Zachary Quinto, known for his portrayal of intense characters throughout his career, is stepping into a more uplifting role in the new NBC medical drama, "Brilliant Minds." As Dr. Oliver Wolf, an eccentric neurologist inspired by the late Dr. Oliver Sacks, Quinto is thrilled to explore themes of light and healing amidst the complexities of mental health.

In a recent episode of the "Just for Variety" podcast, Quinto shared, “It’s crucial, now more than ever, for people to look toward and lean into the light.” He emphasizes a larger societal struggle between positivity and negativity, urging individuals to break free from restrictive binary thinking. Quinto envisions a world where consciousness expands, allowing for a deeper understanding of life beyond traditional constructs.

In portraying Dr. Wolf, Quinto sees a reflection of his own journey. “Oliver Wolf is a character who’s done a lot of deep diving into his psyche,” he remarked, relating it to his own personal growth. With over two decades of therapy and a dedicated meditation practice, Quinto has cultivated non-attachment—a key concept that has transformed his outlook. “Being present in the moment is where I need to be. What’s happened or what will happen is beyond my control,” he explained, discussing the profound shifts he has experienced in his life.

Moreover, as an openly gay actor leading a primetime show, Quinto acknowledges the strides made in LGBTQ+ representation in media but also champions the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. “The progress we've made is significant, yet we must continue to evolve and ensure that the journey is not mired in conflict,” he stated, highlighting the importance of recognizing both achievements and challenges in the fight for fairness.

As politics loom larger in public discourse, Quinto's roots in Pennsylvania inspire him to get involved, actively campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris alongside Governor Josh Shapiro. The actor comes from a politically engaged family, with a great-grandfather who served on Pittsburgh's city council and a grandfather who was a Democratic congressman. Quinto expressed concern over the current political landscape, advocating for a shift in the dialogue stemming from the flawed two-party system. He aims to foster understanding and compassion even for those with opposing views.

“I believe we can create a space where everyone lives and thinks differently without imposing limits on one another,” Quinto remarked, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining compassion in a divisive climate. He praised Harris for her leadership qualities and expressed his commitment to supporting her potential presidential bid, stating, “I admire her grace and intelligence in navigating these challenging times.”

On a lighter note, Quinto also expressed his eagerness to reprise his iconic role as Spock in a potential new "Star Trek" film. “The franchise is limitless, with countless stories and timelines to explore," he shared enthusiastically. Quinto believes there are no boundaries to revisiting past characters, asserting that actors can come back to iconic roles from a fresh perspective years later.

With optimism and a commitment to personal growth, Zachary Quinto is excited about the future—both in his career and in a world where compassion and connection thrive over division.