Hunter McVey, who's set to become TV's new heartthrob thanks to his debut role in Ryan Murphy's new series, 9-1-1: Nashville, is giddy ahead of the Thursday, October 9, premiere. "It has been the wildest, craziest, most challenging, and most fulfilling thing that I've ever done in my entire life. I've come to love and truly be inspired by every single cast and crew member who I get to work alongside every day. I've had nothing but support and open arms from everyone. It's truly a family, and I get to come into work every single day, thankful and grateful to be in the position that I'm in, even when the days are long and you're tired. Nothing compares to the fulfillment and enjoyment that this role has given me," the actor exclusively tells OK!.



Source: @hunter_mcvey/instagramThe actor appears alongside Chris O'Donnell, Jessica Capshaw and more in the new series.



McVey was nervous to be in the presence of Murphy, who has created successful shows, including Glee, Grotesquerie, Doctor Odyssey and more. "It was definitely very overwhelming at the beginning of my journey joining the 9-1-1 Universe. There were huge shoes to fill and a lot of very impressive, accredited actors that I'm working alongside. So, I made sure to soak up as much information as I could, like a sponge, from the experts around me. I try to learn from everyone I'm around every single day and apply those skills to just improve. Hopefully, I can make the fans of 9 -1-1 Universe proud!" McVey, who plays Blue Bennings, says.

Kimberly Williams-Paisely, Chris O'Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, and country music stars LeAnn Rimes and Kane Brown appear in 9-1-1: Nashville, which follows the ups and downs of the 113 firehouse crew and their loved ones. "They've taught me everything I know about acting and everything I know about the industry thus far. They've given me so much knowledge - from technical information, to cues, to eye lines, and then just tips about how to be a good human being. Even how to manage your emotions, balancing the difficult hours with my relationship with my fiancé, how to navigate difficult waters with opportunities, the press, and how to navigate nervousness. I really owe everything that I've picked up over the last four months to the cast and the crew members. They've been nothing but helpful, kind and supportive. I'm so thankful to be working with the people that I am," McVey, who is engaged to Julia Bridges, says.



Source: @hunter_mcvey/instagramThe star said he learned a lot from his costars.



Though McVey is new to the business, he immediately felt welcomed by his costars. "I had expectations going into it that that may not be the case, but I was proven wrong. Even the actors who are true masters of their craft and have been doing this for decades took me under their wing. They were so supportive and genuine, and overall, I did not feel - from a single person on the cast or crew - that they did not want me to succeed. So, I think that had a huge part to do with why I now have confidence going into these scenes and why I now feel confident with my character's point of view. I accredit all of it to the warm welcomes and supportiveness of this entire production," he states.

"I get golden advice every single day, and I don't have to ask for it. All I have to do is listen. If anyone knew me before this show, I tend to do a lot of talking, but now I'm just focusing on listening and soaking up as much information as I can from these incredible actors and production. They're all so knowledgeable, and I've gotten everything from technical tips to tips on how to manage my stress levels, my sleep and how to navigate this wonderful new world that I've become a part of," he adds, noting that he "loves" playing Blue.



Source: Blake BallardHunter McVey resonates with his character.



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"I somehow stumbled upon a character for my first role who's still figuring things out - both in becoming a firefighter and in navigating life's tougher challenges. I've struggled with the latter in my personal life and have felt clueless at times, so that perspective really helps to step into Blue's shoes. I'm so grateful for this role, though Blue definitely comes with plenty of challenges. He's very good at certain things - physical activity, loyalty, ambition and knowi