‘S.W.A.T.’: Kenny Johnson Loves Playing ‘By-The-Book’ Luca

Chances are, you’ve been a fan of Kenny Johnson’s work before. In the last decade, the ex-Shield star has had major roles on Bates Motel, Dexter, Chicago Fire, Covert Affairs, Prime Suspect, Sons of Anarchy and Saving Grace. And that’s just the short list. Even he admits it’s a lot: “Whenever someone screams, ‘I love you on that show!’ to me in the street,” Johnson says, “I think, ‘Which one?’ and I smile.”

He’s also grinning big about playing S.W.A.T.’s tough-guy-with-a-heart-of-gold, Dominique Luca. “His job is his life. His grandfather was OG S.W.A.T.,” Johnson says. “So helping others is in his blood.” That, claims the actor, is what makes him stand out.

“I’ve played a lot of cops,” he says, “but they’re usually corrupt or loose cannons. Luca is strictly by-the-book and loves taking out bad guys.” Which is why it’s a problem when, in tonight’s episode, he’s assigned to protect a wayward hockey player (portrayed by real-life former NHL left wing John Scott) who likes to stir up trouble and chaos. “Luca would take a bullet,” Johnson says, “but for the right people.”

S.W.A.T., Thursdays, 10/9c, CBS