Zachary Quinto: Star Man
9.12.2012
By Aaron Hicklin
Photography by Michael Muller
Styling by Grant Woolhead
With a celebrity who has come out as gay, there’s always a little verbal dance you do as you approach the subject you’re most interested in. You talk about childhood, perhaps you talk about religion, and then gently, anxious not to appear crass, wary of being reductive, you start dropping small hints that grow gradually broader. On good days, if you’re lucky and maybe just a little charming, they’ll invite you to push further.
Zachary Quinto, however, is so immediately candid, so disarmingly relaxed, it’s clear from the outset that we can dispense with the formalities. We are sitting in the yard of the small mid-century bungalow in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, that serves as the office of his production company, as his two dogs, Skunk and Noah, snuffle around our feet. Quinto has been talking about doing more theater, and is in the midst of extolling the genius of John Cameron Mitchell’s East German transgender singer, Hedwig -- a role he has a burning ambition to play on stage -- when I feel compelled to interrupt.
“That’s surprising to me,” I say.
“Why are you surprised by that?”
“Because Hedwig is so unequivocally queer in its sensibilities, not just gay.”
“I love that about it -- it spoke to that part of me, that queer part of me that doesn’t always have the chance to express or reveal itself,” he replies. “That’s what excites me as an artist.”
It’s at this point, with the evening sun filtering through the overhanging branches of a lime tree, that I realize we have crossed a threshold. It is one thing to have celebrities acknowledging their sexuality, quite another to hear them talking about their inner queer.
Last October, Quinto negotiated the first of those steps in an interview for New York magazine, casually prefacing his response to a question about the revival of Angels in America with the words, “As a gay man…” In fact, he said it twice, just to make sure the point got through. It did, of course -- New York is not too urbane to appreciate a scoop, though what’s fascinating about the way celebrities now come out in the media is how unscoop-y the whole thing must be treated. We have, blessedly, moved on from “Yes, I’m Gay!”, or, even, “Yep, I’m Gay.” The headline in New York was simply, “What’s Up, Spock?” For Quinto, it wasn’t even about coming out -- he’d done that with his family at the age of 24. “I thought about it as coming out from behind the wall,” he says. “Walls now are only as high or as thick or as strong as we allow them to be.”
Of course, it looked easier to scale that wall in print than it must have seemed in person, and Quinto admits to staying up until 5 a.m. the night before trying to figure it out. He gave no warning to his publicist or friends or family -- his performance was not screen-tested in advance. He just knew it was the right time to confirm what many people already believed, but on his terms, in his words.
Does he regret not taking the opportunity to set the record straight in a 2010 New York Times interview, when he deflected a reporter by saying he wasn’t interested in discussing his sleeping arrangements? “No, not at all, absolutely not, because I wouldn’t have initiated it,” he says. “I knew very fundamentally, inside, that it had to be initiated and executed by me, and me alone.” This turns out to be something of a recurring theme: generating initiative, being prepared, taking control -- in short, owning it. When he came out to his mother, it was from a similar sense of imperative.
SLIDESHOW: EXCLUSIVE IMAGES OF ZACHARY QUINTO
“I needed it to happen,” he says. “Otherwise, I couldn’t move forward authentically. Ultimately, I think the only thing that really drives me in life, continually, is a pursuit of authenticity of experience -- of myself.”
Quinto is supremely self-aware, perhaps as a result of losing his father to cancer at the age of seven and having to renegotiate his relationship to the world. Although he describes his childhood fondly, in idyllic terms -- “running around in the woods, and playing on my bike, setting out on adventures” -- it’s clear that his father’s death threw his world off balance. “As well-intentioned as my family was, and our immediate friends, I don’t think anyone knew how to talk to a seven-year-old at that time,” he says. “My mother was, understandably, eviscerated, and my brother, who was 14, was impacted in a very different way, because he was at the pinnacle of fishing trips and camping trips with my dad.”
Comments
Beautiful pictures, Linz! You do such a great job chinatcg the beauty of God's Creation! Kid's are great that way you never know sometimes that you've made a difference in their life until they , out of the blue, come give you a hug or kiss! Friends Forever,DZ
You know...I thought I was a leader and role model for the LGBT Community but now I realize that I'm really just a famous person who happens to be LGBT. Basically, I'm a GAY celebrity and not someone who has really helped or sacrificed time and energy for the LGBT Community at all.
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I SO LOVE AND ADMIRE THIS GUY. HE IS SO INSPIRING IN SO MANY WAYS. NOT TO MENTION HIS INTELLIGENCE. GREETINGS FROM South Africa
OMG! When I ripped open the package and saw Zachary Quinto on the cover of the October issue of OUT, I hugged the magazine! I don't think I've ever been so excited for an OUT cover before... even the issue with Neil Patrick Harris, whom I watched on tv growing up in the 80's. After my initial excitement wore off, and I was able to let the magazine breathe, I flipped open to some of the articles around the TV timeline- which appropriately led to the article about Quinto. [Oh!]
I really enjoyed what he had to say. He's one of those actors that you watch perform and you think- I can tell he's intelligent. It takes an intelligent actor to play a highly calculating character- because you have to convey that while keeping the stakes high.
One thing I love about Quinto is how his face is so damm gorgeous, and he can make a superpowered psycho killer come off as sexy.
Great article. I enjoyed the reporting style and content. Personally my view is that this is a difficult time to come out, on the world scene there is an increasingly homophobic picture emerging the picture in USA is disturbingly polarised. I don't feel that out to everyone is right for all, however I am thankful for those in the public eye who do feel able to be out more visibly. They help people who are taking baby steps in being out to themselves, but also allow a wider communication of LGBT issues from the platforms they have. The message regarding the diversity of our community is an important one to communicate and the priviledge of celebrity visibility is a great platform from which to communicate that message
I would like to say that we sort of got LGBT leaders confused with LGBT celebrities. Just because someone is famous doesn't mean that they're a leader or a trailblazer.
Beautiful interview ... Zachary has a depth to him that few men of his age have ... much love and success to you, Zachary.
I absolutely love ZQ. Great actor and wonderful human being. Refreshing to read about someone who is so passionate about life and their art, and drop dead gorgeous to boot! Best of luck to him in everything he sets out to accomplish.
We get it. He's been on TV, in Films, and he's very handsome. He's successful in Hollywood. He's come out as Gay. Good job. Now, he can get on that bus of over 100 LGBT thespians while we count the hours for the other 10 or 15 buses of regular professionals to fill up.
He'll always be Sylar to me. And I like him even more now. (L)
I like Zachary Quinto a lot as an actor. Afetr reading this interview I respect and love Zachary Quinto as a human being.
The lovely tradition of gay actors turn LGBT activist and LGBT leader continues. We can't believe how shallow things have become for LGBT people.
I'm a straight, late-forties mother following my Trek interest here. I appreciate Quinto for what I see in him: an authentic, intelligent, talented, mindful, man making meaningful contributions in many realms (and, I actually almost forgot, 'gorgeous'--the least of his wealth). I would see Mr. Quinto reexamine his assessment that we "are so far afield of any sort of connectivity or truth in relationship to one another.”
We've never been closer. True, change brings a groundswell reaction from those who feel threatened by it, and there's ground yet to be won, for sure; but the speed of change has also increased exponentially. I see the glass as more than half full.
I really, love, admire and respect this man so beautiful inside and out. Best wishes for everything.
As a heterosexual man, I have to admit my lack of knowledge and ask a question. In the article which I enjoyed reading, at the beginning when Zack mentions wanting to play Hedwig, they discuss how queer Hedwig was. It suggests that there is a subtle difference between being gay and being queer. What is the difference?
It's not subtle at all. Queerness is about being transgressive. It isn't just another label for gay, it's about busting past binary gender and binary sexuality plotted on straight line, male->female and Kinsey 1->6 axes and dismissing the concept of paralleling hetero paradigms in favor of creating our own. The word by definition means peculiar, out of the ordinary, markedly different, and that's the idea, embracing an intentional difference and plotting a course in awareness of that difference.
As a homosexual man, I might guess that 'queer' means a feminine guy (in the actions, expressions, etc), whereas 'gay' just means homosexual (i.e. any person sexually attracted to people of the same gender). In the case of a male gay, and concerning his gestures, etc, he may be either masculine (so-called 'straight acting', though I don't like the term as it may mean he's pretending something he really isn't), feminine, something in between, etc. Best.
That's a really good question. As a gay man myself, I'm not sure I can answer. But I recommend renting "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." it's quite an entertaining and over the top flick.
A lot of modern young gay men are so uncomfortable and afraid of any "stereotype" of gay men, i.e. the more feminine types of gay men, that they've become practically as bad as the schoolyard bullies we grew up with. They're so eager to define themselves as 'normal' and 'straight-acting' that they do so by belittling those who aren't. So by saying he's surprised Zachary Quinto is willing to play someone so 'queer', that's what he means.
Wow what a great guy! I always thought he was hot from when he was on Heroes, but what a great mind he has too. Hope he goes as far as I think he will :)
tuti fruiti......how sad
What's really sad is how much YOU are in denial. Here you are, ready "Out Magazine" -- a clear demonstration of homocuriosity --but then you try to dissemble by pretending homophobia and tossing around anti-gay slurs. Well, you're only fooling yourself.
Yes, sad we live in a country where people don't learn how to spell.
I have always liked Zachary, even when he played the villain on Heroes. Now I admire his candor and the work he does. Keep up the good work, and I would love to see you in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Let us know when you get there.
Zach is so exquisite and really adorable. Who could not love him!
What a wonderful article. I knew he was an amazing, strong and intellectual person and this just proves that further. Good luck to you Mr. Quinto.
I have loved Zach for 3 years now, and I will never forget all the things that he had done for himself and the people he has inspired. He is such an inspiring man. I agree with many things that he says and he is such an intelligent man. Jonathan Groff is lucky to have him. I wish them both the best, especially in happiness. God bless them both.
That's amazing... and he is such a hot dude. Nothing but the best for Zach.
I LOVED ZACHARY SINCE I SAW HIM IN STAR TREK AS SPOCK, HE IS A GREAT ACTOR AND I THINK HE IS ALSO A GREAT PERSON. I LIKE THIS POINTY-EARED SPACE TRAVELER :) KISSES AND HUGES FROM BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA MY DEAR ZACH :)
Zachary is such a good actor that he probably only needed five takes to get his Spock right on target. He brings such expressiveness [as Nimoy did] to a supposedly stoic character. Minute expressions, micro-expressions, he hits them all; rewatch ST 2009 if you doubt me.
I am very glad for his success. He deserves it, and I look forward to seeing him in many varied roles in the coming years. This man has r a n g e.
I cannot say enough about how good he is, and how sweet and genuine when you meet him. Patient with the inarticulate, he is a true gentleman in this fan's eyes.
And god bless Zachary Quinto for campaigning for the reelection of Barack Obama. We need to look to what is decent and good and caring in this society to continue to hold our freedoms, instead of condemning and living in fear, which is what I hear from those who don't support the president.
Zachary, keep speaking out and buona fortuna to you.
This interview warmed my heart. I've been a fan and supporter of Zach for the past six years, and he has brought such joy to my life; it's nice to see that he is experiencing joy of his own. It is so wonderful to hear him speak of his father, and of the legacy that he left. I am so, so happy for Zach, and wish him continued success and happiness, both on screen and off.
he´s so gorgeous!!!!
I'm very proud of him and no doubt he has been a means of motivation for some people, since no one is alone and it makes it very clear.
I have liked Zachary for a very long time, but when I just read that he read and liked Paul Monette-well, that cinched it for me. Must reads: Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir, Halfway Home, Last Watch of the Night, and finally, my absolute favorite, Becoming a Man. I love Paul Monette-you will too.
I don't think the guys that get to sleep with him would call it a waste
Bet I'm not the only guy who clicked through the pictures hoping against all hope for at least a shirtless picture of this gorgeous man.
So proud of you Zachary. Congrats.
Being true to ones self is the basis for a valid and happy life.And Zachary is that in spades.Love him and wish only good things for him always.
Loved this interview! Zach is such an intelligent, thoughtful person and that really comes through here.
What a waste of a fine looking man.. Why are all fine guys gay or married?
I, as a heterosexual woman, couldn't beg to differ more. Yeah, I think Zachary Quinto is one helluva looker, too, but if you truly admire and respect him, how could you possibly begrudge him his happiness? He's in a relationship right now. Does it really matter whether this person is male or female? All that matters is that Zachary has found someone with whom he is happy.
Oh I wouldn't say it's a waste.
do you have any idea about gay men?? what did you bother with that for?? such a jerk!!
I guess you could consider him a waste if the only value you place on a man (or another human being in general) is what he can bring you sexually. It's my belief that people are much more than who they sleep with, and as such I do not feel Zach is a waste at all. I feel blessed to have Zach as a presence in my life (even if it's only as an actor and person that I admire. And I'm saying that as a straight woman who has absolutely no shot with him at all (and wouldn't even if he was straight).
you're a dick
So sorry you feel that way. The rest of us are content to know there is a fine, educated gay man, who can speak his mind.
Actually, it isn't a waste. men appreciate other men's beauty much more than women do. And the married hot guys are gay too. Trust me, a lot of them are my boyfriends.
Why is it a waste just because YOU cannot have him?
I'm just so proud of him. I can't get over my feelings. Wonderful profile, Aaron.
this is beautiful in so many ways. and I regret the jealousy I've sometimes felt when hearing of Zach and his life; as a friend told me, he had his own path to take and struggles that he needed to go through before getting to the point of happiness where he is today, and this interview makes that clearer than never before. so I'll walk my own path, and hope it gets better for me too. it already has, in so many ways.
Zach, thank you for existing and being the person you are. you have been, and always shall be, an inspiration.