Y&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Shares His Transformation for Special Ops: Lioness – A Sneak

Peek Into His New Role

Thad Luckinbill, best known to soap opera fans for his portrayal of JT Hellstrom on The Young and the

Restless, has taken on a daring and physically demanding new role in the Paramount+ series Special Ops:

Lioness. Now a series regular, Luckinbill portrays Kyle McManus, a CIA operative who frequently finds himself immersed in dangerous and high-stakes missions. His role is set against the backdrop of the CIA’s war on terror, and the show delves into the world of elite female agents who work undercover to tackle terrorist organizations, drug cartels, and human traffickers.

As Luckinbill stepped into the action-packed world of Special Ops: Lioness, he found himself having to undergo intense physical and mental preparation to match the demands of the role. The show’s gritty realism and action sequences meant that Luckinbill had to transform both his body and his lifestyle. His character, Kyle McManus, often works alongside Joe, played by Zoe Saldaña, leading dangerous missions and navigating complex situations. The level of intensity required for the role demanded a deep commitment to physical fitness and mental discipline.

In a recent interview, Luckinbill revealed that fitness played a significant part in preparing for his role. “Fitness is a huge part of my performance,” he shared. “To keep up with the demands of my character’s high-stakes missions, I adopted a comprehensive training regimen.” This included military drills, weight lifting, and various exercises to ensure his body could handle the physicality of the role. Known for his naturally lean physique, Luckinbill had to bulk up considerably to match the strength required by his character. To add 8 pounds of muscle, he worked closely with a Hollywood trainer, often referred to as a “hero maker,” and followed a strict high-calorie diet.

Though bulking up was a challenge due to his naturally lean build, Luckinbill remained committed to the transformation. However, he didn’t abandon his love for boxing and running, which helped him improve his stamina while maintaining his fitness. “Boxing and long runs are the best for getting lean and staying sharp,” Luckinbill noted. These activities helped him not only maintain a toned physique but also sharpen his endurance for the tough action scenes the series demands.

To truly prepare for his role in Special Ops: Lioness, Luckinbill and some of his co-stars underwent military-style training, including sessions with a Navy SEAL. This training was not just about building strength but also about gaining insight into the mindset and discipline of military personnel. “For me, getting in shape for Special Ops: Lioness wasn’t just about looking the part—it was about honoring the men and women who serve in real life,” Luckinbill explained. “These people risk their lives every day, and as actors, it’s our responsibility to represent them accurately. That starts with being physically ready for the role.”

The second season of Special Ops: Lioness is currently streaming on Paramount+, with Luckinbill’s portrayal of Kyle McManus standing out as a major highlight. His performance has garnered praise for both the physical transformation and the emotional depth he brings to the role. Luckinbill’s commitment to his craft, from mastering the physical challenges to portraying the emotional complexity of his character, is a testament to his dedication and work ethic.

For fans who remember Luckinbill from his soap opera days, his transition into this action-packed, high-stakes role in Special Ops: Lioness is a must-watch. Both seasons are available for binge-watching on Paramount+, and with Luckinbill’s powerful performance, this thrilling series is sure to keep viewers on the edge of