For Oliver Stark, January 1 is just another day on the calendar.
The 9-1-1 actor says he’s never been one for New Year’s resolutions, and it’s not because he doubts his willpower. He simply doesn’t believe personal growth needs a designated start date.
Instead, Stark prefers something quieter and more flexible: making small adjustments whenever life calls for them — whether that’s on a random Tuesday in March or midway through a busy filming schedule.
A Different Way of Thinking About Change
Stark, 34, describes himself as fairly self-aware. If something in his life feels off, he says, he tries to course-correct in real time rather than waiting for a symbolic reset.
It’s a perspective many people quietly share, even if they don’t say it out loud — that growth is less about grand declarations and more about steady, ongoing choices.
He admits there’s always the possibility he’s missing something by skipping the annual goal-setting ritual. But for now, he’s comfortable trusting the process he’s built for himself.
Life Inside 9-1-1
That grounded mindset carries over into Stark’s work on 9-1-1, where he has played firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley since the series premiered in 2018.
Created by Ryan Murphy, the show centers on the intense professional and personal lives of Los Angeles first responders. The series recently returned with its season 9 midseason premiere, continuing its mix of high-stakes rescues and emotional storylines.
Stark says one of his favorite parts of the job remains the physical demands — the action scenes, the stunts, and the long days that leave the cast sore but satisfied.
There’s a particular pride, he explains, in finishing a difficult sequence and feeling it in your body at the end of the day — knowing it was hard, but handled safely and well.
Getting Physical, Safely
While the show’s emergencies look chaotic on screen, Stark is careful to emphasize that safety always comes first.
Within those boundaries, though, he and his castmates like to be as hands-on as possible. There’s a shared enjoyment in “getting stuck in,” as much as the production allows.
It’s a reminder, he says, that the body is capable of more than we sometimes assume — a lesson that resonates beyond television sets and stunt rigs.
Telling Buck’s Story
Last year, Stark spoke publicly about another aspect of his work that holds deep personal meaning: Buck’s journey toward understanding his bisexuality.
After years of the character dating women, season 7 marked a turning point when Buck shared his first romantic moment with a man, kissing Tommy, played by Lou Ferrigno Jr., during the show’s 100th episode.
Marking Bi Visibility Day in September, Stark reflected on how meaningful it has been to help tell that story — and how much he hopes it offers viewers a sense of recognition and reassurance.
Looking Ahead
As 9-1-1 continues into its ninth season, Stark has said he’s eager to explore Buck’s storyline more deeply rather than letting it fade into the background.
For him, it’s not just about plot development. It’s about representation that feels lived-in and sincere — something that unfolds naturally, much like the way he approaches personal growth in his own life.
Why It Resonates
Stark’s approach — to change, work, and identity — reflects a broader shift in how people think about self-improvement and representation.
Not everything needs a dramatic announcement. Sometimes progress happens quietly, through consistent effort, honest reflection, and stories that make space for complexity.
In a culture that often demands bold resolutions and instant transformation, Stark’s philosophy feels refreshingly human.
9-1-1 Viewing Info
9-1-1 airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu and Disney+.
