Zachary Quinto: Star Man
9.12.2012
By Aaron Hicklin
It may also have been the moment when Quinto, who had grown up an archetypal Catholic kid -- an altar boy, choir boy, all-round goody two-shoes -- began to shift his devotion from the church to the theater. He recalls learning to mimic people as a way of learning how to respond to his father’s death. A few years later, in fourth grade -- when he was getting his first inkling that he might be gay, “a little awareness that I staved off at the time” -- his music teacher, Miss Smith, sent him home with a note for his mom. It contained a newspaper clipping promoting auditions for a performance group associated with Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. “It was like a singing and dancing group for kids, so my mom, looking for an outlet for me, was, like, ‘Let’s see,’ and I was, like, ‘I want to do it,’ ” he says.
At the audition -- “comprised of kids who had done, like, every production of Oliver! in a professional theater in Pittsburgh” -- he sang “America the Beautiful.” “I think they were so gob-smacked that I was so clueless,” he says. “They were, like, ‘Great job, do you want to come back and do a song from Broadway next week?’ ” Quinto returned, sang “Consider Yourself,” and scored the part of a munchkin in that summer’s Civic Light Opera production of The Wizard of Oz.
From Munchkin to Vulcan is a long journey, and there were times when Quinto wasn’t sure he would find the breaks to match the scale of his ambition. He remembers hitting 27 and feeling his certainties fall away. An amateur astrologer, he attributes his crisis of self-doubt to the return of Saturn, a harbinger of change and disruption, but says it was likely compounded by his tendency to mistake impatience for ambition.
“I had gone without working in years, and I was really, just, down,” he says. A role as a gay Iranian-American in Tori Spelling’s So NoTORIous showed promise, but the series was cancelled after 10 episodes. Then, as he approached his 30th birthday, several things happened in quick succession: he got a call-back for a role on a new NBC show, Heroes, that was blowing up; and, days after his 30th birthday, he scored a career-defining role as Spock in J. J.Abrams’s Star Trek reboot.
For millions of Americans, Quinto was being entrusted with one of sci-fi’s most cherished icons. He didn’t let them down. Quinto’s performance as Spock was pitch-perfect, almost uncanny, with unexpected grace notes of fallibility. A global smash for Paramount, Star Trek gave new life to the 40-year-old franchise and propelled Quinto into the first rank of celebrity. A highly anticipated sequel, set to open next May, wrapped this summer. Quinto says the new movie is more physically challenging than the last, although one suspects that Spock’s stunted emotional range could feel limiting for an actor of Quinto’s expressiveness.
“Tell me about it, man,” he sighs. “Whereas other actors will be doing scenes, and will be given, like, 25 takes, after I do five takes with that character, it’s, ‘OK.’ ” He claps his hands with finality.
SLIDESHOW: EXCLUSIVE IMAGES OF ZACHARY QUINTO
One unexpected and happy consequence of playing Spock has been Quinto’s relationship with Leonard Nimoy, who had a cameo in the 2009 film. “I have such deep admiration and love for him,” Quinto says. “He’s an incredible man, and I’m so grateful that not only did I have this amazing creative experience, but that I developed this relationship with Leonard and his wife, Susan -- we go to dinner, we hang out, we go to the theater, we spend time together.”
There’s something endearing in the specter of Spock the Elder taking Spock the Younger under his wing, and I’m reminded of a line in Star Trek, when Nimoy offers his young doppelgänger the sage advice to “put away logic, do what feels right.” It sounds like the kind of dictum that Quinto has taken to heart, both as an activist stumping for Obama’s re-election and as an actor who is making increasingly interesting and eclectic choices.
As a young trader in last year’s Margin Call, the absorbing, claustrophobic ensemble thriller about the banking crisis, starring Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons that Quinto produced and helped cast, he showed a flair for the kind of quiet understatement and internal conflict that distinguishes a subtle performance from an overwrought one.
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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.
Remarkable! Its tгuly awesome pагаgrарh,
I hаve got much сlеaг idea abοut fгom this piece of writing.
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.