As a fan of acting and television, I find it truly inspiring to hear about the journey of someone like Michael Trucco. His career spans over two decades and includes roles in some of the most iconic shows in TV history. What I admire most is his ability to embrace each opportunity with enthusiasm, from playing a blind detective on “Letterman” to a recurring role in the critically acclaimed “Studio 60.
⚠️ Caution: This conversation reveals plot points from “The Lovesick Widow,” episode 8 of the initial season on NBC’s “Brilliant Minds.
Teddy Sears is the kind of character actor whose face is often more recognizable than his name. After making his professional acting debut in an episode of the daytime soap “One Life to Live” in 2001, the Maryland native has made a living jumping from guest role to guest role: on “Law & Order” (“SVU” and “Criminal Intent”), and, among others, “Mad Men,” “Chicago Fire,” and “Big Love.”
During brief interludes, Sears gained prominence by portraying a womanizing doctor in the Showtime series “Masters of Sex,” a national director for the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit on Fox’s show “24: Legacy,” and the DC Comics villain Zoom in “The Flash” on The CW. In 2011, he was cast in a recurring role in “American Horror Story: Murder House,” which marked the beginning of his four-time collaboration with Ryan Murphy.
After over a decade, Sears has teamed up once again with Zachary Quinto, who portrayed his ghost spouse in the initial season of “AHS.” They are reunited in the new NBC medical series “Brilliant Minds,” which was created by Michael Grassi from “Riverdale.” The show stars Quinto as Dr. Oliver Wolf, a contemporary take on the late British neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks. In contrast, Sears plays Dr. Josh Nichols, a former military, gay neurosurgeon whose meticulous and precise personality frequently clashes with Wolf’s more compassionate patient care methods.
In the seventh episode of the current season titled “The Man From Grozny,” Wolf, Nichols, and their team manage to insert a brain-machine interface into patient Roman (Alex Ozerov-Meyer), who is paralyzed following a cycling accident but retains his cognitive abilities. This innovation aims to help him communicate again. As they delve deeper, they discover that Roman hails from Chechnya and immigrated to the U.S. to escape persecution based on his sexual orientation, accompanied by his partner Alex (Mishka Yarovoy). However, instead of burdening Alex with a lifetime of caregiving responsibilities, and leaving his medical team in disbelief, Roman chooses to take his own life.
In Roman’s dying moments, he shares with Wolf a heartfelt confession about his desire to have publicly kissed Alex without anyone taking notice. This revelation prompts Wolf to ponder his own romantic life. Subsequently, on an unexpected encounter outside the hospital, Wolf succumbs to the long-building tension between him and Nichols by impulsively giving him a kiss right there in the street.
This coming Monday’s episode showcases Wolf and Nichols exploring their growing feelings for each other. They share a passionate kiss in Wolf’s office and continue their affectionate exchange in the elevator, acting like overexcited teenagers – however, their display of affection is interrupted by their boss and Wolf’s mother, Dr. Landon (Donna Murphy), who prefers to stay out of her son’s romantic affairs. Despite a few misunderstandings, Wolf and Nichols eventually decide to seriously pursue dating.
Sears explains to EbMaster that Wolf and Nichols are now able to delve into what’s been blossoming between them, which they don’t fully understand yet or know where it might lead. This unfolding dynamic is happening amidst their shared responsibility for patients, where they often disagree on the approach to care. It’s an intriguing scenario to observe and allows viewers to witness these characters dealing with these complexities.
In a comprehensive discussion, I shared insights into my method of portraying Nichols, the intricate allures and disagreements between my character and Quinto’s, as well as the cameo appearances from my past that continue to tickle my funny bone.
So much of what viewers know about Nichols is seen through the eyes of Wolf. Did you establish any kind of backstory for him to get a better sense of why he moves through the world in the way that he does?
Before the meeting about the show, Michael, our lead producer, asked me to join him at the Berlanti building in Warner Bros. It was during this gathering that an interesting suggestion was presented: What if Josh had a secret military past and struggled with openness about his sexuality? This would have been in the ’90s, under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. And it was at that moment that I realized: If we want to make our character stand out among the other surgical specialists, why not aim for the pinnacle? Why not specialize in neurosurgery instead?
As a fervent admirer, I don’t believe that ambition for personal glory alone drives one into the realm of surgery. There’s an unwavering commitment to patient care that fuels this profession. However, it would be misleading to overlook the influence Josh’s upbringing had in shaping his aspirations and driving him towards striving for excellence, aiming to stand out among the best.
In Episode 5, the viewers are treated to a glimpse of Josh’s military skills, providing insight into his past. This was an enjoyable moment for me as it offers a peek into his backstory, helping us empathize with him, understanding why he might come across as rigid and somewhat prickly.
Nichols was always positioned as a potential partner to Wolf, and it was pretty clear that their initial animosity underlied feelings of a different kind. How much of that romantic and sexual tension did you intentionally try to play with Zach earlier in the season?
Interestingly, a scene from the first episode was scripted and filmed but ultimately left out, where after their initial day at work, Josh visits Wolf’s office to say, “I believe we started off on the wrong foot. How about I buy you a drink?” The camera then shifts to them in a bar, becoming increasingly tipsy as they discuss personal matters. In this scene, Nichols reveals to Wolf, “I recognize you well because of your reputation in the LGBT medical community. There’s an air of mystery around you, and everyone knows who you are.
Since it wasn’t presented, the viewers might not be aware of this detail. However, for me, it stirred thoughts like, “What an intriguing backstory! I’ve heard of him before. He’s a challenging character and quite eccentric, but who exactly is this man who marches to his own beat? Who is this man who swims in the Hudson River, resides on City Island and in the Bronx, and rides a motorcycle?” With these thoughts in mind, I carried them along as we began filming scenes.
It’s likely that my affection for Zach as an actor and the pressure to perform well with him influenced some of my feelings during our collaborations on set. Since I hold him in high regard, there may have been a touch of nervousness or eagerness to impress while working alongside him. While this might not be the primary factor, it’s possible that it contributes to the mix of emotions I bring to the set when we work together.
In retrospect, when do you think there was a shift in Wolf and Nichols’ relationship? When did they begin to see each other in a different light?
As a cinema enthusiast, one scene that truly resonated with me in Episode 4 was late at night, when Wolf, having come down from his PCP high, and Nichols were huddled together in the MRI room. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder, engrossed in a monitor, sharing their own personal stories of losing patients as doctors. Despite their different approaches to patient care, they both shared a common goal – to ensure that no patient under their watch would succumb to their condition without every possible effort being made. It was a poignant moment of camaraderie and mutual respect between the two characters, underscoring their dedication to their patients’ well-being.
In Episode 5, I witnessed Wolf and Nichols at the firing range, and it was Wolf who got a glimpse of Josh from an unexpected angle this time. There’s a brief instant when Josh appears momentarily vulnerable as he ponders someone he shared a unique bond with during his military days – only for the door to close again, restoring the professional facade. Thus, I believe there were instances beyond mere tension that hinted at deeper emotions between them.
Initially, I found myself disagreeing with Josh’s approach towards patients, as it seemed unconventional and made me uneasy. However, by the end of the pilot, when Wolf presented his innovative strategy for our patient to reconnect with her children and manage her health, something clicked for me. In that moment, I realized that he was indeed as exceptional as I had heard, and I couldn’t help but admire him. So, I tip my hat to him; he’s good at what he does.
As respect between them grows, it’s not until the end of Episode 7 when Wolf unexpectedly acts boldly that I believe we finally release the underlying tension. By spontaneously kissing Josh right there on the street, I suspect Wolf manages to let go of that tension, which then enables Josh to do the same and embark on the exploration of their intense teenage emotions towards each other in Episode 8.
After Wolf kissed Nichols in Episode 7, the screen immediately cut to black. Episode 8 begins with the two stealing glances at each other during a morning department meeting — and Dr. Pierce (Tamberla Perry) even seems to notice a vibe between them, even though she doesn’t call Wolf out on it. Did Michael ever give you and Zach any information about what happened after that kiss?
Michael didn’t provide updates on the situation. Instead, he was always available to address questions, yet immersed in writing and coordinating various aspects of the show to ensure timely production. It struck me that Josh might have felt puzzled, wondering “What on earth transpired just now?” After a first kiss, Wolf hopped on his bike and left, seemingly not revisiting the topic since then. These two individuals appear to have avoided discussing it, unsure if their encounter will ever recur or if it was merely an isolated event. Nevertheless, emotions have surfaced, leaving them in a state of uncertainty. So, one might wonder, what course of action should they take regarding these emotions?
Episode 8 primarily focuses on their intense, workplace romance, which is quite imprudent. They seem to disregard caution for the momentary thrill it provides, only to risk being caught. Wolf, despite his intelligence and wisdom, is an open, empathetic, and emotional individual. On the other hand, Josh tends to be more intellectual and reserved, which helps him control his vulnerability and tenderness.
“I’m a player. I have casual relationships outside of work. It works for me. I don’t have time for anything real.” However, this relationship with one person, especially at work, is causing Josh to reconsider and possibly reconcile with the idea of having a deeper, more committed relationship.
After Landon tells Nichols not to hurt her son, Nichols tries to break things off gently with Wolf. But Wolf later declares that he wants to give their relationship a shot, and it’s clear that Nichols wants to do the same. What did you want to convey in that final relieved look between your characters?
On a typical day, Zach is engrossed in work, while my activities can be unpredictable, hinging on how heavy or light my workload is per episode. However, that specific day, I found myself in every scene, and it was the final scene we were filming. We had completed all the elevator scenes, and some segments where we discussed chopsticks while eating Chinese food from a box. As the day came to an end, what made it particularly beautiful was that any remaining tension had dissipated, seeing as we had been working together for quite some time.
I had a strong bond with Zach, and sometimes I felt as though I could say, “This just feels effortless, Zach. Disregard all logical reasons that might hold us back, Josh.” Beneath those rational explanations lies affection, respect, curiosity, and relief. It was liberating to express this, knowing it gave me the green light to pursue this feeling further and acknowledge its presence within me. How frequently do we encounter someone who complements us in this way, providing relief and the courage to exclaim, “Let’s take a chance on this”? This dynamic starts to unfold as the series progresses.
In addition to “Brilliant Minds,” you’re also joining the cast of Netflix’s “The Night Agent,” in which you’ll play a high-level intelligence officer who becomes the subject of a Night Action investigation. What can you preview about where the second season — premiering on Jan. 23 — picks up?
The second season begins as Gabriel Basso’s character, Peter, along with his fresh companion, portrayed by Brittany Snow, pursues mine in Bangkok due to some occurrence they believe I’ve caused. Typical of “Night Agent,” this pursuit uncovers a multitude of new characters who become entangled and perplexing allies to our protagonists. Who are these individuals? Are they linked to my character? What’s the deal here? This is where we stand in the initial episodes of Season 2.
I did a deep dive into your IMDb page and noticed a couple things: You’re credited as “Fashion Show Guy” in a Season 4 episode of “Sex and the City,” and a clip of you playing a stripper on “Ugly Betty” and telling America Ferrera’s Betty, “You buy, I’m sexual,” recently went viral.
Wow, I completely spaced on that! It seems it became quite popular! Can you believe it was back in 2006? They told me I’d be playing another character, but instead, I ended up as a sleazy stripper named Hunter. That took me by surprise, so I started pumping iron to get ready for the role. And let me tell you, there was so much grease on set that we needed a break for lunch, and I didn’t want to sit down because I thought I would slip out of my chair! I was dressed in a Speedo, a cop hat, and a holster, so I ended up eating lunch standing up to avoid damaging the furniture. That’s quite a memory, isn’t it? I still remember that line!
Is there a particular guest-starring role from your résumé that you still get a kick out of hearing or thinking about?
Generally speaking, people seldom take notice of me or approach me for any particular reason. The exceptions are usually older fans of “The Flash,” which is delightful since the show left a significant impression on its viewers.
It’s no secret that I enjoyed my time on “Studio 60.” Coincidentally, I was in Washington D.C. during the same weekend as a “Brilliant Minds” event. Remarkably, it happened to be when the cast of “The West Wing” were going to visit the White House for their 25th anniversary celebration. While on my flight there, I sat next to Emily Procter, who starred with me in a few episodes of “CSI: Miami.” In the hotel, I unexpectedly ran into Tommy Schlamme, someone I needed to reacquaint myself with. I reminded him that I had been part of his series before. On my flight back home, Aaron Sorkin was also on board.
During an audition, I had the opportunity to meet Aaron, as he was one of my co-actors. He acted alongside me – what a throwback to another era! Let me tell you, I was a bundle of nerves. To be honest, I didn’t unclasp my arms even once throughout the audition. Interestingly, I portrayed a baseball player named Darren Wells in the initial episodes of that season. This experience is etched deeply in my memory because at the time, I was 28 and had recently moved to Los Angeles. However, I hadn’t yet watched “The West Wing.” To this day, I still haven’t seen it. All I knew was that the cast was exceptional, and I found myself constantly checking if I was dreaming, knowing full well that Aaron Sorkin was a brilliant writer.
I had some fun experiences on “The Late Show with David Letterman” in 2004. At that time, the TV series “Blind Justice,” created by Steven Bochco, was airing. David found the concept intriguing, so he invited me to play a blind detective character on his show. We would perform skits where I’d arrest a lamp, chase after criminals on the sidewalk, or catch people selling counterfeit handbags on Canal Street. These segments ran for several weeks, and then he asked me back to portray Batman. This was during the re-release of the original “Batman” in 2005, but unfortunately, many of those episodes didn’t get aired.
What I’ve always aspired for is a fulfilling career, and my passion for acting ignited when I was 23 years old. Since then, I’ve yearned to make it my livelihood. I still recall the street trailers in New York City, feeling envious. I also remember watching “13 Going on 30” and seeing Jennifer Garner walk down Greenwich Street during a scene, thinking, “Wow, that seems incredible. I truly hope one day I get to experience something like that.” Now, being able to pursue this career brings me immense satisfaction.
I’m not directly addressing you because I’m quite shy in this moment, yet filled with immense pride. In fact, I’m discussing my professional journey with EbMaster, and I can’t help but feel hopeful that there will be even more accomplishments to share in the next 15-20 years. Once upon a time, I was just a young individual seeking my path, and now, I like to believe that I might have found it.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Read More
- PENDLE PREDICTION. PENDLE cryptocurrency
- ACT PREDICTION. ACT cryptocurrency
- Skull and Bones Players Report Nerve-Wracking Bug With Reaper of the Lost
- W PREDICTION. W cryptocurrency
- NBA 2K25 Review: NBA 2K25 review: A small step forward but not a slam dunk
- KEN/USD
- Why has the smartschoolboy9 Reddit been banned?
- Understanding Shinjiro: The Persona 3 Character Debate
- SOLO PREDICTION. SOLO cryptocurrency
- Unlocking Destiny 2: The Hidden Potential of Grand Overture and The Queenbreaker
2024-11-19 07:18