Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?
A) I recently wrapped a movie called Expectant Mother for Lifetime. It was such a blessing since I was pregnant. It was perfect that the character was pregnant and then had her baby in the story. I just gave birth to my baby boy Davis Nolan Gantt and have been pitching a new TV show with my creative partners Jana Kramer and Mark Gantt for our Give and Take Productions. Now that I have had Davis, I am considering taking a directing gig in September (a horror/thriller shooting in my home state of Georgia) and then back to auditioning just like all the other actors here. It is the life, once a show ends or job, you are back to the grind of getting your next job.
Q) Please tell us what is new this season on “SIX” and with your character Lena Graves.
A) Lena definitely finds her voice in the new season of “SIX.” She is more independent and spreading her wings and not relying on Joseph (Barry Sloane) to fix her and their problems. It is the first time in her life that she gets to really look at herself and her marriage.
Q) What originally made you want to be a part of the series?
A) The talent behind the camera for one thing and the writing was so dynamic for my character. I fell in love with Lena admittedly. It was an honor to play her for sure. Plus, getting to portray a completely different character than what I’m usually cast as was a big deal for me.
Q) What keeps challenging you about your portrayal?
A) She plays everything close to the chest and barely lets out her emotions. That was the hardest part for me. I am very open with my feelings and I let people know when they upset me. But for this character, that quality is not what the writers were looking for. So, during Joseph and Lena’s fights or high intense scenes, I had to keep my emotions in check. After a take, I would usually walk away and let them go. I cried a lot off camera. I’m sure the crew thought I was one of those crazy actresses, but I could not help it. I needed to release those feelings.
Q) Had you spent much time with military wives to get a perspective for getting into character for Lena?
A) Unfortunately, I did not have the time to get to meet a bunch of military wives. I did talk to one and ask her a bunch of personal questions about her marriage and how being a SEAL wife affected her marriage. It was beyond helpful and I am deeply grateful for her honesty. I could not have played Lena Graves without her openness.
Q) Was there someone you hadn’t worked with in Season One that you were hoping to share a scene with in Season Two?
A) Good spoiler here, but I was hoping to have more season with my girl Nadine [Velazquez] this coming season to explore more of the female SEAL wives’ relationships, but unfortunately it did not happen. I always love working with Juan Pablo Raba and, of course, Walton Goggins but no go on either of those scenes with them.
Q) Talk about working with onscreen hubby Barry Sloane.
A) Working with Barry Sloane is a dream come true. He is a great scene partner to work with. He’s very open to improvisation even, when I don’t want to, which keeps me on my toes for sure. We both love acting and when we’re in the scene, nothing else matters.
Q) What have been some of your most memorable behind the scenes moments from filming “SIX?”
A) Laughing with the whole gang when we get to all shoot together. This season we had some flashback scenes, which was a blast to shoot and a very long night scene that we were all freezing and trying to entertain each other during the million takes we had. The whole cast really does get along and we enjoy each other’s company. I also loved shooting with Barry this one scene in episode 4 for the new season. When you see the scene, you will know we both had the best time exploring the moment on the playground. I hope the audience loves that episode as it was my favorite one this season.
Q) What do you think it is about the show that has made it such a fan favorite?
A) It’s honest portrayal of the SEAL world and their family life. I hope they think the same this season since it is a bit different, but either way we all did our best to stick to the truth of the stories of these characters.
Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?
A) Yes, I am. You can reach me at @thebriannedavis on Instragram and Twitter. I love interacting with fans and hearing their thoughts. I am still old school in the sense that I am still very private and have to force myself to be more open. I think I’m getting better at it; at least that what my husband Mark Gantt tells me.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love creating these characters that people identify with. I hope to be doing this job a very long time. Plus, now that I am directing and producing, I hope they get to see more of my heart and passion. It’s the blessing of this career. So, thank you!
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