Live long and go ‘In Search Of’
Quinto carries on Nimoy legacy in reboot.
NEW YORK – Everyone’s favorite Vulcan is exploring a strange new world: TV hosting.
Zachary Quinto, 41, who plays Spock in the rebooted “Star Trek” film franchise, is stepping into another role made famous by Leonard Nimoy, who died in 2015 at age 83. “In Search Of,” which aired from 1977-1982 and was briefly revived in 2002, returns again on History Friday (10 EDT/PDT). The series explores mysterious phenomena such as extraterrestrials and superhuman strength, and Quinto, as host, seeks answers through interviews and scientific experiments.
Question: How is this different from the original series?
Zachary Quinto: There are certainly a few of what we call “blue-chip episodes” that are kind of an homage to the original series, like aliens, monsters of the deep and the lost city of Atlantis. But we’ve also come so far in terms of the evolution of science and our ability to explore aspects of our world and galaxy that were unattainable 40 years ago. It was a balance of honoring the origins of the show and making it appealing for contemporary audiences.
Q: The show is rooted in science, but you also interview “experiencers” who claim to have been abducted by aliens. Was that difficult?
Quinto: Sometimes it was hard for me to not express my own opinions or skepticism. But it’s not my job to tell somebody whether or not their experiences are true – it’s my job to hear their story and see what I can learn from it. We interviewed three people, all of whom were from different parts of the country and had never met. And yet there were so many haunting similarities between all of their stories that it did leave me thinking, “How is it that each of these people have such similar stories about interactions with extraterrestrials?”
Q: How does it feel to be following in Leonard Nimoy’s footsteps?
Quinto: Leonard and I forged a bond that was very strong. Even though he’s no longer with us, he’s still very much a part of my consciousness. My journey was shaped by our friendship in many ways, through our mutual experience of “Star Trek” and Spock. I love the idea of honoring his legacy, and I think he would be really excited that I was doing this and proud to support it.
Q: If you could pick a third project of his to revive or remake, what would it be?
Quinto:(Laughs.) I think we’re good. Although he had a really successful career as a director. That’s something I’m certainly interested in.
Q: You’re currently starring in “The Boys in the Band” on Broadway (through Aug. 11), which first premiered off-Broadway 50 years ago. Why do you think it resonates now?
Quinto: Well, a lot has changed. Marriage equality is, for the time being, the law of the land, and hopefully it stays that way. But what hasn’t changed is that we’re under the reign of a particularly backward-looking administration, and our government is contracting against all of the advancements that we’ve been able to achieve. It’s unfortunate, but I think it’s only temporary. There’s no way you can put the toothpaste back in the tube, and I think that really resonates in this production. To be doing this play now with an entirely openly gay cast and gay creative team, there is something powerful about that statement.
Q: There are reportedly two “Star Trek” sequels in the works, one of which would be written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. What do you know about those?
Quinto: We’re waiting on specifics. I’m thrilled that we might have the opportunity to work with him and see what he would do with us in this universe. It’s going to be an R-rated version of “Star Trek,” which would be the first (in) the movies, and that’s exciting. I’ve been a fan of his for years, and I’m really inspired by his originality. Take that originality and mix it with this world full of incredible ideology and colorful characters, and the result could be pretty thrilling.
Q: How much longer do you envision playing Spock?
Quinto: I don’t know. I’m really honored to be carrying the mantle of this character, so as long as we’re having fun and the stories feel interesting, I’m open to it. If we make a fourth one and then we do a film with Quentin, that feels like an incredibly complete experience.