Podcast Summary: "Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson"

Episode Title: ZACHARY QUINTO — on being a leading man in “Brilliant Minds”
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host: Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Guest: Zachary Quinto
Location: Cookbook Cafe, Larchmont Village, California

Introduction and Guest Reunion

In this milestone episode of Dinner’s on Me, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson welcomes back his first repeat guest and close friend, actor Zachary Quinto. The reunion takes place at the charming Cookbook Cafe in Larchmont Village, Los Angeles, setting the stage for an intimate and candid conversation about Quinto's latest venture, the NBC medical drama “Brilliant Minds”.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson reflects on Zachary's impressive career trajectory over the past 15 years, highlighting how "Brilliant Minds" marks a significant turning point for him. Jesse notes, “Brilliant Minds definitely feels like a major turning point in his career” (04:24).

Behind the Scenes of “Brilliant Minds”

Zachary Quinto delves into his role as Dr. Oliver Wolf, a neurologist grappling with prosopagnosia (facial blindness). He explains the character's inspiration, drawing parallels to the renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks. Quinto emphasizes the nuanced portrayal, stating, “I'm playing a fictionalized version of him. I got all of the benefit of the source material and the writing and the access to his life...” (21:07).

They discuss the show's unique approach compared to traditional medical dramas, with Quinto praising the production’s commitment to authenticity and depth. “It's different than, you know, a traditional network medical drama,” he remarks (22:00).

Personal Reflections and Mental Health

The conversation shifts to personal growth and mental health. Quinto shares his transformative journey with meditation, highlighting its profound impact on his life: “I meditate. I've been meditating every day, twice a day, for six years now. And that has absolutely revolutionized my experience of life completely” (08:05).

He relates this practice to his character's ability to hold space for others, drawing a connection between his personal discipline and Oliver Wolf’s approach to medicine. Quinto states, “He has to hold space for people who are going through a lot of big things, and he can't get swept up in it” (26:28).

Navigating Fame and Personal Boundaries

Quinto candidly discusses managing fame and personal boundaries, particularly his decision to avoid reading reviews of "Brilliant Minds." “I haven't read one review of the show. I haven't. I told everybody that works with me, like, don't send me ratings numbers. I don't care. I don't want to know” (02:36). This stance allows him to focus on his craft without external pressures, fostering a healthier relationship with his work and self.

Evolution of Healthcare and Representation

The dialogue progresses to broader themes of healthcare and representation. Quinto underscores the importance of making mental health care more accessible and the role of media in reflecting and supporting these changes. “If people see themselves in our stories, if they see what they're going through or their loved ones are going through and they feel seen and represented, then we're doing our job” (37:25).

He also touches on the significance of being an openly gay actor in a primetime medical drama, noting how both his identity and his character’s sexuality are integrated seamlessly into the narrative. “I am the first openly gay actor or character on a primetime network medical drama... it must evolve” (23:37).

Full Circle Moments and Career Highlights

Quinto shares heartwarming anecdotes about his long-standing relationship with actress Donna Murphy and their convergence in "Brilliant Minds." Reflecting on their shared history, he says, “I love when things like that happen... these kinds of full circle moments” (34:56).

He also reminisces about his early days in theater, connecting past experiences to his current role, and expressing excitement for future projects, including his Broadway debut in the new play "Cult of Love." “It is a real blue print for a character with amazing people around me,” he enthuses (43:23).

Embracing Change and Personal Growth

Towards the end of the episode, Quinto discusses his recent personal transformations, including renovating his apartment to better reflect his current self. “I started to reconnect with the space and change it in ways that made it just more mine” (40:43). This act symbolizes his broader journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Jesse seeks advice on coping with change, to which Quinto responds thoughtfully: “Sometimes change is scariest when you know it's the best for yourself” (40:30). He emphasizes the importance of embracing evolution with grace and determination.

Conclusion and Future Highlights

As the episode wraps up, Jesse teases upcoming episodes featuring other notable guests like Kiernan Shipka. He reiterates the benefits of subscribing to Dinner’s on Me, including early access and an ad-free experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Zachary Quinto (02:36): “I haven't read one review of the show. I haven't. I told everybody that works with me, like, don't send me ratings numbers. I don't care. I don't want to know.”

• Zachary Quinto (08:05): “I meditate. I've been meditating every day, twice a day, for six years now. And that has absolutely revolutionized my experience of life completely.”

• Zachary Quinto (23:37): “I am the first openly gay actor or character on a primetime network medical drama... it must evolve.”

• Zachary Quinto (37:25): “If people see themselves in our stories, if they see what they're going through or their loved ones are going through and they feel seen and represented, then we're doing our job.”

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers an in-depth look into Zachary Quinto’s professional and personal life, highlighting his dedication to his craft, his commitment to mental health, and his role in advancing representation in media. Through heartfelt dialogue and personal anecdotes, both Jesse and Zachary provide listeners with inspiring insights into navigating fame, embracing change, and fostering meaningful connections.

For more engaging conversations and celebrity insights, subscribe to “Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson” on Apple Podcasts and join the community of listeners enjoying candid dinners and authentic dialogues.