April 30, 2024 • 26 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, currently airing Season 7 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 1. 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 Buck from Season 7 would tell Buck from Season 1, the relationship between Eddie and Buck that has many people talking about, and how he wishes he focused more on building friendships throughout the last decade of his life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy de Dario. So this is an episode that
has been highly anticipated because today's guest is someone who
has been making quite a lot of news lately. The
talented actor Oliver Stark stars in the smash hit drama
series nine nine one one is one of the most
(00:24):
watch shows on primetime television. It airs on ABC, and
it's one of the most popular shows for good reason.
It is thrilling and suspenseful, and you've become so invested
in these characters' lives, both professionally as they work and
navigate through these high stake situations, but also personally. It's
really gratifying to see what life is like for them
(00:46):
beyond the firefighter gear. Oliver plays the confident and compassionate
firefighter Evan Buckley aka Buck, and he quickly became a
fan favorite on the show since day one, and now
seasons is currently airing. And just when you thought you
couldn't love the character of Buck Moore, let me tell
you you can. We have a lot to cover today
(01:08):
and I have a feeling you're going to really enjoy
this fun but also personal and deep conversation where you
really get to see another side to Oliver. So let's
see if today we can get Oliver to say something
that he has never said before. Oliver, my man, how
(01:29):
you doing. It's good to see you.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
I'm doing very well. I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Well, I'm happy to have you. 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
(01:55):
throughout the entire series. But I do think this is
a newer thing for him, Like to me, it doesn't.
I 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. So
why is that? Why were you excited to take on
this new part of who he is?
Speaker 3 (02:12):
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,
you know, 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
(02:32):
there's 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.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
But then I also think this is a really uniquely
positioned character.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
To do this with right where Listen, we're on a
network television show. This is a character who from what
I've found and I tread carefully, 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.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
So I think then to show.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
To all these different groups of people 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 really interesting character to
have taken this step with.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
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 3 (03:37):
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.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
As a whole show.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
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 been really fun.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
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
(04:21):
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 wouldn't say something like that if they're seeing negative
comments out there.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
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.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
So that was my main kind of concern of should
I even bother? Are they worth it?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
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
something as a show of solidarity and be like, no,
(05:24):
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, I
don't want to see any relationships straight gay any I
(05:46):
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
you know, and I see it sometimes on my Instagram posts.
People will get into arguments and I wish sometimes I'm like,
(06:09):
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 like, all right, good, you know,
go do whatever you want with your life.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
That's fine. You don't have to watch our show.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
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 1 (06:36):
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, because it's like who cares? Who cares?
(06:58):
It's real life. So if you have a problem with that.
Maybe I don't know, move somewhere.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Else exactly 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 stance clear. So yeah,
it was in the back of a car as we
were going to play family feud.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Rock. Well, that's awesome. 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 bucks wild dating adventures as he's
discovering himself this season and in seasons to come, Do
you want to see that?
Speaker 2 (07:37):
I do? You know? I think the character of Tommy, who's.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Played by lou Is has been really, really great, and
you know, I really enjoy lou And 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 where maybe he
has opened this door for Buck and now Buck needs to,
(08:04):
you know, walk through it and see what there can
be and and and.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Explore and see what more there is to discover.
Speaker 3 (08:12):
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 and and and Tommy really helps him,
you know, understand more about himself and his feelings.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
But yeah, if I think maybe there's also an.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
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 and and maybe he
can help guide him through that a little bit.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
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 la Few 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 3 (09:04):
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
(09:26):
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
(09:47):
the episode with Eddie is.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
A little bit deeper and a little bit heavier.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
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 they're I'm 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 more processing to
go through.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
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, really, no, no, I love that. So
I appreciate the lighter, you know, versions of the coming
(10:33):
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 3 (10:40):
The rest of the coming out so far anyway, and
we're only on episode eight.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
The moment that it's in a much more subtle way.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
It's not leaned 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.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So yeah, I actually really enjoy ways.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
It's in the next episode where he really kind of
announces it doesn't really announce it, but but where everybody
kind of becomes aware of what's going on.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
And it's a small moment, but it's a really lovely moment.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
And that's coming out beginning of May, right.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Yeah, May second, I believe is our next episode.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Okay, May second. So if Buck had a theme song
for where he is in his life right now, Oh,
I think it would be what what would he be
jamming out to saying, yeah, this is this is me.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
I so love when I ask questions like that, because
you know, suddenly I can't think of any song that's
ever been written by anyone.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Suddenly I'm like, wait, what is music? I don't know,
so I guess it would be.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
So so I'm gonna I'm gonna skirt around it and
give a general answer of I don't.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Know, but I think it would be something very upbeat, right.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
I think he's coming into his own and it's this
like it's it's jubilation, right, It's it's this is this
thing that I've been looking for.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
So yeah, I don't know what the song is.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
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 the
song that's ever been written, but that one is.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Like, you know, what's gonna happen. You're gonna go to
bed tonight and at like two am you'll wake up
and be like, damn, man, I should have said, yeah, yeah, can.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
We can we jump back on that? Can I can?
I reanswer?
Speaker 1 (12:36):
If you think of Buck now and you think of
Buck from season one, what do you think he would
tell that guy?
Speaker 3 (12:44):
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
(13:05):
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 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
(13:27):
people around you and you'll find your way eventually.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Man, don't you feel like that's something so many of
us could have heard at a younger.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Age, 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
(13:55):
this cast as well. I was, by father least experience,
that was 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.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
I know I certainly did, and it.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Was playing this part and going through these things in
real life as well as they've you know, the lines
have often been very blurred.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
So what that being said, is there a storyline or
a moment throughout the last you know, seven seasons or
a character even that you feel like has made you
reflect on your life in a certain way.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
So Buck has a very strained or had anyway, 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 me, and I think, if anything, you know,
but they do.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
They live in England and I live here in California.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
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 mum. So the kind of juxtaposition of the
way that Buck's parents treated him, I think just shined
a bit more of a light on how lucky I
(15:13):
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
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
(15:34):
to them, because it just highlighted not everybody has that relationship.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
M 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
(15:59):
yourself 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 it's taxing, it can be draining
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 3 (16:19):
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
(16:41):
you still feel included in your life.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
And cared for, whether that's people or dogs or whatever.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
It is, like, you know, still showing up in ways
that I can, and still finding ways to like focus
on health and fitness.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
And finding you know, enough hours in the day.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
And I'm kind of proud of my self for yet
kind of committing to life outside of the job at
the same time as committing to.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
The job, 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 3 (17:16):
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.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
I never like it when and I've certainly fallen.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
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 try and keep the
person who isn't on nine one one still flourishing well.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
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 (17:54):
And yeah, yeah, you know where I'm I ask it.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
I feel like you know where I'm going. 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.
(18:18):
Do you think it's because deep down you had these
something there brilliant but you don't know what it was.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Yeah, very possibly. I yet, Okay, that is an interesting
spin on it, I give you that. Yeah, yeah, I
think I think.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
That's probably quite a wise way to.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
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
slow motion and what a man is?
Speaker 2 (18:48):
The soundtrack is playing, you.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
Know, so, so 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, I think I think look,
Buck was the like young Gung ho action hero, he
(19:12):
kind of guy of 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, there was some kind
of feeling there that Buck didn't quite understand what it was.
(19:33):
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 1 (19:45):
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 3 (19:54):
Me headline created, who knows, you know, Listen, I have
like supreme trust in these writers. And you know, so
Tim Mineer's 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's still in our writers' room.
But you know, Tim was here from the very beginning,
(20:15):
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.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
What he does, and you know, it shows the show.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
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 1 (20:36):
Yeah, yeah, I know. 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 up the show. 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 3 (20:54):
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 that mean?
(21:17):
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.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Everything in the show.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
So yeah, So I think at first there was we
were just wondering what that would 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 the
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,
(21:56):
shiny thing. It's a really nice balance and collaboration. So yeah,
it's really cool, and you know, we've been renewed to
season eight, so long may it continue.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
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. Oliver, the name of this show is
(22:26):
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 3 (22:36):
You've got 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.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
Right.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
I was thinking about this recently, and you know, one
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.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Like nurturing friendships. Like I know a lot of people
in my life, but I.
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Don't know how many like friends I have because I
kind of just explain, Yeah, I don't know if I
put 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.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
My fingers, could I like really go to with stuff.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
So I think there was one thing that I could
do differently about 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.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Going to want to have around you and be able
to lean on.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Really important point, is that something that is challenging to
do now with the job you have or you're kind
of working on that now.
Speaker 3 (24:07):
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,
so where do you meet friends?
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Yeah, it's it's interesting.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
So I hope to have the possibility to continue to
work on it, but yeah, I do.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
It's something that I struggle with.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
Well, thank you for sharing that. 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 (24:50):
Yes, exactly, That quality over quantity.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Yes, 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
(25:13):
for the rest of your career. So it's it's really
been a blasketting to hang out.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
I'm really on it. I was able to come on here,
so thank you everyone.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
Continue watching nine one one where.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
On ABC, come much on Hulu. I think that's it.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
And if you think of that song at two am.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Yeah, oh you get a message, I'll let you know.
Speaker 3 (25:35):
You can get slid in all right, man, be well,
thank you, Thank you having good work.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
I've never said this before. Is hosted by me Tommy Diderio.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by Me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney I've
never said this before. It's part of the Elvis Duran
podcast network on iHeart Podcast Guests for more rate review
and subscribe to our show. And if you liked this episode,
(26:05):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy Didario.
Hey guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy de Dario. So this is an episode that
has been highly anticipated because today's guest is someone who
has been making quite a lot of news lately. The
talented actor Oliver Stark stars in the smash hit drama
series nine nine one one is one of the most
(00:24):
watch shows on primetime television. It airs on ABC, and
it's one of the most popular shows for good reason.
It is thrilling and suspenseful, and you've become so invested
in these characters' lives, both professionally as they work and
navigate through these high stake situations, but also personally. It's
really gratifying to see what life is like for them
(00:46):
beyond the firefighter gear. Oliver plays the confident and compassionate
firefighter Evan Buckley aka Buck, and he quickly became a
fan favorite on the show since day one, and now
seasons is currently airing. And just when you thought you
couldn't love the character of Buck Moore, let me tell
you you can. We have a lot to cover today
(01:08):
and I have a feeling you're going to really enjoy
this fun but also personal and deep conversation where you
really get to see another side to Oliver. So let's
see if today we can get Oliver to say something
that he has never said before. Oliver, my man, how
(01:29):
you doing. It's good to see you.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
I'm doing very well. I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Well, I'm happy to have you. 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
(01:55):
throughout the entire series. But I do think this is
a newer thing for him, Like to me, it doesn't.
I 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. So
why is that? Why were you excited to take on
this new part of who he is?
Speaker 3 (02:12):
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,
you know, 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
(02:32):
there's 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.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
But then I also think this is a really uniquely
positioned character.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
To do this with right where Listen, we're on a
network television show. This is a character who from what
I've found and I tread carefully, 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.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
So I think then to show.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
To all these different groups of people 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 really interesting character to
have taken this step with.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
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 3 (03:37):
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.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
As a whole show.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
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 been really fun.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
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
(04:21):
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 wouldn't say something like that if they're seeing negative
comments out there.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
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.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
So that was my main kind of concern of should
I even bother? Are they worth it?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
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
something as a show of solidarity and be like, no,
(05:24):
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, I
don't want to see any relationships straight gay any I
(05:46):
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
you know, and I see it sometimes on my Instagram posts.
People will get into arguments and I wish sometimes I'm like,
(06:09):
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 like, all right, good, you know,
go do whatever you want with your life.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
That's fine. You don't have to watch our show.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
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 1 (06:36):
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, because it's like who cares? Who cares?
(06:58):
It's real life. So if you have a problem with that.
Maybe I don't know, move somewhere.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Else exactly 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 stance clear. So yeah,
it was in the back of a car as we
were going to play family feud.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Rock. Well, that's awesome. 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 bucks wild dating adventures as he's
discovering himself this season and in seasons to come, Do
you want to see that?
Speaker 2 (07:37):
I do? You know? I think the character of Tommy, who's.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Played by lou Is has been really, really great, and
you know, I really enjoy lou And 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 where maybe he
has opened this door for Buck and now Buck needs to,
(08:04):
you know, walk through it and see what there can
be and and and.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Explore and see what more there is to discover.
Speaker 3 (08:12):
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 and and and Tommy really helps him,
you know, understand more about himself and his feelings.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
But yeah, if I think maybe there's also an.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
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 and and maybe he
can help guide him through that a little bit.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
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 la Few 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 3 (09:04):
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
(09:26):
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
(09:47):
the episode with Eddie is.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
A little bit deeper and a little bit heavier.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
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 they're I'm 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 more processing to
go through.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
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, really, no, no, I love that. So
I appreciate the lighter, you know, versions of the coming
(10:33):
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 3 (10:40):
The rest of the coming out so far anyway, and
we're only on episode eight.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
The moment that it's in a much more subtle way.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
It's not leaned 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.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So yeah, I actually really enjoy ways.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
It's in the next episode where he really kind of
announces it doesn't really announce it, but but where everybody
kind of becomes aware of what's going on.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
And it's a small moment, but it's a really lovely moment.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
And that's coming out beginning of May, right.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Yeah, May second, I believe is our next episode.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Okay, May second. So if Buck had a theme song
for where he is in his life right now, Oh,
I think it would be what what would he be
jamming out to saying, yeah, this is this is me.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
I so love when I ask questions like that, because
you know, suddenly I can't think of any song that's
ever been written by anyone.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Suddenly I'm like, wait, what is music? I don't know,
so I guess it would be.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
So so I'm gonna I'm gonna skirt around it and
give a general answer of I don't.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Know, but I think it would be something very upbeat, right.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
I think he's coming into his own and it's this
like it's it's jubilation, right, It's it's this is this
thing that I've been looking for.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
So yeah, I don't know what the song is.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
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 the
song that's ever been written, but that one is.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Like, you know, what's gonna happen. You're gonna go to
bed tonight and at like two am you'll wake up
and be like, damn, man, I should have said, yeah, yeah, can.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
We can we jump back on that? Can I can?
I reanswer?
Speaker 1 (12:36):
If you think of Buck now and you think of
Buck from season one, what do you think he would
tell that guy?
Speaker 3 (12:44):
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
(13:05):
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 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
(13:27):
people around you and you'll find your way eventually.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Man, don't you feel like that's something so many of
us could have heard at a younger.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Age, 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
(13:55):
this cast as well. I was, by father least experience,
that was 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.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
I know I certainly did, and it.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Was playing this part and going through these things in
real life as well as they've you know, the lines
have often been very blurred.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
So what that being said, is there a storyline or
a moment throughout the last you know, seven seasons or
a character even that you feel like has made you
reflect on your life in a certain way.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
So Buck has a very strained or had anyway, 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 me, and I think, if anything, you know,
but they do.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
They live in England and I live here in California.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
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 mum. So the kind of juxtaposition of the
way that Buck's parents treated him, I think just shined
a bit more of a light on how lucky I
(15:13):
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
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
(15:34):
to them, because it just highlighted not everybody has that relationship.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
M 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
(15:59):
yourself 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 it's taxing, it can be draining
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 3 (16:19):
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
(16:41):
you still feel included in your life.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
And cared for, whether that's people or dogs or whatever.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
It is, like, you know, still showing up in ways
that I can, and still finding ways to like focus
on health and fitness.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
And finding you know, enough hours in the day.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
And I'm kind of proud of my self for yet
kind of committing to life outside of the job at
the same time as committing to.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
The job, 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 3 (17:16):
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.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
I never like it when and I've certainly fallen.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
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 try and keep the
person who isn't on nine one one still flourishing well.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
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 (17:54):
And yeah, yeah, you know where I'm I ask it.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
I feel like you know where I'm going. 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.
(18:18):
Do you think it's because deep down you had these
something there brilliant but you don't know what it was.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Yeah, very possibly. I yet, Okay, that is an interesting
spin on it, I give you that. Yeah, yeah, I
think I think.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
That's probably quite a wise way to.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
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
slow motion and what a man is?
Speaker 2 (18:48):
The soundtrack is playing, you.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
Know, so, so 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, I think I think look,
Buck was the like young Gung ho action hero, he
(19:12):
kind of guy of 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, there was some kind
of feeling there that Buck didn't quite understand what it was.
(19:33):
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 1 (19:45):
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 3 (19:54):
Me headline created, who knows, you know, Listen, I have
like supreme trust in these writers. And you know, so
Tim Mineer's 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's still in our writers' room.
But you know, Tim was here from the very beginning,
(20:15):
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.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
What he does, and you know, it shows the show.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
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 1 (20:36):
Yeah, yeah, I know. 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 up the show. 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 3 (20:54):
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 that mean?
(21:17):
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.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Everything in the show.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
So yeah, So I think at first there was we
were just wondering what that would 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 the
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,
(21:56):
shiny thing. It's a really nice balance and collaboration. So yeah,
it's really cool, and you know, we've been renewed to
season eight, so long may it continue.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
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. Oliver, the name of this show is
(22:26):
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 3 (22:36):
You've got 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.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
Right.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
I was thinking about this recently, and you know, one
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.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Like nurturing friendships. Like I know a lot of people
in my life, but I.
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Don't know how many like friends I have because I
kind of just explain, Yeah, I don't know if I
put 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.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
My fingers, could I like really go to with stuff.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
So I think there was one thing that I could
do differently about 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.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Going to want to have around you and be able
to lean on.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Really important point, is that something that is challenging to
do now with the job you have or you're kind
of working on that now.
Speaker 3 (24:07):
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,
so where do you meet friends?
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Yeah, it's it's interesting.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
So I hope to have the possibility to continue to
work on it, but yeah, I do.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
It's something that I struggle with.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
Well, thank you for sharing that. 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 (24:50):
Yes, exactly, That quality over quantity.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Yes, 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
(25:13):
for the rest of your career. So it's it's really
been a blasketting to hang out.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
I'm really on it. I was able to come on here,
so thank you everyone.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
Continue watching nine one one where.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
On ABC, come much on Hulu. I think that's it.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
And if you think of that song at two am.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Yeah, oh you get a message, I'll let you know.
Speaker 3 (25:35):
You can get slid in all right, man, be well,
thank you, Thank you having good work.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
I've never said this before. Is hosted by me Tommy Diderio.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by Me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney I've
never said this before. It's part of the Elvis Duran
podcast network on iHeart Podcast Guests for more rate review
and subscribe to our show. And if you liked this episode,
(26:05):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy Didario.
Elvis Duran and the Morning Show ON DEMAND News
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
The Nikki Glaser Podcast
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.