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Oliver Stark is a British-born actor who has captured hearts both in the UK and the US. Born Oliver Leon Jones on June 27, 1991, in London, he adopted the last name Stark, his grandmother’s maiden name, to stand out professionally.
Early Life & Roots
Stark grew up in London, graduating from Hendon School in 2009. He initially explored diverse interests, he worked as a sportswriter and sold computer games, before immersing himself in acting. Motivated to pursue performance arts, he trained at the North London Performing Arts Centre and participated in several short films and stage productions in his teen years.
Starting Out on Screen
His screen debut came in 2011 with the short film Follow for the UK Film Council. He then made guest appearances on popular British TV shows like Casualty and Luther, and appeared in Dracula and Big Bad World. His stage presence earned praise in London theater, notably for Fatal Excuses.
Breakthrough Roles in Film & TV
In 2015, Oliver landed a major role as Ryder in AMC’s martial arts series Into the Badlands, showcasing his physicality and dark charisma. In films, he appeared alongside Sam Neill in MindGamers and was featured in Underworld: Blood Wars (2016), playing Gregor opposite Kate Beckinsale.
Became a Fan Favorite in 9-1-1
Since 2018, Stark has played Evan “Buck” Buckley, a firefighter on ABC’s hit drama 9-1-1, created by Ryan Murphy. The role transformed him into a household name: viewers appreciated his emotional depth, and critics praised his on-screen authenticity. The show consistently garners over 15 million viewers in new seasons. Stark earned Teen Choice Award nods for Breakout Star and Drama Actor.
Recent Highlights & Interviews
Embracing His Birthmark
Oliver has been vocal about his pride in his birthmark and its visibility. In the new season, he shares why Buck’s story of loss and healing, especially following Captain Bobby’s death, matters deeply. He’s embraced his distinctive mark rather than hiding it.
On “Buddie” (Buck & Eddie)
Fans have shipped Buck and Eddie (played by Ryan Guzman) as “Buddie.” In 2025 interviews, Stark opened up about the dynamic, saying he’d explore romance only if it felt organic to the characters and not merely fan service. On Good Morning America in May 2025, he confirmed Eddie is straight and emphasized he “just works there,” letting audiences interpret the bond as they wish.
Industry Recognition
ABC named him among “Hollywood’s Next Wave of Leading Men,” and People Magazine listed him as one of the “Sexiest Men Alive.” He was spotlighted on Disney’s 2025 Upfront red carpet, reflecting his rising status in primetime TV.
Craft & Commitment
Stark has said he’s more introverted than Buck in real life; Buck’s boldness is an opportunity for him to explore a side of himself he hides. He values rich production design, plane crashes, bio labs, or natural disasters, because they ground his emotional performance in authenticity.
Life in the US
Feeling capped in the UK, Stark moved to LA to pursue bigger roles, landing 9-1-1 not long after arriving. He now works and resides in Los Angeles.
Personal Life & Passions
- Vegan lifestyle: He follows a plant-based diet and promotes wellness.
- Romantic life: He’s been connected with actress Hannah Gottesman; as of 2024, they were living together in LA.
- Inspirational mindset: His life motto is, “You’re not going through it, it is going through you.” He also advises accepting yourself as the pathway to happiness and success.
Filmography at a Glance
Film Roles:
- Community (2012): Pack Leader
- The Adventurer (2013): Glocky
- Montana (2014): Cal
- Hard Tide (2015): Alfie Fisher
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016): Gregor
- MindGamers (2017): Dylan
TV Highlights:
- Casualty (2011): Kyle “K” DeNane
- Luther (2013): Shaun Butler
- Dracula: PC Barraclough
- Into the Badlands (2015–2017): Ryder
- 9-1-1 (2018–present): Buck (101+ episodes)
- 9-1-1: Lone Star (2021): Guest appearance
- Celebrity Family Feud (2024): Self
Why Audiences Connect with Him?
- Emotional vulnerability: Oliver brings a realness to Buck that resonates, whether in dramatic rescues or internal struggles.
- Chemistry with cast: His on-screen friendships, especially with Eddie and Tommy, feel lived-in & genuine.
- Advocacy & relatability: He’s supported the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and embraces his birthmark while maintaining humility and relatability.
The Future Ahead
Season 9 of 9-1-1 is set for fall 2025. Fans look forward to exploring Buck’s emotional journey, and perhaps seeing whether Buddie evolves beyond friendship. On the film front, although not confirmed, his range suggests more action or drama roles could be next.
Conclusion
Oliver Stark began as a London teen with big dreams, moved to LA to reboot his career, and skyrocketed into stardom through compelling roles in Into the Badlands and 9-1-1. He’s become a fan favorite for his authenticity, emotional honesty, and willingness to let characters evolve organically. With his charm, grounded presence, and bold choices, Stark is one of today’s most engaging rising stars.
