Interview: Zachary Quinto talks about American Horror Story and NOS4A2

Zachary Quinto talked to 1428 Elm recently about why the story matters in horror, and what’s in store for the second season of NOS4A2.

Genre fans know actor Zachary Quinto from his roles in Heroes, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek films, American Horror Story and AMC’s NOS4A2 series.  Zachary took some time to talk to 1428 Elm about his work on Ryan Murphy’s long running show and his turn as the terrifying, Charlie Manx.

1428 Elm: Hi, Zachary, let’s talk first about the roles you played in American Horror Story. You appeared in what I think were the two best seasons, Murder House and Asylum, and you played two entirely different characters. How did you first get involved with American Horror Story?

Zachary Quinto: I just got a call from Ryan about season one, and I went to do that recurring arc. It was just four episodes. I had never worked with Ryan before, though I had known him. So, I was thrilled to be invited, and to work with Connie Britton, and Jessica Lange and my dear, dear friend Sarah Paulson was a great thing. I was happy to do it, and then through the course of that season, Ryan started to think about what he wanted to do for season two. I think in large part because of my friendship with Sarah, he kind of came up with the idea for the Fritz and Lana storyline, and invited me on that journey too. I was so happy to be a part of it, it was such a great experience, I have really fond memories of that time, and of that job.

1428 Elm: Is there any chance we might see you in another season somewhere down
the road?

Zachary Quinto: (laughs) I don’t know, you’d have to ask Ryan.

1428 Elm: Alright, I’ll get in touch, I’ll tell him. Are you especially drawn to the horror genre, or were you just attracted to the characters you played in those two series?

Zachary Quinto: I mean, I’m not particularly a horror buff or kind of fanatic, you know, I like a good horror story, but I like a good story period. So, if it’s well told, and compelling and the characters are interesting, I’ll certainly avail myself to it, but it’s not something I seek out. And, I definitely tend to gravitate more towards psychological horror and that kind of narrative more than I tend towards gore. I mean, I like good work, so I don’t really discriminate in terms of the nature of the work, I just like to hear good stories.