As Will Trent continues to build momentum in its fourth season, Cora Lu Tran is carving out a meaningful space on-screen with their portrayal of Nico, a non-binary character who exists beyond labels and story tropes.

In an exclusive interview with Gayety, Tran reflected on their journey with the role, calling it a defining moment both professionally and personally.

“It sounds cheesy, but it’s probably been the best thing that’s happened to me,” Tran said. “I won the lottery with the people I work with.”

Season 4 of the ABC drama finds Special Agent Will Trent, played by Ramón Rodríguez, navigating increasingly high-stakes cases while maintaining a chosen family that includes Nico. Though not a series regular, Nico has become a steady presence in Will’s home, offering emotional grounding while helping care for his dog, Betty.

For Tran, stepping into Nico’s shoes came with an immediate point of connection. “When I booked the role of Nico, I did resonate with it because it was a non-binary role,” they said. “I knew that I could really take care of the character, especially because LGBTQ representation is super important.”

That authenticity has resonated with audiences, and with people in Tran’s own life. They recalled a crew member who chose to stay on the show after reading about Nico’s character. “You don’t think about how much this role impacts other people,” Tran said. “But when people tell me things like that, I go, ‘Wow, maybe I am doing something that’s bigger than just myself.’”

What sets Nico apart is how seamlessly the character exists within the story. Their identity is present, but not the sole focus, a distinction that Tran believes is crucial. “It’s kind of a lot to put pressure on yourself,” they admitted. “But everyone has been so welcoming. Everyone’s been really nice.”

Through the role, Tran also discovered more about their own identity. “These questions I would have never asked myself if I didn’t play this character,” they said. “I realized, well, maybe my pronouns are they/them because it fits. It makes sense.”

Season 4 continues to test Nico in new ways, including a tense hospital hostage situation that puts them directly in harm’s way. In Episode 14, Will is forced to act as a negotiator when a desperate mother takes control of an emergency room, separating him from his team and placing Nico at the center of the crisis. The arc highlights the growing trust and bond between the two characters.

Off-screen, that dynamic mirrors Tran’s relationship with Rodríguez. “He is the person that I go to for advice,” Tran shared. “He’s seen me go through a lot of my highs and lows… and I feel like that parallels Nico and Will’s relationship.”

Still, it’s the quieter, ensemble moments that resonate most. “When everyone gets brought together for one common purpose… I love those moments,” Tran said. “It feels like a family.”

As Will Trent continues its run, Tran’s performance stands as a testament to the power of representation done right, nuanced and deeply human.

New episodes of Will Trent air Tuesdays on ABC.