The actor on eating mostly fruit and training like a firefighter
Though he first honed his acting skills in short films and theater productions, Oliver Stark has created a name for himself in television. Currently, his schedule is packed with production on Ryan Murphy’s FOX series about first responders, 9-1-1, in which he plays firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley. “It’s pretty hard to make social plans at the moment,” says the LA-based London native. “We’re shooting the end of the second season and it keeps me pretty busy. We work all through the week (including Saturday and Sunday). But, honestly, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
When it comes to Stark’s gym habits, life imitates art. “I base my fitness around the show,” he explains. “I play a firefighter, so I train like one. [It’s] a lot of carrying, dragging, and pulling heavy sandbags and using kettlebells so I can build strength through different planes.” Even with his hectic lifestyle, Stark tries to keep his sleep and nutrition as regimented as possible. “I eat a lot of fruit,” he says, “I consider fruit to be the most healing thing for the body, so it makes up a huge percentage of my diet. Stark also tries to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night. “I’ve come to learn more and more about the importance and benefits of good sleep,” he explains.
He shared with Furthermore his go-to picks for staying healthy and balanced.
Brute Force Strongman Sandbag Kit
“I love working out with this. The eight handles mean I can drag, carry, and throw it around any way I want. It’s super sturdy and can withstand all I put it through.”
Mangoes
“Not sure there’s anything sweeter (literally) than cutting open a dark yellow, juicy mango. Recently, I’ve read there is some relation between mangoes and better sleep, and I’ll do all I can to help in that department.”
Rael Acne Healing Patch
“I’ve always struggled with troublesome skin. It’s gotten a lot better as I’ve moved into my later twenties but these come in very handy whenever a blemish pops up. I know I have them as my secret weapon.”
Instant Pot
“This pressure cooker has revolutionized the way I cook. It’s so quick and easy and retains so much of the nutrients in food. I can’t even remember what I used to do before it.”
Merrell Vapor Glove 3 Shoes
“I would wear these everywhere if I could, but I especially like working out in them. They are thin enough that I feel like I’m barefoot, but still give me all the protection I need.”
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for publication.