Face Of an Icon
From the final frontier to Broadway, Zachary Quinto shows us what real talent looks and sounds like
From the final frontier to Broadway, Zachary Quinto shows us what real talent looks and sounds like
Like many of his peers, Zachary Quinto started his acting career with guest appearances in various tV shows, from “24” and “csi” to “six Feet under” and “lizzie Mcguire.” then, in 2006, “heroes” happened, and Quinto landed what would become one of his most iconic roles: the villain sylar. and before his stint as the super-powered serial killer came to a close, he was cast in yet another destined-to-be-iconic role: spock in the new “star trek” movie series, aka the kelvin timeline as it is officially called.
Now, while the fourth “star trek” title is still quite a while away, it seems that Quinto has been—and will be—quite busy. later this year, for instance, we will see him back on the big screen as part of a huge ensemble cast for “hotel artemis,” while on the small screen the New yorker will host a remake of the old documentary show “in search of.” and last but not least, Quinto is also part of the cast for the 50th anniversary production of the Broadway play “the Men from the Boys” which runs until next august. here, he shares some extra insight into his upcoming projects with DaMaN. DaMan: Hi, Zachary; awesome to have you with us. How are you doing? Zachary Quinto: i’m great. Da: earlier this year, we’ve learned that you’re attached as the host and executive producer of the remake or reimagining of the 1970s show “In Search of.” can you give us a brief intro to the show and in what ways it will differ from the original? ZQ: “in search of” is a documentary series that delves into unexplained phenomena and mysteries from all around the world. over the course of ten episodes we look at subjects like aliens, artificial intelligence and life after death, to name a few. Da: nowadays, there’s quite a bit of skepticism—and even cynicism— when it comes to discussions of the paranormal, speculation historical events, etc. How will the new “In Search of” appeal to a new generation of viewers?
ZQ: so much has changed in the last 40 years since the original series aired. We are looking at these topics from a new perspective, with all of the advances in technology and science that have benefited our society in the last few decades. Da: Moving on to movies, this april you’re set to appear in “Who We are
now.” What can moviegoers expect from this title?
ZQ: “Who We are Now” is a quiet, independent film that drew me in because of the complexity and dimensions of its characters. it explores the relationship of a woman recently released from prison as she tries to regain custody of her son from her sister, who took care of the child while she was incarcerated. i play a former marine who strikes up an unlikely romance with the woman played by the inimitable julie Nicholson. these are two characters that are extremely wounded, but find a sense of comfort and possibility with each other. Da: one critic described “Who We are now” as “a devastatingly authentic drama.” The same critic described your performance as “super believable.” Do you agree that being grounded is one of the film’s biggest strengths?
ZQ: sure. there’s a humanity to the way the film was written and directed by Matthew Newton, which allows the universal human experience to shine through. Da: Speaking of which, you often play characters with mindsets that the average person might find, perhaps, a bit alien—literally in the case of Spock from “Star Trek,” more figuratively in, say, Josh norman from “aardvark.” Yet you play these roles in a way that makes them grounded and relatable. How do you do it? ZQ: i think focusing on aspects of these characters that resonate for me personally is the beginning of any process for me as an actor. identifying the ways in which i can love every character i play is an essential aspect of the experience.
IDENTIFYING THE WAYS IN WHICH I CAN LOVE EVERY CHARACTER I PLAY IS AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF THE EXPERIENCE”