With ‘In Search Of,’ Zachary Quinto Reprises Another Leonard Nimoy Role

When the producers of “In Search Of” approached Zachary Quinto about headlining a reboot, he felt it might be a little too on the nose — or, in this case, the ears.

Quinto had succeeded Leonard Nimoy as Spock in the “Star Trek” film franchise, and now he was being asked to reprise Nimoy’s role as host of the paranormal docuseries, which originally ran from 1977 to 1982 and probed folk mysteries like Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle and the Loch Ness Monster.

“From their perspective, I was the logical choice,” Quinto said, making a perhaps unintentional Vulcan reference. In a recent telephone interview, he discussed his decision to do “In Search Of” (having its premiere Friday on History), his current Broadway run in “The Boys in the Band” and a project he had been developing with actor Tab Hunter, who recently passed away. These are edited excerpts from that conversation.

A: I had some prerequisites. I wanted to be a producer so I had a hand in the new creative direction. Leonard was a host in a very traditional sense. He was in studio, often in a blazer and turtleneck, introducing prefilmed segments. I wanted to go on the journeys myself. Once I knew the producers were open to my input, I felt comfortable.

A: I’m a huge fan of Bourdain’s work and was as saddened by his passing as anyone. We used his shows as a template and a guidepost.

A: It’s about the convergence of science and human experience. We connect with experts on these topics and then juxtapose their opinions with the perspectives of people who have had very human but, in some cases, unproven experiences. That balance is key. This show has never been about finding the answers. It’s about looking for the answers.

A: I went to a body donation center in Phoenix, Arizona, for the episode “In Search of Life After Death.” This place collects the bodies of people who have donated their remains to science, then vivisects them and sends them around the world for research. That was incredibly profound and unsettling, standing in a refrigerator surrounded by 30 bodies.

A: A gentleman I interviewed in the episode about time travel talked about being a part of government experiments. He said from a very young age he was used as a time traveler. Hearing that story challenged my understanding of what’s possible in the world.

A: We never talked about it in detail. He knew I watched it as a kid. I’m sure I would have had his support and blessing.

A: I love the diversity of Leonard’s journey. I would love to direct. If I could amass as impressive an art collection as he built or be as generous a philanthropist as he was, that would be fine by me. He had a lot of richness in his life, so I certainly aspire to his level of creativity and engagement with the world around him, even into his final years.

A: Well, Jim’s never mentioned it, so the ball’s in his court. He knows where to find me.

A: It’s been an incredible ride. I’ve been thrilled to share it with my dear friends. I went to college with Matt Bomer, so I’ve known him for over 20 years. The best way to experience the end of the run is to really enjoy it as much as we can and just celebrate it while it’s still happening. To be part of an ensemble of gay men telling the story in this day and age, at this moment socially and politically, is important for me and audiences.

A: Being a member of a minority community gives me an understanding of what it is to be alienated on some level. I would classify myself as an empathetic and compassionate person. There are a lot of factors that contribute to that. Losing my father at a young age and experiencing the vulnerability that comes with that kind of trauma in childhood has cultivated a deep reserve of compassion and empathy in my life.

A: Maybe 15 years ago. Those guys were in their mid-20s. I feel like I’m a little long in the tooth. I mean, I look good, but no.

A: No, because I’m interested in the scientific aspect of it. If I were saying, “This is what happened,” maybe I’d be more concerned about that. I’m just interviewing people who are asserting their own experiences without assigning any kind of value judgment. I present both sides of the subject to the audience and let them decide what they believe.

A: [Laughs.] I’m working on it.