Is Buck On 9-1-1 Gay In Real Life? The Truth About Oliver Stark’s Sexuality And Buck’s Bisexual Journey

The question of whether Evan “Buck” Buckley is gay in real life is one of the most searched queries about the hit procedural drama 9-1-1, especially following the character’s groundbreaking Season 7 storyline. As of late 2025, the answer is a clear distinction between the actor and the character: the man who plays Buck, Oliver Stark, is *not* gay in real life, while his on-screen counterpart, Evan Buckley, is an out bisexual man.

This article will delve into the facts about Oliver Stark’s personal life, his long-term relationship, and the recent, much-celebrated developments in Buck’s storyline, including his relationship with Tommy Kinard. The character’s journey of self-discovery has been one of the most progressive and talked-about arcs in modern television, moving beyond years of "queer-coding" and fan speculation, particularly from the passionate "Buckleyst" community.

Oliver Stark: Full Biography and Real-Life Relationship Status

To definitively answer the "in real life" part of the query, it is essential to look at the personal life of the British actor, Oliver Stark.

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• Full Name: Oliver Leon Jones (uses Oliver Stark professionally)
• Date of Birth: June 27, 1991
• Age: 34 (as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: London, England, UK
• Nationality: British
• Height: 6’2” (1.88 m)
• Early Career: Before acting, Stark worked as a sports writer, a telemarketer, and a bouncer.
• Notable Roles: Ryka in Underworld: Blood Wars (2016), Jaryd in Into the Badlands (2015), and most famously, Evan "Buck" Buckley in 9-1-1 (2018–present).
• Real-Life Sexuality: Oliver Stark is heterosexual.
• Relationship Status: He is in a long-term relationship with his American girlfriend, Hannah. He has been open about his relationship, often sharing photos and details on his social media, confirming his preference for women.

The speculation about Stark's sexuality stems purely from the convincing portrayal of his character's journey on 9-1-1. The actor himself has made it clear that his personal life is separate from the groundbreaking story he is privileged to tell on screen.

Evan "Buck" Buckley's On-Screen Bisexual Journey and the Tommy Kinard Storyline

The character of Evan "Buck" Buckley has always been central to 9-1-1. Initially introduced as a reckless "sex addict" with a history of age-gap relationships (such as with Abby Clark, played by Connie Britton), his arc has evolved into a deeply emotional journey of self-discovery.

The Confirmation of Buck's Bisexuality

The long-running fan speculation, often centered around the intense, platonic chemistry between Buck and his firefighter partner, Eddie Diaz (played by Ryan Guzman)—a dynamic lovingly dubbed "Buckleyst"—finally reached a new peak in 2024. In a major development, Buck's sexuality was confirmed as bisexual.

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The pivotal moment occurred in 9-1-1 Season 7, Episode 4, titled "The Big One."

• The Catalyst: Buck develops feelings for Tommy Kinard, a former 118 firefighter and current helicopter pilot.
• The Scene: The episode features a surprise, passionate kiss between Buck and Tommy, which left fans and critics buzzing.
• The Result: This kiss officially confirmed Buck's bisexuality, moving the character beyond the heavy "queer-coding" that had been noted by viewers and some critics for years.

The actor, Oliver Stark, celebrated this development, stating that it was one of the "biggest joys" of his time playing Buck. He has spoken out to defend the storyline against any negative reactions, emphasizing the importance of telling a story about a character discovering their sexuality later in life.

Navigating Buckleyst and the New Relationship with Tommy

The introduction of Tommy Kinard (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) as Buck's new love interest in Season 7 was a significant development, but it did not diminish the intense fan focus on the "Buckleyst" dynamic.

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Many fans interpreted Buck’s initial interest in Tommy as a way to get Eddie’s attention or to explore a part of himself that his close bond with Eddie had awakened. The show’s writers and producers have consistently maintained that Eddie Diaz is a straight character, but the emotional intimacy between the two firemen, which has been a staple of the show since Eddie's introduction, remains a powerful narrative force.

The relationship between Buck and Tommy has continued into Season 8, though not without drama. A recent plot twist revealed that Buck’s former flame, Abby Clark, was actually engaged to Tommy Kinard without Buck’s knowledge, creating a complex love triangle and further exploring the boundaries of Buck's new identity.

The Cultural Impact of Buck’s Bisexual Identity

Buck's journey is more than just a plot point; it represents a major step forward for LGBTQ+ representation on network television. The character's shift from a hyper-masculine, womanizing firefighter to an openly bisexual man has been praised for its authenticity and realism.

Oliver Stark has become an outspoken advocate for the storyline. On Bi Visibility Day, he released a video celebrating the opportunity to portray a bisexual man, noting that this journey of self-discovery is an "honor." The storyline highlights several key themes:

• Sexuality is a Spectrum: The show portrays that sexuality is not a fixed, binary concept and can be realized at any stage of life.
• Challenging Stereotypes: Buck is a traditionally masculine, heroic figure—a firefighter at the 118—which helps to dismantle stereotypes about who can be bisexual.
• Progressive Storytelling: Showrunner Tim Minear and the writers have been lauded for their commitment to exploring this side of Buck's life, even in the face of some fan backlash.

In summary, while the actor Oliver Stark is straight and happily partnered with his girlfriend, his character Evan "Buck" Buckley is officially a bisexual man whose journey of self-acceptance has resonated deeply with audiences and cemented his status as a key figure in modern queer representation.