When Gavin McHugh first stepped onto the set of 9-1-1 as Christopher Diaz, viewers were instantly captivated. The young actor, who plays the son of firefighter Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman), has since become a cornerstone of the hit series—appearing in over 40 episodes since his Season 2 debut.
Christopher’s character doesn’t just offer comic relief or emotional weight in key episodes—he represents something deeper. Through Christopher, 9-1-1 explores the joys and challenges of single parenthood, especially when raising a child with a disability. Eddie’s storylines are made all the more powerful by the bond he shares with Christopher, offering fans a rare and honest portrayal of family life that transcends the firehouse drama.
Gavin himself lives with cerebral palsy and was adopted from Latvia at the age of two and a half. He never initially set out to be an actor—his journey began by tagging along on auditions with his siblings. But his undeniable charm and warmth landed him the role that changed his life—and touched millions of others.
In the photo above, Gavin is seen celebrating his love for the show in a joyful, behind-the-scenes moment. Donning a FOX crew tee and firefighter helmet, his smile says it all. He is 9-1-1’s heart and soul.
Off-camera, Gavin enjoys swimming, listening to music, and being surrounded by his tight-knit family. But it’s his on-screen work that has carved a path for better representation of children with disabilities in mainstream media.
Christopher Diaz may be a fictional character, but Gavin McHugh’s influence is very real. His portrayal is more than acting—it’s advocacy, awareness, and authentic storytelling at its finest.
