From South London shy girl to leading global crime drama icon, Olivia Charlotte Swann is one of those rare artist stories defined by grit, growth, and bold reinvention. Born in Lewisham and raised in Birmingham, Olivia discovered acting early—taking classes by age 12—and honed her craft at the renowned East 15 Acting School before stepping into the spotlight.
Her break-out role came as Astra Logue in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, a character caught between darkness and power, moral ambiguity and heart. She inhabited that role with complexity and strength for several seasons, showing that even anti-heroes can illuminate the screen with empathy.
Today, Olivia is making waves as Special Agent Captain Michelle Mackey in NCIS: Sydney, the Australian spin-off of the legendary NCIS franchise. She’s leading a joint NCIS-AFP task force, navigating high-stakes investigations, betrayal, and personal stakes—with vulnerability and authority in equal measure. The show has become one of the most talked about new entries in the franchise.
As winter edges in, we sit down with Olivia to explore her journey, her craft, and what fires her up this season.
INLOVE: How did growing up in Lewisham and Birmingham shape your sense of self, and how do you bring pieces of that background into your characters?
Olivia Swann: Growing up in Birmingham, there was so much to do, and I think it’s where I really built my imagination. I’d go to the park with my brother and cousins, and we’d run through the trees playing pretend — something like Lord of the Rings or James Bond. I never really considered how formative those times were or how much freedom I felt back then. So it’s nice to feel connected to that period and to recognize that my imagination is still something I’m able to use in my work today.
INLOVE: What lessons (or challenges) from East 15 Acting School still guide you today, especially when you’re facing high-pressure roles?
Olivia Swann: The main thing I learned at drama school was how to be a courageous actor. We were constantly told that “a good actor talks about jumping in the pond; a great actor is already in there.” It’s the idea that being bold and taking risks will never be a bad choice. That’s something I still carry with me today. Any time I’m feeling nervous, I tell myself, “Just jump in the pond.”
INLOVE: Your portrayal of Astra Logue in Legends of Tomorrow was layered and morally complex. How different is it stepping into Michelle Mackey in NCIS: Sydney? What fears or strengths does each character tap in you?
Olivia Swann: I think Astra and Mackey actually share some similarities — they’re both very strong, fiery, headstrong women who go after what they know is right, and they’ve had to adapt to survive. But where Astra had a little more petulance and volatility, Mackey has an impressive grounding, ferocity, and maturity. Both characters have taught me what it means to be unwaveringly fierce and unapologetic, and I’ve learned how to stand up for myself more through them.
INLOVE: In NCIS: Sydney, there are moments when Mackey reveals deep vulnerabilities — her past, her secrets, personal costs. How do you balance portraying strength and fragility, particularly in action or procedural scenes?
Olivia Swann: To me, part of being strong is honoring the fact that we all have fragility. Deep down, I think Mackey is really lonely. She’s in work mode nonstop, and underneath her strength there’s a desire for deeper connection that she doesn’t allow herself to acknowledge, which makes my heart break for her. But it’s these vulnerabilities that actually fuel Mackey’s strength. That’s what I hold onto throughout the show — the choice Mackey makes to keep secrets so she can put her team and her cases above everything else.
INLOVE: In the show, trust is frequently broken or tested. How does Mackey’s attitude toward trust evolve, and what does it say about leadership in uncertain times?
Olivia Swann: Earning Mackey’s trust takes time, so when it’s broken, it’s very hard to get back. At the beginning of Season 3, we see Mackey dealing with the fallout from trusting the wrong person in Darwin and how deeply that betrayal has shaken her. She now has to fight back and learn to trust herself and her gut instinct again.
INLOVE: You’ve done stunts, intense sequences, and car chases. Which has been the most physically or emotionally demanding scene, and how do you prepare for those?
Olivia Swann: We have an incredible stunt team and amazing stunt doubles who we work closely with on fight choreography. The prep for that, as intense as it is, is always a fun team effort, and I love it. There are some incredible action sequences coming up this season, bigger than anything we’ve done before. There are also scenes in Season 3 that push Mackey into more vulnerable territory. Preparing for those is intense in a different way. You have to feel as much as possible, which can be scary, but I love the challenge of opening her up and exposing her heart a little more.
INLOVE: Filming NCIS: Sydney gives you the chance to spotlight Sydney itself as a character — its landscapes, people, and pace. What have you discovered about the city that surprised or inspired you?
Olivia Swann: The vibe in Sydney is so unique. Even though it’s a major city, there’s a relaxed energy to it. It’s inspired me to take things a little slower and embrace a lifestyle I don’t have in the UK. Going for a morning swim at the beach is a total game changer.
INLOVE: You’ve said you’d welcome a crossover with Jessica Knight or other franchise characters. What would the ideal crossover look like to you?
Olivia Swann: Bringing different characters from the franchise together would be really cool. Seeing how they navigate each other’s personalities and idiosyncrasies would be fun to watch, and I think Mackey and Knight would get on pretty well. I’d also love to see all the teams come together to take down a huge worldwide threat.
INLOVE: With visibility increasing, how do you protect your off-screen self — your privacy, mental space, and creativity?
Olivia Swann: At the weekend, I love curling up with a murder mystery novel, and I’ve recently started designing and making my own jewellery, which helps me stay creative when I’m not working. I also have a huge collection of crystals, so I like to sit with them, listen to guided meditation, and wind down after a hectic week. I stay off social media as much as I can. As I’ve gotten older, I really feel the negative effects of doom scrolling, and I’ve noticed how much lighter I feel without it in my life. If I’m not posting about work, I’m not on it.
INLOVE: Looking ahead, are there dream roles or projects you haven’t yet taken on that call your name?
Olivia Swann: I’d love to have one project from each genre on my résumé, but I’m especially keen to do a period piece or an epic fantasy — Lord of the Rings level. I haven’t done theatre since 2018, so going back feels like a big challenge, but one I’d love to take on. Maybe even some Shakespeare. I’d love to play Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing one day.
INLOVE: Our famous question — what are you in love with right now?
Olivia Swann: I’m really in love with finding a work-life balance at the moment. I’ve always put work first, but I’m learning that it’s not the most sustainable or healthiest mindset. I’m enjoying prioritising rest and looking after myself as much as I can when I’m not on set.
“I’ve learned that strength isn’t about never being afraid — it’s about walking through fear with courage and honesty. Every role I take on is a chance to explore another layer of humanity and, hopefully, inspire people and help them feel seen.” — Olivia Swann
From Astra’s rebellious fire in Legends of Tomorrow to Mackey’s commanding presence in NCIS: Sydney, Olivia Swann is carving a legacy defined by resilience, authenticity, and undeniable brilliance. She embodies the modern woman who knows her worth, leads with heart, and continues to surprise us with each new chapter.
As the winter issue of InLove celebrates extraordinary journeys, Olivia reminds us that the truest magic lies not in playing the hero or the villain, but in daring to be unapologetically real.
Here’s to Olivia Swann — a woman leading not just a hit series, but a generation of viewers who see themselves reflected in her strength, vulnerability, and fearless pursuit of possibility.
Words by Elle Taylor
