AlloCiné: Looking back, what did you like about 9-1-1 and the character of Buck when you read the script for the first episode?
Oliver Stark: Even though you can never predict its success, I knew that with creators like Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, and the partners I'm lucky enough to have on screen, all the ingredients were there to make a good series. So I told myself I had to seize the opportunity to be part of this adventure. And then Buck's character has evolved in a very positive way. He's an athletic young man, but he's also very sensitive. And who isn't afraid to show their emotions. It's a very important message for today's youth, and I wanted to be a part of it. It's important to be able to show that you can be a hero and also be vulnerable and sensitive.
What do you think Ryan Murphy's secret is for creating shows as amazing as 911, American Horror Story, Nip/Tuck, Glee, or Pose?
I think his real strength is quickly understanding, in any show, that magical moment that will allow the audience to become invested and identify with what they're watching. He has a real understanding of the human condition, and I feel like that's what makes him special as a writer and as a producer. We're incredibly lucky to be working with him.
911 is a show full of some pretty spectacular sequences. Do you do your own stunts?
We try to perform as many stunts as possible, yes. Each actor obviously has a stunt double, and generally our stunt double performs the stunt first and then tells us if it's something we can do ourselves or if it's better to let professionals handle the sequence in question. But I would say we try to perform at least 85% of the stunts you see on screen.
The season 2 finale will air this Thursday on M6. What can you tease about this episode and what will happen to your character?
The finale is very explosive, in every sense of the word (laughs). And it ends on a huge cliffhanger, especially for my character. And it's going to bring a very dark side to the series and Buck's story. I think viewers will be worried if they're invested in the series.
Do you already know what's in store for Buck next, in season 3, which will premiere in the US this fall?
We start filming Season 3 in about a month, so right now I know absolutely nothing about what's in store for Buck, but I'm obviously very excited to see what the writers have in store for this third season. But when you work with creators like the ones on 9-1-1, you never worry about the quality of what you're going to have to play. You know you're in good hands and you have complete confidence in them.
After Connie Britton's departure, Jennifer Love Hewitt joined the show as Buck's sister, Maddie, and your chemistry is really palpable on screen. Did you connect right away?
Oh yeah (laughs). To be honest, after only five minutes on set, Jennifer was already making fun of me. In a very adorable way, obviously, in a very "brother and sister" way that really fit what we're playing on the show. So we didn't have to push ourselves too hard. And I also immediately got along very well with Ryan Guzman, who's also played Eddie since the beginning of Season 2. But that's actually true for the entire cast. We all get along extremely well and we really are a family. And I think that's also one of the keys to 9-1-1's success. People who watch the show feel comfortable with this team of firefighters and would love to be part of it.
Would you like to see Buck and Maddie's family introduced in the series soon?
It's true that Buck and Maddie's family history has never really been touched upon, so that would be interesting, yes. I don't know if it's planned for Season 3, but I wouldn't be surprised if Buck's parents end up appearing on the show soon.
We know that a spin-off, 9-1-1: Lone Star, will launch next season on Fox. Do you know if any crossovers between the two series are planned?
To be honest, I don't know anything about this spin-off, except for its title and the fact that Rob Lowe will be the lead actor. But I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. And as for any crossovers, it might be complicated because Lone Star will be set in Texas, but if it ends up happening, I'd be thrilled. It would be cool to meet Rob Lowe for an episode (laughs).
