March 3, 2026 • 24 mins
This week Tommy is joined by actor Oliver Stark, best known for his starring role in the smash hit drama series 9-1-1 on ABC. 9-1-1 is one of the most watched shows on primetime television, chronicling the high-pressure experiences of first responders who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. What makes this show even more special is that we get to also see these characters lives unfold once they hang up the firefighter gear for the day. Oliver plays the confident and compassionate firefighter, Evan Buckley (aka Buck) and quickly became a fan favorite on the show since day one. Today, Oliver opens up about Buck’s realization that he is bisexual, why he will always stand by storylines that are about inclusion and love, the moment he decided to make an Instagram post to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, what he hopes we will see with Buck’s journey in the future, what he has most learned about himself through doing this show, the thing that this Buck would tell Buck from Season 1, the relationship between Eddie and Buck that had many people talking about, and how he wishes he focused more on building friendships throughout the last decade of his life. This episode originally aired April 30, 2024.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Oliver mo Man. How you doing. It's good to see you.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
I'm doing very well. I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Well, I'm happy to have you.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
We're going to dive in because, first of all, you
recently pretty much broke the Internet, and I think you
know what I'm talking about, and that is, of course
that your character Buck recently came to the realization that
he is bisexual. And it's pretty cool because there have
been breadcrumbs, I feel like throughout the entire series, but
(00:32):
I do think this is a newer thing for him.
Like to me, it doesn't feel like this was particularly
planned over all the years, and I know for you
it was something you very much welcomed and you wanted
to dive into this.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
So why is that? Why were you excited to take
on this new part of who he is?
Speaker 2 (00:48):
I think for a number of reasons, right, So, first
of all, I do think, and not in any kind
of like intentional way, but I do think if you
look back through the years of the show, that there
are breadcrumbs that have been leading to something, right to
some kind of I'm not happy with myself or there's
(01:08):
a side of myself that I am not quite in
tune with yet. So I was excited from that perspective,
like purely a kind of storytelling perspective. But then I
also think this is a really uniquely positioned character to
do this with right where Listen, We're on a network
(01:29):
television show. This is a character who from what I've
found and I tread carefully, I don't want to sound
too self congratulatory here, but he's like a lot of
people have connected with him, and a lot of people
of different demographics have connected with him. So I think
then to show to all these different groups of people
(01:50):
that hey, he can be all these things and he
can be bisexual, I think is a really cool message
to send. And yeah, I just I think it's a
real interesting character have to have taken this step with.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Yeah, And I imagine when you've played a character for
so many years that this is something that is exciting,
it's new, it's different, it kind of reinvigorates the role
that you're playing.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Right Absolutely, And to be honest with you, like this
this season as a whole, you know, we've moved networks,
so that there is a feeling of being reinvigorated as
a whole show. And then absolutely, yeah, you know, as
purely speaking as the actor, to have this to dive
into and to get to explore and just to see
what comes up. You know, while playing this part has
(02:35):
been really fun.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
And what I like about you and what I appreciate
because I am an Italian from New Jersey and I
say what's on my mind for letter or for worse,
and I read the Instagram story you put up basically saying,
this is a show that's always been built on inclusion
and love and we already profile an amazing couple in
the community, so why should this be any different? And
(02:57):
if you're having a problem with this, well see yourself out.
So what went through your mind when you put that up?
Was that kind of like an instant reaction? Did you
really think about it, because you know a lot of
people wanted to say something like that if they're seeing
negative comments out there.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
You know, the main thought process that I had with
whether or not I should speak to those comments is
do I even want to give them the time of day?
You know, because on one hand, it's like, I don't
even want to say anything to you if that's the
kind of energy and that's the kind of viewpoint that
you have on this, then I don't need to concern
myself with that. So that was my main kind of
(03:35):
concern of should I even bother? Are they worth it?
But then the reason that I did want to proceed
and say something is because I didn't want anybody who
is of that community and who is supportive of this
plot to think that I might have any side of
me that has the same concerns that these people are having,
you know, So I wanted to kind of just say
(03:58):
something as a show of solidarity and be like, no,
there's nothing about this plot, about this story, about this character,
about this community that I have any shame in portraying.
And I think it's a beautiful thing that the show
is doing. And listen, I get comments where people will
go to the extreme of saying things like, well, hey,
(04:18):
I don't want to see any relationships straight gay any
I just want the emergencies. And it's like, well, that's
not a TV show. That's a documentary, like you want
to go watch cops. You know, there's no narrative TV
show where there is no story, no personal story in relationships.
So yeah, those people can say what they want, and
(04:39):
you know, and I see it sometimes on my Instagram posts,
people will get into arguments and I wish sometimes I'm like,
you're never really going to change anybody's mind on the internet.
You know, everybody's just kind of screaming into the void
and nobody's ever really listening. So to the people that
are super against it, I'm all right, good, you know,
(05:00):
go do whatever you want with your life. That's fine.
You don't have to watch our show. The show is always,
as you quite rightly say, been a show that is
about inclusivity and has always had queer characters and will
continue to have.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
So well, good on you for saying something, because, like
I said, a lot of people want to have and
it was really eloquently put and you know, it wasn't
over the top. It was just like a nice little
you're either on board with this or you're not if
you're not all the best, right, And I really appreciate
being someone that is in the community that you did
put that out there.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Because it's like, who cares? Who cares? It's real life.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
So if you have a problem with that, maybe, I
don't know, move somewhere else exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
That I was actually I was in a car driving
to we were competing on a celebrity family feud, and
it just hit me and I just said, you know,
I do want to say something to these people, and
I do want to make my stunce clear. So yeah,
it was in the back of a car as we
were going to play family feud.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Rock Well, that's all.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So do you think you know, I know we have
a little love story right now with the character Tommy,
But do you think we'll take some time to see
Buck's while dating adventures as he's discovering himself this season
and in seasons to come, do you want to see that?
Speaker 2 (06:14):
I do? You know? I think the character of Tommy,
who's played by lou Is has been really really great,
and you know, I really enjoy lou and I don't
I don't know. Right So we're obviously we're still making
season seven. We're not even close to finishing that yet,
so there's still a lot of this story left to
be told. But I would think that there's a world
(06:34):
where maybe he has opened this door for Buck and
now Buck needs to, you know, walk through it and
see what there can be and and and explore and
see what more there is to discover. So I mean,
that's certainly one route that I could envision or maybe not,
you know, maybe maybe this sticks around for a while
(06:55):
and and and Tommy really helps him, you know, understand
more about himself and his feelings. But yeah, if I
think maybe there's also an in between almost right where
where Tommy is still in his life but also understands
that this is new for Buck and that there are
some things that he has to go and figure out,
(07:16):
and maybe he can help guide him through that a
little bit.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
That will be a really interesting journey to watch unfold.
And something else in one of the last episodes, when
your character came out to your sister played by the
brilliant Jennifer lafew And of course that was I think
a very relatable scene for so many people. For you,
what was it like filming that, knowing that that is
a scene so many people really do go through on
their everyday life.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Yeah, I thought it was a really lovely way to
show that moment where it wasn't this like big, overly dramatic,
you know, I'm being so brave moment. It kind of
it was. It was a little bit more on the
casual side, right where that for me is maybe in
fact an even brave way to show that moment where
(08:02):
where we didn't need to put all this weight and
depth on it, and he kind of just said, like, yes,
I was on a date with the guy. Okay, that's
not the point I'm making here. There's not that much
of a difference, and that's fine. I was on a
date with a guy. Can we actually get back to
the problem I was talking about. I thought it was
a nice, kind of lighthearted way to kind of show
that moment, and the scene that he has later in
(08:23):
the episode with Eddie is a little bit deeper and
a little bit heavier, so I think to kind of
have the contrast of the two and to show that,
you know, those conversations can feel different with different people
in your life, right, so that there, you know, ask
some people where it is going to be more casual
and lighthearted and an easier conversation, and in others where
maybe it does feel a little heavier and there's some
(08:45):
more processing to go through.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Yeah, it very much reminded me of the conversation I
had with my sister where she came over and I'm like,
I have something to tell you. You have three guesses here,
there are multiple choice. I got a girl pregnant, I
have an STD or engaged because you got a girl pregnant.
I'm like, really, now, I love that. So I appreciate
(09:07):
the lighter, you know, versions of the coming out scenes,
but like you said, there are heavier scenes as well.
Do you think we'll see more Buck coming out to
different people throughout the season?
Speaker 2 (09:16):
The rest of the coming out so far anyway, and
we're only on episode eight. The moment that it's in
a much more subtle way. It's not leans too heavily
on because the other thing is, you know, this is
a big old cast and it's an ensemble show, and
there are a lot of different storylines going on at
the same time. So yeah, I actually really enjoy It's
(09:37):
in the next episode where he really kind of announces
it doesn't really announce it, but where everybody kind of
becomes aware of what's going on, and it's a small moment,
but it's a really lovely moment.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
And that's coming out beginning of May right.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Yeah, May second, I believe is our next episode.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Okay, May second. So if Buck had a theme song
for where he is in his life right now now, oh,
we think it would be what what would he be
jamming out to saying yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
This is this is me.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
I so love when I asked questions like that, because
you know, suddenly I can't think of any song that's
ever been written by anyone. Suddenly I'm like, wait, what
is music? I don't know, so I guess it would
be so so I'm gonna I'm gonna skirt around it
and give a general answer. I don't know, but I
think it would be something very upbeat, right, I think
(10:27):
he's coming into his own and it's this like it's jubilation, right,
It's it's this is this thing that I've been looking for.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
So yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Don't know what the song is. Maybe it's some kind
of dance track, even though I don't really want to
be dancing to it. But it's something where it's like
I'm ready to walk into rooms and own them. So
whatever song that is. And as I say, I couldn't
tell you the name of a song that's ever been written,
but that one is like.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
You know what's gonna happen.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
You're gonna go to bed tonight and not like two
am you'll wake up and be like damn man.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I should have said, yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Yeah, can we can we jump back on that, can
I can I re reanswer.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
If you think of Buck now and you think of
Buck from season one, what do you think he would
tell that guy?
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I think that he doesn't need to try so hard,
you know. So Buck kind of in these early seasons
was always trying to prove himself to everybody. He always
wanted to be the first guy to run into the fire.
He always wanted to be the loudest. He always wanted
to be the one that was right. And it was
coming from a place of wanting to prove his self
(11:41):
worth right and because he wasn't feeling worthy of, you know,
accolades and of professional advancement and personal stuff. So yeah,
I think I think I would just tell him that
it's okay. You know, you don't have to try so hard.
You're you're you're still young, and you're still figuring things out,
and you're on the right path. Just lean on those
(12:03):
people around you and you'll find your way eventually.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Man.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
Don't you feel like that's something so many of us
could have heard at a younger age.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Absolutely, which is like, honestly, one of the things I
really like about playing this part is, you know, I
feel like my journey very much has mirrored his. You know,
even if you go back to season one on the show,
he was the new one to the firehouse, he was
the youngest, and that was me coming into this cast
as well. I was, by father, least experienced. I was
(12:34):
the youngest, and so me and Buck kind of found
our feet together. So so yeah, I do think that's
what a lot of people in their twenties, you know,
would have needed to hear. I know I certainly did,
and it was playing this part and going through these
things in real life as well. As you know, the
lines have often been very blurred.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
So with that being said, is there a storyline or
a moment throughout the last seven seasons or a character
even that you feel like has made you reflect on
your life in a certain way.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
So Buck has a very strained or had anywhere we've
kind of moved past it a little bit, but he
had a very strange relationship with his parents, and I
don't parents are a wonderful, wonderful people, and they've been
great parents to.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Me, and I think if anything, you know, but they do.
They live in England and I live here in California.
So Dee, who plays my mom, on the show really
reminds me of my mom and so to have as
in not in the show that the actress reminds me
of my mom. So the kind of juxtaposition of the
(13:42):
way that Buck's parents treated him, I think just shined
a bit more of a light on how lucky I
was to have the kind of upbringing that I had
and made me a little bit more thankful but aware
of how grateful I am to them. So it certainly
I think maybe made me want to be even closer
(14:02):
to my parents and you know, even though we live
five thousand miles apart, reach out a little bit more
and make sure that I am being a good son
to them, because it just highlighted not everybody has that relationship.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Yeah, that's so true, and it's so powerful when art
or a person or whatever you're involved in a given
moment of your life can have that effect where you
open your eyes to something like that and you're allowing
yourself to be open to something like that, to having
that realization. So that's pretty cool, man, What for you
is one of the greatest things you've learned about yourself
(14:36):
through doing the show? I imagine it's a I don't imagine.
I know, it's a lot of hard work, it's a
lot of hours, it's taxing, it.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Can be draining.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
Among all the other beautiful, powerful, wonderful things, it's a job,
and you've been pushing yourself for years in this role.
Is there something that you're like, Man, I've learned this
about me.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
I think the first thing that kind of comes to mind,
there is like one one thing I'm really proud of
myself for is like I've really tried to commit to
life outside of it as well, because it can be
kind of all consuming, you know, very early mornings and
late nights, and finding a way to make people around
(15:17):
you still feel included in your life and cared for,
whether that's people or dogs or whatever. It is like,
you know, still showing up in ways that I can,
and still finding ways to like focus on health and
fitness and finding you know, enough hours in the day.
And I'm kind of proud of myself for yet kind
of committing to life outside of the job at the
(15:41):
same time as committing to the job.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
And I imagine that only in riches your work as
an artist, because if you don't live a real life,
I mean, how can you bring your true self to
the work that you do.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Yeah, and you know it can be draining and exhausting
to try and do that, But I think you're right,
and I think it's important ever like it when and
I've certainly fallen into this trap before and where you
make your job your whole identity. I think that's a
very dangerous road to go down because what happens then
when you're not working, you know, so to kind of
(16:13):
try and keep the person who isn't on nine one
one still flourishing. Well.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Going back to nine one one for a minute, when
I announced you as my guest, got lots of fan questions,
and the number one question that kept coming up, I
feel like you're smiling.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
And yeah, yeah, yeah, you know where I'm ask.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
I feel like you know where I'm going.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
But it might be a slightly different spin off, okay,
okay with it. So obviously people are wondering if there's
anything brewing between you and Eddie, and that's something that
a lot of people want to see. But I thought
this was interesting when you first met that character and
you seemed a little stand offish and maybe threatened and
not a big fan. Do you think it's because deep
(16:56):
down you had these something there brewing, but you didn't
know what it was.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Yeah, very possibly. I yet, Okay, that is an interesting
spin on it, I give you that. Yeah, Yeah, I
think I think that's probably quite a wise way to
look at it, right and to have you know, obviously,
Eddie and Ryan plays him, is obviously an attractive man,
So I can see that that is something that you know,
the introduction of his character is literally Buck turning in
(17:22):
slow motion and what a man is? The soundtrack is playing,
you know. So so I think I think if we
look back at that moment, yes, there's definitely an element
of that which then you know, not knowing how to
deal and process those feelings, he kind of sectioned off
into some kind of jealousy and insecurity about himself. But yeah,
(17:42):
I think I think look, Buck was the like young
Gung ho action hero, he kind of guy at the
one eighteen, and then suddenly there was Eddie who could
do everything he could do and was also a single
father and an army vet and was all these really
cool things. So yeah, I could absolutely see that some
of those early moments where they were kind of butting heads,
(18:06):
there was some kind of feeling there that Buck didn't
quite understand what it was. And obviously they've grown so
much closer now. But yeah, that kind of first episode.
It was fun to play as well, because obviously I
was having those feelings. I was like, there is this
new guy on the show, So yeah, I can get
on board with that.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
And what I think I also heard you say is
possibly by season ten there might be a wedding. I mean,
you know, between me and Eddie, you just said it, not.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Me headline created who knows, you know, listen, I have
like supreme trust in these writers, and you know, so
Tim Mineer has come back to the show and he's
writing it and he's really fantastic, and as was Kristen
Rydell who used to write it, and it is still
in our writers' room. But you know, Tim was here
(18:50):
from the very beginning, and wherever he went, like when
he called me with this storyline, wherever he wants to
take it, I'm following him because he's really excellent what
he does. And you know, it shows the show is
doing as well as it is because of the writing
and the world that has been created here. So hey,
if they write me at a wedding by season ten,
then I'm all for it.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Yeah, yeah, No, the writing is incredible and there's so
many reasons why the show has been killing it, especially
with the move to ABC. I mean, shout out to ABC.
We love you, ABC, but we're just super psyched that
they picked.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
Up the show.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
Were you ever worried that the show wasn't going to
get picked up? And how was that transition for you
over to ABC?
Speaker 2 (19:30):
I mean, we kind of knew that it was not
going away going away, you know, we were pretty aware.
We weren't officially aware until the day that it happened,
in the morning of the announcement, but we kind of
heard lots of rumblings that, you know, it's probably going
to move over to ABC next year, and I guess
there was some kind of apprehension of Okay, what does
(19:52):
that mean? Are things going to feel different? And day
to day they don't feel any different. But the way
that it does feel different is that it's a season
one for ABC. So there's all this excitement and kind
of freshness to it that has just kind of infused
everything in the show. So yeah, so I think at
first there was we were just wondering what that would
(20:14):
feel like, but actually It's been a really smooth transition,
and ABC seemed really excited to have it, and that's
just such a nice feeling for us to get to
continue to make a show that we know so well
and truly like we have so much fun making and
now we're on a network who feel like, oh we've
got this brand new, shiny thing. It's a really nice
(20:35):
balance and collaboration. So yeah, it's really cool. And you know,
we've been renewed for season eight, so long may it continue.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
It's pretty impressive all the numbers that have been coming
out of people watching it and acquiring new audiences, and
it really is one of the most popular shows on primetime.
So it's an important piece of television that needs to
be out there.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Oliver, the name of this show.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Is I've never said this before, So I'm wondering, is
there anything that comes to mind that you can think
of that maybe you haven't shared before in one of
your eight thousand interviews.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
You count it, okay, so kind of I guess on
the same path of what we were talking about earlier
about in your twenties and finding yourself, and I guess
maybe in some ways I'm going to contradict myself because
I said, one of the things I'm proud of myself
for is committing to kind of life outside of the job. Right.
I was thinking about this recently, and you know, one
(21:34):
thing I wish that I had been better at in
my life, and I think this is a thing that's
maybe important for certainly young men in their twenties, is
I wish that I had committed more to like nurturing friendships.
Like I know a lot of people in my life,
but I don't know how many like friends I have
(21:56):
because I kind of just explain, Yeah, I don't know
if I myself out there enough to keep friendships alive
and thriving. And so I know a lot of people,
but I don't know how many people, you know, maybe
not more than I could count on my fingers, could
I like really go to with stuff. So I think
there was one thing that I could do differently about
(22:18):
the last I don't know, ten years of my life.
It would be to focus more on like building friendships.
And I think anybody that's kind of in the early
to mid twenties, I think, yeah, focus in on that,
because those are the people that you're really going to
want to have around you. And be able to lean on.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
That's a really important point.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Is that something that is challenging to do now with
the job you have or you're kind of working on
that now.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
It is challenging. I'm trying to do more of it.
But it's also it's like when you're in your late
twenties or thirties, So where do you meet new people
unless you work with them? You know, like I'm not
out going to bars every weekend, and yeah, it's like
how do you meet friends? Yeah, it's it's interesting. So
(23:04):
I hope to have the possibility to continue to work
on it, but yeah, I do. It's something that I
struggle with.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
Well, thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
I think that's a really important point, especially in this
day and age with social media and screens and tablets
and people living on their phones and devices and you know,
these replacing human interactions. I think that's a really good
reminder to continue making those quality connections, right, Quality.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Yes, exactly, that quality over quantity.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (23:30):
Well cool, rock on man, I've so enjoyed hanging out
with you. I you know, it's funny. I talk to
a lot of people, and the people who I most
enjoy speaking with always have this grounding sense of gratitude
and appreciation for the job they're doing and where they
are in their life. And I see that with you,
and I know that's only going to continue serving you
for the rest of your career. So it's really been
(23:52):
a blasketting to hang out.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
I'm really honest. I was able to come on here,
So thank you everyone.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
Continue watching nine one where.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
On ABC, come watch on Hulu. I think that's it.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
And if you think of that song at two am, yeah, you.
Speaker 2 (24:10):
Get a message, I'll let you know.
Speaker 1 (24:12):
You can get slid in all right, man, Well, thank you.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Thank you having good work.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by me Tommy Didario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Publisi at iHeartRadio
and by me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
podcast network on iHeart Podcasts. For more, rate review and
subscribe to our show and if you liked this episode,
(24:41):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy Dederio.
Oliver mo Man. How you doing. It's good to see you.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
I'm doing very well. I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Well, I'm happy to have you.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
We're going to dive in because, first of all, you
recently pretty much broke the Internet, and I think you
know what I'm talking about, and that is, of course
that your character Buck recently came to the realization that
he is bisexual. And it's pretty cool because there have
been breadcrumbs, I feel like throughout the entire series, but
(00:32):
I do think this is a newer thing for him.
Like to me, it doesn't feel like this was particularly
planned over all the years, and I know for you
it was something you very much welcomed and you wanted
to dive into this.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
So why is that? Why were you excited to take
on this new part of who he is?
Speaker 2 (00:48):
I think for a number of reasons, right, So, first
of all, I do think, and not in any kind
of like intentional way, but I do think if you
look back through the years of the show, that there
are breadcrumbs that have been leading to something, right to
some kind of I'm not happy with myself or there's
(01:08):
a side of myself that I am not quite in
tune with yet. So I was excited from that perspective,
like purely a kind of storytelling perspective. But then I
also think this is a really uniquely positioned character to
do this with right where Listen, We're on a network
(01:29):
television show. This is a character who from what I've
found and I tread carefully, I don't want to sound
too self congratulatory here, but he's like a lot of
people have connected with him, and a lot of people
of different demographics have connected with him. So I think
then to show to all these different groups of people
(01:50):
that hey, he can be all these things and he
can be bisexual, I think is a really cool message
to send. And yeah, I just I think it's a
real interesting character have to have taken this step with.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Yeah, And I imagine when you've played a character for
so many years that this is something that is exciting,
it's new, it's different, it kind of reinvigorates the role
that you're playing.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Right Absolutely, And to be honest with you, like this
this season as a whole, you know, we've moved networks,
so that there is a feeling of being reinvigorated as
a whole show. And then absolutely, yeah, you know, as
purely speaking as the actor, to have this to dive
into and to get to explore and just to see
what comes up. You know, while playing this part has
(02:35):
been really fun.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
And what I like about you and what I appreciate
because I am an Italian from New Jersey and I
say what's on my mind for letter or for worse,
and I read the Instagram story you put up basically saying,
this is a show that's always been built on inclusion
and love and we already profile an amazing couple in
the community, so why should this be any different? And
(02:57):
if you're having a problem with this, well see yourself out.
So what went through your mind when you put that up?
Was that kind of like an instant reaction? Did you
really think about it, because you know a lot of
people wanted to say something like that if they're seeing
negative comments out there.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
You know, the main thought process that I had with
whether or not I should speak to those comments is
do I even want to give them the time of day?
You know, because on one hand, it's like, I don't
even want to say anything to you if that's the
kind of energy and that's the kind of viewpoint that
you have on this, then I don't need to concern
myself with that. So that was my main kind of
(03:35):
concern of should I even bother? Are they worth it?
But then the reason that I did want to proceed
and say something is because I didn't want anybody who
is of that community and who is supportive of this
plot to think that I might have any side of
me that has the same concerns that these people are having,
you know, So I wanted to kind of just say
(03:58):
something as a show of solidarity and be like, no,
there's nothing about this plot, about this story, about this character,
about this community that I have any shame in portraying.
And I think it's a beautiful thing that the show
is doing. And listen, I get comments where people will
go to the extreme of saying things like, well, hey,
(04:18):
I don't want to see any relationships straight gay any
I just want the emergencies. And it's like, well, that's
not a TV show. That's a documentary, like you want
to go watch cops. You know, there's no narrative TV
show where there is no story, no personal story in relationships.
So yeah, those people can say what they want, and
(04:39):
you know, and I see it sometimes on my Instagram posts,
people will get into arguments and I wish sometimes I'm like,
you're never really going to change anybody's mind on the internet.
You know, everybody's just kind of screaming into the void
and nobody's ever really listening. So to the people that
are super against it, I'm all right, good, you know,
(05:00):
go do whatever you want with your life. That's fine.
You don't have to watch our show. The show is always,
as you quite rightly say, been a show that is
about inclusivity and has always had queer characters and will
continue to have.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
So well, good on you for saying something, because, like
I said, a lot of people want to have and
it was really eloquently put and you know, it wasn't
over the top. It was just like a nice little
you're either on board with this or you're not if
you're not all the best, right, And I really appreciate
being someone that is in the community that you did
put that out there.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Because it's like, who cares? Who cares? It's real life.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
So if you have a problem with that, maybe, I
don't know, move somewhere else exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
That I was actually I was in a car driving
to we were competing on a celebrity family feud, and
it just hit me and I just said, you know,
I do want to say something to these people, and
I do want to make my stunce clear. So yeah,
it was in the back of a car as we
were going to play family feud.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Rock Well, that's all.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So do you think you know, I know we have
a little love story right now with the character Tommy,
But do you think we'll take some time to see
Buck's while dating adventures as he's discovering himself this season
and in seasons to come, do you want to see that?
Speaker 2 (06:14):
I do? You know? I think the character of Tommy,
who's played by lou Is has been really really great,
and you know, I really enjoy lou and I don't
I don't know. Right So we're obviously we're still making
season seven. We're not even close to finishing that yet,
so there's still a lot of this story left to
be told. But I would think that there's a world
(06:34):
where maybe he has opened this door for Buck and
now Buck needs to, you know, walk through it and
see what there can be and and and explore and
see what more there is to discover. So I mean,
that's certainly one route that I could envision or maybe not,
you know, maybe maybe this sticks around for a while
(06:55):
and and and Tommy really helps him, you know, understand
more about himself and his feelings. But yeah, if I
think maybe there's also an in between almost right where
where Tommy is still in his life but also understands
that this is new for Buck and that there are
some things that he has to go and figure out,
(07:16):
and maybe he can help guide him through that a
little bit.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
That will be a really interesting journey to watch unfold.
And something else in one of the last episodes, when
your character came out to your sister played by the
brilliant Jennifer lafew And of course that was I think
a very relatable scene for so many people. For you,
what was it like filming that, knowing that that is
a scene so many people really do go through on
their everyday life.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Yeah, I thought it was a really lovely way to
show that moment where it wasn't this like big, overly dramatic,
you know, I'm being so brave moment. It kind of
it was. It was a little bit more on the
casual side, right where that for me is maybe in
fact an even brave way to show that moment where
(08:02):
where we didn't need to put all this weight and
depth on it, and he kind of just said, like, yes,
I was on a date with the guy. Okay, that's
not the point I'm making here. There's not that much
of a difference, and that's fine. I was on a
date with a guy. Can we actually get back to
the problem I was talking about. I thought it was
a nice, kind of lighthearted way to kind of show
that moment, and the scene that he has later in
(08:23):
the episode with Eddie is a little bit deeper and
a little bit heavier, so I think to kind of
have the contrast of the two and to show that,
you know, those conversations can feel different with different people
in your life, right, so that there, you know, ask
some people where it is going to be more casual
and lighthearted and an easier conversation, and in others where
maybe it does feel a little heavier and there's some
(08:45):
more processing to go through.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Yeah, it very much reminded me of the conversation I
had with my sister where she came over and I'm like,
I have something to tell you. You have three guesses here,
there are multiple choice. I got a girl pregnant, I
have an STD or engaged because you got a girl pregnant.
I'm like, really, now, I love that. So I appreciate
(09:07):
the lighter, you know, versions of the coming out scenes,
but like you said, there are heavier scenes as well.
Do you think we'll see more Buck coming out to
different people throughout the season?
Speaker 2 (09:16):
The rest of the coming out so far anyway, and
we're only on episode eight. The moment that it's in
a much more subtle way. It's not leans too heavily
on because the other thing is, you know, this is
a big old cast and it's an ensemble show, and
there are a lot of different storylines going on at
the same time. So yeah, I actually really enjoy It's
(09:37):
in the next episode where he really kind of announces
it doesn't really announce it, but where everybody kind of
becomes aware of what's going on, and it's a small moment,
but it's a really lovely moment.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
And that's coming out beginning of May right.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Yeah, May second, I believe is our next episode.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Okay, May second. So if Buck had a theme song
for where he is in his life right now now, oh,
we think it would be what what would he be
jamming out to saying yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
This is this is me.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
I so love when I asked questions like that, because
you know, suddenly I can't think of any song that's
ever been written by anyone. Suddenly I'm like, wait, what
is music? I don't know, so I guess it would
be so so I'm gonna I'm gonna skirt around it
and give a general answer. I don't know, but I
think it would be something very upbeat, right, I think
(10:27):
he's coming into his own and it's this like it's jubilation, right,
It's it's this is this thing that I've been looking for.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
So yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Don't know what the song is. Maybe it's some kind
of dance track, even though I don't really want to
be dancing to it. But it's something where it's like
I'm ready to walk into rooms and own them. So
whatever song that is. And as I say, I couldn't
tell you the name of a song that's ever been written,
but that one is like.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
You know what's gonna happen.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
You're gonna go to bed tonight and not like two
am you'll wake up and be like damn man.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I should have said, yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Yeah, can we can we jump back on that, can
I can I re reanswer.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
If you think of Buck now and you think of
Buck from season one, what do you think he would
tell that guy?
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I think that he doesn't need to try so hard,
you know. So Buck kind of in these early seasons
was always trying to prove himself to everybody. He always
wanted to be the first guy to run into the fire.
He always wanted to be the loudest. He always wanted
to be the one that was right. And it was
coming from a place of wanting to prove his self
(11:41):
worth right and because he wasn't feeling worthy of, you know,
accolades and of professional advancement and personal stuff. So yeah,
I think I think I would just tell him that
it's okay. You know, you don't have to try so hard.
You're you're you're still young, and you're still figuring things out,
and you're on the right path. Just lean on those
(12:03):
people around you and you'll find your way eventually.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Man.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
Don't you feel like that's something so many of us
could have heard at a younger age.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Absolutely, which is like, honestly, one of the things I
really like about playing this part is, you know, I
feel like my journey very much has mirrored his. You know,
even if you go back to season one on the show,
he was the new one to the firehouse, he was
the youngest, and that was me coming into this cast
as well. I was, by father, least experienced. I was
(12:34):
the youngest, and so me and Buck kind of found
our feet together. So so yeah, I do think that's
what a lot of people in their twenties, you know,
would have needed to hear. I know I certainly did,
and it was playing this part and going through these
things in real life as well. As you know, the
lines have often been very blurred.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
So with that being said, is there a storyline or
a moment throughout the last seven seasons or a character
even that you feel like has made you reflect on
your life in a certain way.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
So Buck has a very strained or had anywhere we've
kind of moved past it a little bit, but he
had a very strange relationship with his parents, and I
don't parents are a wonderful, wonderful people, and they've been
great parents to.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Me, and I think if anything, you know, but they do.
They live in England and I live here in California.
So Dee, who plays my mom, on the show really
reminds me of my mom and so to have as
in not in the show that the actress reminds me
of my mom. So the kind of juxtaposition of the
(13:42):
way that Buck's parents treated him, I think just shined
a bit more of a light on how lucky I
was to have the kind of upbringing that I had
and made me a little bit more thankful but aware
of how grateful I am to them. So it certainly
I think maybe made me want to be even closer
(14:02):
to my parents and you know, even though we live
five thousand miles apart, reach out a little bit more
and make sure that I am being a good son
to them, because it just highlighted not everybody has that relationship.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Yeah, that's so true, and it's so powerful when art
or a person or whatever you're involved in a given
moment of your life can have that effect where you
open your eyes to something like that and you're allowing
yourself to be open to something like that, to having
that realization. So that's pretty cool, man, What for you
is one of the greatest things you've learned about yourself
(14:36):
through doing the show? I imagine it's a I don't imagine.
I know, it's a lot of hard work, it's a
lot of hours, it's taxing, it.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Can be draining.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
Among all the other beautiful, powerful, wonderful things, it's a job,
and you've been pushing yourself for years in this role.
Is there something that you're like, Man, I've learned this
about me.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
I think the first thing that kind of comes to mind,
there is like one one thing I'm really proud of
myself for is like I've really tried to commit to
life outside of it as well, because it can be
kind of all consuming, you know, very early mornings and
late nights, and finding a way to make people around
(15:17):
you still feel included in your life and cared for,
whether that's people or dogs or whatever. It is like,
you know, still showing up in ways that I can,
and still finding ways to like focus on health and
fitness and finding you know, enough hours in the day.
And I'm kind of proud of myself for yet kind
of committing to life outside of the job at the
(15:41):
same time as committing to the job.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
And I imagine that only in riches your work as
an artist, because if you don't live a real life,
I mean, how can you bring your true self to
the work that you do.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Yeah, and you know it can be draining and exhausting
to try and do that, But I think you're right,
and I think it's important ever like it when and
I've certainly fallen into this trap before and where you
make your job your whole identity. I think that's a
very dangerous road to go down because what happens then
when you're not working, you know, so to kind of
(16:13):
try and keep the person who isn't on nine one
one still flourishing. Well.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Going back to nine one one for a minute, when
I announced you as my guest, got lots of fan questions,
and the number one question that kept coming up, I
feel like you're smiling.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
And yeah, yeah, yeah, you know where I'm ask.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
I feel like you know where I'm going.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
But it might be a slightly different spin off, okay,
okay with it. So obviously people are wondering if there's
anything brewing between you and Eddie, and that's something that
a lot of people want to see. But I thought
this was interesting when you first met that character and
you seemed a little stand offish and maybe threatened and
not a big fan. Do you think it's because deep
(16:56):
down you had these something there brewing, but you didn't
know what it was.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Yeah, very possibly. I yet, Okay, that is an interesting
spin on it, I give you that. Yeah, Yeah, I
think I think that's probably quite a wise way to
look at it, right and to have you know, obviously,
Eddie and Ryan plays him, is obviously an attractive man,
So I can see that that is something that you know,
the introduction of his character is literally Buck turning in
(17:22):
slow motion and what a man is? The soundtrack is playing,
you know. So so I think I think if we
look back at that moment, yes, there's definitely an element
of that which then you know, not knowing how to
deal and process those feelings, he kind of sectioned off
into some kind of jealousy and insecurity about himself. But yeah,
(17:42):
I think I think look, Buck was the like young
Gung ho action hero, he kind of guy at the
one eighteen, and then suddenly there was Eddie who could
do everything he could do and was also a single
father and an army vet and was all these really
cool things. So yeah, I could absolutely see that some
of those early moments where they were kind of butting heads,
(18:06):
there was some kind of feeling there that Buck didn't
quite understand what it was. And obviously they've grown so
much closer now. But yeah, that kind of first episode.
It was fun to play as well, because obviously I
was having those feelings. I was like, there is this
new guy on the show, So yeah, I can get
on board with that.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
And what I think I also heard you say is
possibly by season ten there might be a wedding. I mean,
you know, between me and Eddie, you just said it, not.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Me headline created who knows, you know, listen, I have
like supreme trust in these writers, and you know, so
Tim Mineer has come back to the show and he's
writing it and he's really fantastic, and as was Kristen
Rydell who used to write it, and it is still
in our writers' room. But you know, Tim was here
(18:50):
from the very beginning, and wherever he went, like when
he called me with this storyline, wherever he wants to
take it, I'm following him because he's really excellent what
he does. And you know, it shows the show is
doing as well as it is because of the writing
and the world that has been created here. So hey,
if they write me at a wedding by season ten,
then I'm all for it.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Yeah, yeah, No, the writing is incredible and there's so
many reasons why the show has been killing it, especially
with the move to ABC. I mean, shout out to ABC.
We love you, ABC, but we're just super psyched that
they picked.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
Up the show.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
Were you ever worried that the show wasn't going to
get picked up? And how was that transition for you
over to ABC?
Speaker 2 (19:30):
I mean, we kind of knew that it was not
going away going away, you know, we were pretty aware.
We weren't officially aware until the day that it happened,
in the morning of the announcement, but we kind of
heard lots of rumblings that, you know, it's probably going
to move over to ABC next year, and I guess
there was some kind of apprehension of Okay, what does
(19:52):
that mean? Are things going to feel different? And day
to day they don't feel any different. But the way
that it does feel different is that it's a season
one for ABC. So there's all this excitement and kind
of freshness to it that has just kind of infused
everything in the show. So yeah, so I think at
first there was we were just wondering what that would
(20:14):
feel like, but actually It's been a really smooth transition,
and ABC seemed really excited to have it, and that's
just such a nice feeling for us to get to
continue to make a show that we know so well
and truly like we have so much fun making and
now we're on a network who feel like, oh we've
got this brand new, shiny thing. It's a really nice
(20:35):
balance and collaboration. So yeah, it's really cool. And you know,
we've been renewed for season eight, so long may it continue.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
It's pretty impressive all the numbers that have been coming
out of people watching it and acquiring new audiences, and
it really is one of the most popular shows on primetime.
So it's an important piece of television that needs to
be out there.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Oliver, the name of this show.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Is I've never said this before, So I'm wondering, is
there anything that comes to mind that you can think
of that maybe you haven't shared before in one of
your eight thousand interviews.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
You count it, okay, so kind of I guess on
the same path of what we were talking about earlier
about in your twenties and finding yourself, and I guess
maybe in some ways I'm going to contradict myself because
I said, one of the things I'm proud of myself
for is committing to kind of life outside of the job. Right.
I was thinking about this recently, and you know, one
(21:34):
thing I wish that I had been better at in
my life, and I think this is a thing that's
maybe important for certainly young men in their twenties, is
I wish that I had committed more to like nurturing friendships.
Like I know a lot of people in my life,
but I don't know how many like friends I have
(21:56):
because I kind of just explain, Yeah, I don't know
if I myself out there enough to keep friendships alive
and thriving. And so I know a lot of people,
but I don't know how many people, you know, maybe
not more than I could count on my fingers, could
I like really go to with stuff. So I think
there was one thing that I could do differently about
(22:18):
the last I don't know, ten years of my life.
It would be to focus more on like building friendships.
And I think anybody that's kind of in the early
to mid twenties, I think, yeah, focus in on that,
because those are the people that you're really going to
want to have around you. And be able to lean on.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
That's a really important point.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Is that something that is challenging to do now with
the job you have or you're kind of working on
that now.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
It is challenging. I'm trying to do more of it.
But it's also it's like when you're in your late
twenties or thirties, So where do you meet new people
unless you work with them? You know, like I'm not
out going to bars every weekend, and yeah, it's like
how do you meet friends? Yeah, it's it's interesting. So
(23:04):
I hope to have the possibility to continue to work
on it, but yeah, I do. It's something that I
struggle with.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
Well, thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
I think that's a really important point, especially in this
day and age with social media and screens and tablets
and people living on their phones and devices and you know,
these replacing human interactions. I think that's a really good
reminder to continue making those quality connections, right, Quality.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Yes, exactly, that quality over quantity.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (23:30):
Well cool, rock on man, I've so enjoyed hanging out
with you. I you know, it's funny. I talk to
a lot of people, and the people who I most
enjoy speaking with always have this grounding sense of gratitude
and appreciation for the job they're doing and where they
are in their life. And I see that with you,
and I know that's only going to continue serving you
for the rest of your career. So it's really been
(23:52):
a blasketting to hang out.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
I'm really honest. I was able to come on here,
So thank you everyone.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
Continue watching nine one where.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
On ABC, come watch on Hulu. I think that's it.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
And if you think of that song at two am, yeah, you.
Speaker 2 (24:10):
Get a message, I'll let you know.
Speaker 1 (24:12):
You can get slid in all right, man, Well, thank you.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Thank you having good work.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by me Tommy Didario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Publisi at iHeartRadio
and by me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
podcast network on iHeart Podcasts. For more, rate review and
subscribe to our show and if you liked this episode,
(24:41):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy Dederio.
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