holds her cards so close to her chest.
Viewers have noticed Mackey feels more playful and emotionally present. How did DC’s Legends of Tomorrow prepare you for NCIS: Sydney?
That was such a fantastic introduction to the TV world for me. It was my first job out of drama school, and I was thrown into this big ensemble show that was so zany—sci-fi, superheroes, all of it. It really taught me how to work on a TV set, how to use your imagination, and how to fully commit to the world and the tone of a show. Both Legends and NCIS have very specific tones.
With NCIS, it’s this mix of heart, heightened reality, character, and connection. It’s a fine line to get right, but at the end of the day you just have to commit. That’s what Legends taught me—how to commit.
What stands out from making River Wild alongside Adam Brody and Leighton Meester?
That was my first film, and it was such an incredible experience. I got to work with phenomenal actors like Leighton, Adam, and Taran Killam, and I learned so much watching how they approached intense scenes and long days on set. Every job I’ve done has taught me something new that I’ve been able to take onto the next one. That experience was really special.
You split your time between London and working abroad. How does that influence your perspective?
That’s an interesting question. I don’t really think of it in any structured way. I just go with the flow. When I’m back in the UK and I’m not working, I’m very much in rest mode. When I’m away filming, I’m in work mode. Having that separation between the two is actually really helpful.
Many viewers don’t realize you’re from the UK. How do you maintain your American accent on the show?
Thank you—I’ll take that. On Legends, I didn’t have a dialect coach, so I was kind of winging it. On NCIS, we do have a dialect coach who helps us, and we’re encouraged to stay in accent all day. As soon as I get in the car to be picked up and go to set, I’m American, and I stay in the accent all day while we’re filming and while I’m talking to people. When we wrap, that’s when I drop it.
It helps make it feel more natural instead of something I’m constantly putting on. Some days are harder than others. Your mouth gets tired, your brain gets tired because you’re thinking ahead and translating words, but you get used to it, and it becomes easier.
How does it feel to be part of the larger NCIS legacy?
It’s amazing, honestly. The NCIS franchise is huge and global, and I never once thought I’d be part of it, let alone leading one of the shows.
It’s incredibly humbling, and I’m so grateful for the experience. It feels like a big family. Being part of NCIS Tuesdays in America feels like a celebration of the franchise—of how long it’s lasted, how many iterations there are, and how many people love it. It’s a huge achievement, and it’s an honor to be part of it.
What’s your favorite thing about playing Mackey?
I think it’s stepping into her strength, her power, and her drive. I’m much more reserved than she is and a lot more timid, so stepping into her shoes allows me to find parts of myself that I didn’t know existed.
She gives me a confidence I never knew I had. Playing a woman who will always do what she believes is right has taught me so much about integrity and strength, and that really means a lot to me.
What’s next for you?
A lot of swimming and a lot of rest.
Be’n Original
