Zachary Quinto is no stranger to playing iconic characters, and his latest role as Dr. Oliver Wolf in Brilliant Minds may be his most nuanced yet.

Inspired by the life and work of famed neurologist and author Oliver Sacks, the new NBC medical drama dives deep into neurological disorders and mental health, focusing on making complex medical conditions relatable. Quinto sat down with Gayety to discuss what it’s like stepping into the shoes of a character as unique as Dr. Wolf, the importance of queer representation, and the power of destigmatizing mental illness.

Related | Watch the First Trailer for ‘Heartstopper S3’ – Charlie Wants to Say ‘I Love You’

The Call: A Dream Role?

When Michael Grassi, the show’s creator, was approached by Greg Berlanti to bring Brilliant Minds to life, Quinto was the first name that came to mind for the lead role. When asked how he felt about being the top choice for the role of Dr. Oliver Wolf, Quinto couldn’t contain his gratitude.

“I feel so grateful for that, especially now that I’ve had the experience of working with Michael Grassi, one of the most delightful, collaborative, and positive bosses I’ve ever had. It’s a real honor,” Quinto shared. He spoke passionately about the opportunity to learn more about Oliver Sacks’ contributions to neurology and literature. “I didn’t know a fraction of what I know now, and the opportunity has been such a gift. I’m deeply grateful to Michael for thinking of me for this role.”

A Queer Lead on Primetime: A Bold Step Forward

Brilliant Minds stands out for many reasons, but one of the most significant is its choice to spotlight Dr. Oliver Wolf, an openly gay lead character, on a major network medical drama. For Quinto, this representation feels personal.

“Being the first openly gay doctor on a primetime network medical drama is significant because it’s just one aspect of who this character is,” Quinto explained. He reflected on how times have changed since Oliver Sacks’ career peaked, noting that Sacks was celibate for 35 years—likely due to societal pressures around his identity as a gay man in the mid-20th century. “Me being an openly gay actor playing an openly gay doctor on network TV shows how far we’ve come. It’s just one part of who Oliver Wolf is, which feels like progress.”

Mental Health and Neurology: A New Frontier in Storytelling

The show is not just about a queer lead; it’s also about destigmatizing mental health and neurological disorders—topics that are still underrepresented in entertainment. Quinto hopes Brilliant Minds will get audiences talking.

“With neurological disorders and mental illness, there’s often no fix. There’s no cure. So, we reflect real life in a way that audiences can see themselves in these stories,” Quinto said. “If it generates conversations that might not be happening otherwise, we’re doing our jobs.”

Quinto’s passion for the subject shines through, especially when he talks about how the show delves into conditions like prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which Dr. Wolf (and Oliver Sacks in real life) suffers from. “It’s fascinating to play a character who has to navigate the world with this condition. It makes him see things differently, and I think that’s a big part of what makes him brilliant.”

The Heart of the Show: Relationships

While Brilliant Minds tackles heavy subjects like neurological disorders, it’s also about personal and professional relationships. Quinto teased what’s to come for Dr. Wolf in this area. “We explore his friendship with Dr. Carol Pierce (Tamberla Perry), the head of psychiatry, who recruits him to Bronx General. Their dynamic is so much fun to explore.”

Fans can also expect to see Dr. Wolf navigate his complicated family history and even some romantic connections. “Oliver Wolf has walls up when it comes to intimacy, but those walls will start to come down this season,” Quinto hinted, adding, “The way these characters impact each other’s lives is really at the heart of Brilliant Minds—and at the heart of life itself.”

Ready for Brilliant Minds?

With a unique mix of medical drama, personal stories, and groundbreaking representation, Brilliant Minds promises to be a show that not only entertains but sparks important conversations. Whether you’re tuning in for the fascinating medical cases or exploring Dr. Wolf’s identity, there’s something for everyone.

Catch Brilliant Minds on NBC starting September 23, 2024 and streaming the next day on Peacock. Don’t forget the tissues—you’re in for an emotional ride.

More Stories:

• Get Fit and Feel Fierce With These LGBTQ+ Fitness Coaches Who Are Redefining Strength
• Häagen-Dazs Celebrates Pride Month With Vibrant Mural Series Uplifting LGBTQIA2+ and BIPOC Artists Across the U.S.
• Nurse Blake Turns Trauma Into Laughter and Advocacy: ‘I’m Still Here. And I’m Going to Laugh Anyway’ (Exclusive)
• Purple Disco Machine Credits Gay People Being The Heart of His Music: ‘Queer Audiences Understand What Disco is About’ (Exclusive)
• Chappell Roan Pops Up as the ‘Apple’ Girl During Charli XCX’s Primavera Set

And dive into the cast and plot of the highly anticipated season three!

LOS ANGELES – It’s finally here! Netflix’s new true-crime series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has officially premiered, and we’re bringing you an exclusive first look at the glammed-up stars from the event. The cast strutted their stuff on the red carpet Monday night at the Egyptian Theater, and it was a sight to behold. With the series now streaming, there’s no better time to dive into these chilling performances.

Netflix’s newest hit, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, dropped today, September 19, and it’s already buzzing! The story follows the infamous Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, who were convicted for the murder of their parents in 1996. If you thought Dahmer was intense, buckle up for this one!

Related | Ryan Murphy Gives Michaela Jaé Rodriguez a Standing Ovation During Acceptance Speech

A Red Carpet Affair to Remember

The premiere had an all-star lineup! Javier Bardem (José Menendez), Chloë Sevigny (Kitty Menendez), Cooper Koch (Erik Menendez), and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Lyle Menendez) made quite the impression alongside other cast members like Nathan Lane and Ari Graynor. But the real scene-stealer? The incredible studio portraits shot by photographer Carlos Eric Lopez, showing off the cast in all their premiere-night glory!

The studio portraits gave us serious old Hollywood vibes, with glamorous lighting and dramatic poses. These aren’t just any red carpet snaps—Lopez captured the essence of the series’ dark and compelling narrative. The photos scream mystery, tension, and drama—everything we’re about to see unfold in the series.

Stars, Style, and a Sneak Peek

But it wasn’t just the cast of Monsters that turned heads. Guests like Billie Lourd, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Cheyenne Jackson also appeared, looking as fabulous as ever. After the premiere, the fun didn’t stop—an intimate afterparty at the iconic Chateau Marmont kept the vibes going. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate the release of what’s sure to be Netflix’s next binge-worthy obsession?

In a surprise announcement before the screening, Ryan Murphy teased the next installment of the Monster anthology, focusing on Ed Gein with Charlie Hunnam set to star. Yes, please! Production starts next month, and we already can’t wait.

Dive Into the True-Crime Sensation

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story takes viewers inside one of American history’s most sensational court cases. The brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, but they claim their actions stemmed from years of abuse. The show doesn’t just focus on the trial—it pulls back the curtain on the complicated family dynamics, leaving you to decide who the real monsters are.

The series is streaming now on Netflix—don’t miss it! And while you’re at it, check out the stunning studio portraits that captured the night’s magic.

Watch now: Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

More Stories:

• Get Fit and Feel Fierce With These LGBTQ+ Fitness Coaches Who Are Redefining Strength
• Häagen-Dazs Celebrates Pride Month With Vibrant Mural Series Uplifting LGBTQIA2+ and BIPOC Artists Across the U.S.
• Nurse Blake Turns Trauma Into Laughter and Advocacy: ‘I’m Still Here. And I’m Going to Laugh Anyway’ (Exclusive)
• Purple Disco Machine Credits Gay People Being The Heart of His Music: ‘Queer Audiences Understand What Disco is About’ (Exclusive)
• Chappell Roan Pops Up as the ‘Apple’ Girl During Charli XCX’s Primavera Set

Get ready to laugh and dive into the details with Maisy Stella and Megan Park as they chat about their latest film, hitting theaters soon!

What happens when an 18th-birthday mushroom trip brings you face-to-face with your 39-year-old self? Maisy Stella and Megan Park are here to answer that question with their new movie, My Old Ass, where Stella’s character, Elliott, meets her future self, played by none other than Aubrey Plaza. We sat down with the duo to chat about all things queer, nostalgic, and of course, Justin Bieber.

Related | INTERVIEW- Anne Hathaway & Nicholas Galitzine Ignite Chemistry in ‘The Idea of You’

The Queer Narrative We All Need

In a refreshing twist, this coming-of-age movie includes a fantastic queer storyline, and Megan Park opened up about it. “When I came up with the idea for this story… as Elliott came to me, in my mind that was just always going to be Elliott,” Park shared. She wanted to make a character who was secure in her identity, but also open to exploring it. “I just hadn’t seen that before, which I thought was interesting,” Park said.

With September being Bisexual Awareness Month, this story couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Maisy Stella, starring in her first major role, was thrilled to take on the challenge. “It felt very genuine and honest,” she said. “I’ve always really enjoyed watching a character… any type of self-exploration or confusion.”

Bieber Fever Lives On

What would a nostalgic teen flick be without a nod to Justin Bieber? Stella pushed for a scene featuring “One Less Lonely Girl” because it played such a big part in her own childhood. “Watching the videos, how truly jealous, how angry I would feel watching the One Less Lonely Girl get brought up,” she laughed.

This dynamic duo added their own twist to the concert phenomenon. You’ll have to watch it and find out.

Megan Park, admittedly not from the Bieber generation, trusted Stella’s judgment. “I was like, no, no, no. Just wait. People are going to get it.”

Time Travel and Self-Love

Beyond Bieber and mushroom trips, My Old Ass digs deep into family, self-acceptance, and growing up. It’s not every day that you meet your older self and get advice on life, but Elliott gets to experience just that. And as for the rest of us? We get to watch the chaos unfold in what’s bound to be a fan favorite.

Make sure to catch My Old Ass in select theaters September 13, and everywhere September 27!

More Stories:

• Get Fit and Feel Fierce With These LGBTQ+ Fitness Coaches Who Are Redefining Strength
• Häagen-Dazs Celebrates Pride Month With Vibrant Mural Series Uplifting LGBTQIA2+ and BIPOC Artists Across the U.S.
• Nurse Blake Turns Trauma Into Laughter and Advocacy: ‘I’m Still Here. And I’m Going to Laugh Anyway’ (Exclusive)
• Purple Disco Machine Credits Gay People Being The Heart of His Music: ‘Queer Audiences Understand What Disco is About’ (Exclusive)
• Chappell Roan Pops Up as the ‘Apple’ Girl During Charli XCX’s Primavera Set