Robert Buckley
A charismatic actor who became a familiar and charming face across a string of popular television dramas and heartfelt Hallmark series.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American actor·Birthday: May 2·Millennials
Biography
Robert Buckley carved out a steady and likable presence on American television, often playing the handsome, grounded love interest or the dependable friend. After early roles on shows like 'Lipstick Jungle', he gained wider recognition as the earnest small-town writer Clay Evans on 'One Tree Hill', a role that showcased his easygoing appeal. Buckley demonstrated genre flexibility, moving from the supernatural horrors of '666 Park Avenue' to the witty, zombie-filled procedural 'iZombie', where his turn as a by-the-book military officer turned detective was a fan favorite. In recent years, he found a comfortable home in the Hallmark Channel's universe, starring as the lead in the long-running family series 'Chesapeake Shores'. His career is a testament to consistent, reliable talent in the ever-shifting landscape of TV.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Robert was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Robert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Robert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a series regular role as Major Clive Lillywhite on the critically praised CW series 'iZombie' for five seasons.
- Starred as lead Evan Kincaid for six seasons on the popular Hallmark Channel drama 'Chesapeake Shores'.
- Portrayed the recurring character Clay Evans on the hit drama 'One Tree Hill' during its sixth and seventh seasons.
- Landed a main role as Kirby Atwood on the NBC series 'Lipstick Jungle', based on the novel by Candace Bushnell.
- Appeared as a lead in the ABC supernatural drama '666 Park Avenue' alongside Terry O'Quinn and Vanessa Williams.
Did You Know?
He graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Economics.
Before acting, he worked in corporate finance and marketing.
He is an avid surfer and often incorporates the hobby into his social media posts.
Buckley is a trained musician and can play the piano.
He voiced the character of Bruce in the animated film 'The Last: Naruto the Movie'.
“I'm just a guy from the Valley who got lucky and loves his job.”
