What's it like being you?
I'm at a point in my life where I like myself. It wasn't always like that. But now I like being who I am. If I were someone else and I met myself, I think I'd like myself. I'm proud of who I've become. So yeah, I'm enjoying trying to do the best I can.
How would you describe your routine as an actor these days?
We've been doing this show, 9-1-1, for a long time, so in many ways it's ingrained in me. There isn't too much daily preparation. For me, the wardrobe is very important: when I put on the uniform and boots, I start to get into the character's mindset. Once I can walk like him, everything flows. We get to the set and, honestly, we have a great time. I work with people I consider friends and family, so the routine is about having fun, trusting each other, and playing around with the scenes.
What's it like working with Ryan Guzman? Will there be a new LGBTQ+ couple on the show?
I don't know, I don't write the show. I always say that as a way of getting out of trouble, but it's true. Fans love the dynamic between Ryan and me, and he knows it too. I don't know if the writers will take it in that direction, but the fact that the audience is so invested in that relationship says a lot. I'm very proud to be part of something that people are so emotionally invested in.
What has been the most challenging part of playing Buck over the seasons?
It's been challenging in different ways. Sometimes physically, because there are very demanding scenes or very intense days. And emotionally, finding the balance between the character and myself. It's important to embody him at work and, when they yell "cut," leave him behind.
If you could change one decision Buck makes in the series, what would it be?
It's a bit of a dark question, but I would let more people die in the series. I'm not talking about the firefighters, but rather that we would fail more often. In real life, they can't always save the day. I understand that the series is hopeful and portrays heroes, but in reality, there are also failures.
Buck is an LGBTQ+ character. Where would you like his story to go?
It was a big decision to introduce that aspect of his identity after so many seasons. I loved it then, and I still love it now. I think it's been great for representation: showing that someone can be "macho," a hero, and also bisexual. One doesn't define the other. I like that we haven't made his sexuality his entire personality. It's just one part of who he is. In the future, I hope he finds happiness and maybe love.
What was your favorite scene to film on 9-1-1?
We recently filmed a very different episode in the desert. Buck is kidnapped and practically tortured. There's a scene where he's electrocuted with a stun gun and starts to lose his mind. It was interesting to explore that dark side of the character, because normally he's very cheerful and optimistic.
Have you ever taken anything from the set as a souvenir?
I've stolen a lot of things. Clothes, for example. Sometimes I wear something in a scene and then I write to the costume designer: "What a shame that jacket was lost in the fire..." And she already knows it's in the trunk of my car. I also have a helmet. Someday I'd like to take the firefighter's jacket, but they're expensive. Maybe I'll get it when the series is over.
What projects would you like to do after 9-1-1?
The series is huge, with explosions and action. I'd like to do something completely different: a small, intimate, character-driven story. Although I also like action, so I'll probably return to it later.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
I don't have a specific name in mind. I'm interested in working with people committed to telling good stories, people who take their work seriously and want to delve deeper into their characters.
What do you hope for in your career?
My expectations have changed a lot over the years. Now I try not to have too many expectations about anything. I prefer to take things as they come and enjoy the journey.
What is your ultimate goal?
To reach a point where I have the freedom to choose what I want to do. To be able to accept or reject jobs, to travel with my family if I want. I don't need awards or extreme wealth. Just the freedom to make decisions.
Summarize your life in one word.
Content.
Are you at peace with yourself?
Yes, absolutely. I'm at a point in my life where I'm letting things flow.
What makes you happy?
A peaceful life. I like to slow down.
When was the last time you cried?
I cry all the time. I'm a very emotional person. Probably last week.
What is love to you?
Security. When I was younger, I thought about love more intensely and dramatically. Now I think it's about simplicity and feeling secure with someone.
How do you understand seduction?
Seduction is subtle. If you force it too much or want it too much, you push it away. It has to come from self-confidence.
What's something you would never do again?
I will never again think that I have nothing to contribute. At the beginning of 9-1-1, I felt like I didn't belong, that they had made a mistake choosing me. It took me years to recognize my own worth.
What is your greatest fear?
Not being able to handle the responsibilities I have, whether it's to my loved ones or even my four dogs.
When you imagine your legacy, what would you like it to be?
I'd like people to say I was a kind person. I don't care so much about success or achievements. I'd rather they say I was someone who made others feel good.
What is failure to you?
Giving up. If you keep going, even when things are going badly, it's not really failure.
Is it hard being you?
I wouldn't say that. We all have tough times, but there are people with much harder lives. It would be insensitive to say it's hard being me.
What does masculinity mean to you today?
To me, masculinity is quiet confidence and a desire to take care of others.
What are you really bad at?
Sticking to a diet. At night, I want to eat everything.
What's your guilty food pleasure?
Peanut butter.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would you change?
I would like everyone to be able to feel safe being authentically who they are, without fear of discrimination.
If you could speak to the entire planet and everyone could hear you, what would you say?
I would talk about taking care of the environment. We need to protect the planet so that we can all continue living on it.
What is freedom to you?
Being able to make decisions that feel true to me, without being controlled by external pressures.
What is mental health to you?
It's a spectrum. It doesn't mean being happy all the time, but rather being able to experience all human emotions without any of them reaching an extreme.
