Oliver Stark and the rest of the 9-1-1 cast are still adjusting to life on set without Peter Krause — but are proud of the work they’ve done in the wake of their costar’s shocking exit.
“We’ve been up and down on this ride for a time now. But I’m really happy with everything that season 8 turned out to be,” Stark, 33, exclusively told Us Weekly ahead of the season 8 finale. “I think everybody’s really proud of it.”
The beloved ABC procedural left fans reeling with its decision to kill off Krause’s Captain Bobby Nash earlier this season, when the beloved character secretly contracted a deadly virus. With only one anecdote available, Bobby chose to keep his own symptoms a secret so that fellow firefighter Chimney (Kenneth Choi) could survive.
The episodes that followed saw fire station 118 reuniting to honor their longtime leader. As the characters mourned the loss of Bobby on screen, the actors were busy saying goodbye to their IRL friend Krause behind the scenes.
While speaking to Us, Stark recalled one emotional day with Krause when the duo, alongside Choi and costar Aisha Hinds (who plays Hen), had a quiet moment together as the original core four firefighters featured since season 1. (Series regulars Ryan Guzman, who portrays Eddie, and Jennifer Love Hewitt, who plays Maddie, both joined the cast in season 2.)
‘We [had] just finished and I went to take my makeup off, or whatever, and Aisha went to get changed. And it just so happened that myself, Kenny, Aisha and Peter were all coming out of our trailers at the same time,” Stark shared. “Ryan wasn’t working that day and [our other costar] Anirudh [Pisharody] was with us and he had left, so it was just the four of us who were the four that started in the 118. And we hadn’t realized, because the schedule is so hectic and stuff is moving. And Peter said to us, ‘Do you realize that was our last emergency, the four of us?’ And we just had a moment. We all embraced, we all cried a little bit and just said, ‘You know, this was a really cool ride we took together.’”
Here, Stark speaks more about his final days with Krause, what the future holds for season 9 of the hit series and reflects on what portraying a bisexual character on network TV means to him:
Us Weekly: Congratulations on such an amazing season and what a ride it’s been.
Oliver Stark: We’ve been up and down on this ride for a time now. But no, I’m really happy with everything that season 8 turned out to be. So I think everybody’s really proud of it. Really proud of it.
Us: And so many twists and turns, especially with this shocking death. I mean, when you were all at the table read, what was that moment like? Was it just silence, like, “I can’t believe this is actually happening?”
OS: So our show most certainly does not do table reads.
Us: Oh, OK.
OS: But I’m sure that would be the vibe, right? So we were called individually by our showrunner [Tim Minear] and he kind of said, “Listen, I’m gonna kill Bobby.” And I think everybody had differing reactions. I think some of us responded with a loud, “What do you mean?!” I fell to silence. I was pretty stunned by it, and it’s a big swing. Big change for the show.
Us: What was your first conversation with Peter like then after that?
OS: I hadn’t seen him [for], like, a week beforehand. I can’t remember what the episode that we shot before was, but we were quite segmented. Then I also didn’t see him for maybe another week afterwards. And in a group text, myself and Aisha [Hinds] reached out and said, “So, um, dot, dot, dot.” And he just said, “Let’s talk when we see each other in person.” And you know, we had a nice embrace. I said, “You good? You OK with it?” And he said, “Absolutely.” You know, this what happens. And he’s doing great. I thank him for all the time that I’ve spent with him over the years and all the things I’ve taken from him. Lessons learned. And I look forward to continuing the friendship, of course, that I know will continue.
Us: Has it hit you yet though?
OS: Yes. I think it has because we’ve made three or four episodes since. [Peter has] popped into them, episodes 16 and 17. He makes an appearance, but it’s not the intensity of which we would usually see each other. You know, I say it’s hit me, [but] I think it will probably hit me again when we come back for season 9. When it’s like, “Oh, he’s not here. He doesn’t come here anymore.” I think that’s when it will maybe really settle in.
Us: Because it feels permanent now, different now.
OS: Exactly. Exactly.
Us: As an actor, does it make you nervous knowing that they killed off such a beloved character? Obviously, your character is like that, too. So now, going into season 9, are you like, “Wait a wait a minute, what’s behind the corner here?”
OS: I think it’s good to not be too complacent. We should always wonder if we can be doing more or working harder. So it doesn’t make me consciously nervous, but it is a new thing that the show has now opened. Oliver Stark, who plays Evan “Buck” Buckley on the hit show 9-1-1, recently sat down with Us Weekly to discuss the latest developments in his character’s arc. With the recent loss of Bobby, played by Peter Krause, Buck has been left with a heavy responsibility. In a poignant moment before his death, Bobby tells Buck, “They’re going to need you.” This phrase weighs heavily on Buck’s mind, as he now feels charged with the task of bringing the 118 family back together.
When asked if he thinks Buck is ready for the responsibility of being captain, especially after Hen turned down the position, Stark explains that Buck isn’t necessarily seeking to be the figurehead. Instead, he sees it as a collective effort for everyone to step up and play their part in reuniting the team.
Stark also delves into Buck’s reaction to Bobby’s death, noting that grief manifests differently in everyone. He praises the show for allowing him to explore the complex emotions that come with loss and duty, highlighting the importance of portraying these moments authentically.
Reflecting on his favorite arc for Buck, Stark points to season 7, where the character goes through a coming out journey. He emphasizes the significance of representing bisexuality authentically and hopes to continue exploring this aspect of Buck’s identity in future episodes.
Throughout the interview, Stark expresses gratitude for the positive reception to Buck’s storyline, particularly from fans who have reached out to share their own experiences. The actor remains committed to portraying Buck’s journey with honesty and authenticity, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in the character’s struggles and triumphs.
As the show continues to evolve, Stark remains excited about the opportunities to delve deeper into Buck’s character and hopes to provide meaningful representation for the LGBTQ+ community. With heartfelt performances and a dedication to storytelling, Oliver Stark and the cast of 9-1-1 are poised to continue captivating audiences with their compelling narratives. As the hit show 9-1-1 continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling storylines and complex characters, fans can’t help but wonder about the future of Buck and Eddie’s friendship. In a recent interview, Oliver Stark, who plays Buck on the show, shared his thoughts on the dynamic between the two characters and what the future may hold for them.
Stark acknowledged that the personal storylines of the characters were somewhat overshadowed by the death of Bobby in the show. He expressed uncertainty about whether there will be a deeper exploration of Buck and Eddie’s friendship in the future, but he believes that Buck’s initial denial to Maddie about their relationship being more than friendship is genuine. He emphasized that he doesn’t think Buck is intentionally lying or hiding anything from the other characters.
When asked about the popular Couch Theory that suggests a romantic connection between Eddie and Buck, Stark admitted that he is aware of the theory but doesn’t pay too much attention to it. He appreciates the love and investment that fans have in the show and sees it as a compliment.
Stark also discussed Eddie accusing Buck of being selfish in a recent episode, noting that Eddie may be dealing with PTSD and projecting his past experiences onto Buck. He explained that the heightened emotions and grief following Bobby’s death have created tension between the characters, leading to conflicts and clashes.
Regarding Buck’s heart-to-heart with Eddie’s aunt, Stark believes that the conversation will prompt Buck to accept change and grow from his experiences. He sees it as an opportunity for Buck to mature and evolve as a character in future episodes.
Stark also shared an emotional moment on set with Peter Krause, who plays Bobby, on their last day of shooting together. They reflected on their time working together and shared a heartfelt embrace, acknowledging the end of an era for their characters.
As the show heads into its season finale, Stark teased a dramatic and intense episode that will see the fallout from a building collapse and the 118 team struggling to save lives and reunite with each other. He hinted at a hopeful ending, but warned that more heartbreak may be on the horizon for the characters.
Looking ahead to season 9, Stark admitted that he doesn’t know what the future holds for Buck and the rest of the characters on the show. With the unpredictable nature of 9-1-1’s storytelling, fans can expect more twists, turns, and emotional moments as the series continues to push boundaries and deliver thrilling drama. The anticipation is building for the next season of 9-1-1, with fans eagerly awaiting to see what changes are in store for the beloved show. Will Hen or Chimney step up as the new captain, or will a fresh face join the team and shake things up? The possibilities are endless, and the prospect of a new era for the show is both exciting and nerve-wracking.
As one of the cast members, Oliver Stark, expressed, he is looking forward to seeing how the show evolves in this next chapter. The uncertainty of what lies ahead only adds to the intrigue, and Stark is eager to see how the dynamics of the show will shift with new leadership or new characters. It’s a time of transition for the series, and the cast is just as curious as the fans to see how it all plays out.
Reflecting on his time playing Buck, Stark acknowledges that saying goodbye to the character will be a challenging process. After spending so much time embodying a role, it’s inevitable that a part of the character stays with the actor even after filming ends. But perhaps the most difficult part of leaving the show will be saying goodbye to the close-knit family that has been formed on set. The bonds forged over years of working together are strong, and the thought of not seeing his castmates every day is a daunting prospect for Stark.
Despite the emotional toll of leaving the show, Stark remains optimistic about the future and the potential for more seasons of 9-1-1. The camaraderie and chemistry among the cast members have been a driving force behind the show’s success, and Stark hopes to continue being a part of that for as long as possible.
In conclusion, the upcoming season of 9-1-1 holds a lot of promise and potential for new storylines and character development. The cast is ready to embrace the changes and challenges that lie ahead, and fans can expect an exciting and unpredictable journey in the episodes to come. The legacy of the show lives on through the dedication and talent of its actors, and the future looks bright for 9-1-1. The advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. With the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, we are witnessing a transformation in various industries and sectors. One of the most significant impacts of these technological advancements is in the field of healthcare.
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