Brianne Davis is tough. How tough, you ask? While filming her new show Six – where she plays the wife of a Navy SEAL commander – Davis quickly found out she was the only castmember who actually had prior experience visiting the Middle East, flying helicopters, and shooting AK47s. And those are just her hobbies. Yeah, she’s that tough.

“A few of the guys, I won’t say who, were a little nervous to get on the helicopters,” laughs Davis. “I kept telling them that they’d be just fine! We joked that my character should emerge as a secret SEAL since I do all that stuff already.”

Since starting her career with a role in Jarhead, Davis has appeared in Entourage, Desperate Housewives, and True Blood, and has branched out into directing and producing. But she maintains that projects with a military connection hit closest to home.

“My dad was a soldier in Vietnam and I grew up in this kind of lifestyle, so this role brings things full circle for me,” says Brianne. “This show is a very authentic view of a military family. It’s about these brave men and how their work affects their families at home.”

What is your worst habit?

Cracking my knuckles, my neck, and my back. It sounds gross and it’s probably terrible for me but I can’t help it! It feels good.

What has been your favourite role so far?

Six. I’m not just saying it to get people to watch the show, but this character is a huge accomplishment for me. It means a lot and it’s such an authentic experience.

If you could only do one, would you rather direct, act or produce?

That’s a hard question. I don’t think I can pick. They’re all so different. Directing works every part of your body. Acting, you’re in the character. Producing has your hands in every single aspect of it. I can’t pick.

What is your pet peeve?

Lateness. But I am always early so sometimes it’s not fair. But being late, and the people who are constantly late, it’s just the worst.

What was your favourite gift this holiday?

I got a new Canon camera. My husband is a photographer, and when we shoot movies together we have to get pick-up shots. He thought it was time for me to have my own camera.

What has been your proudest moment?

I’ve had so many, but I’d have to say all the work I’ve done on myself personally. I feel like internal work is the most rewarding and that if you can stand up and like who you are despite anything that might be going on, then you’re doing fine. I think it’s more of a feeling than anything you can hold in your hands.

What are you watching right now?

We just finished Westworld and we’re starting the second season of Mr. Robot. And I’m definitely one of those girls who loves some Real Housewives drama. You need to be able to turn off your brain for a bit!

SIX PREMIERES JANUARY 18TH ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL.