Sears’ portrayal of Dr. Josh Nichols in NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” has been nothing short of captivating. The character, a gay neurosurgeon with a military background, has quickly become a fan favorite due to Sears’ nuanced performance.
In a recent interview, Sears revealed that he and the show’s writers worked together to establish a backstory for Nichols. They decided that Nichols had a military background and grew up during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which influenced his decision to pursue neurosurgery. Sears explained that Nichols’ upbringing played a significant role in shaping his character, pushing him to strive for excellence in his field.
Throughout the season, viewers have seen Nichols’ clinical and exacting nature clash with Dr. Oliver Wolf’s more empathetic approach to patient care. The tension between the two characters has been palpable, culminating in a passionate kiss in a recent episode. Sears shared that the relationship between Wolf and Nichols will continue to evolve as they navigate their mutual attraction and differences in patient care philosophies.
Sears also touched on the significance of portraying a gay character in a medical drama, highlighting the importance of representation on screen. He expressed his excitement at the opportunity to explore the complexities of Nichols’ character and the challenges he faces as a gay neurosurgeon.
As “Brilliant Minds” continues to delve into the personal and professional lives of its characters, Sears’ portrayal of Dr. Josh Nichols promises to be a highlight of the series. Fans can look forward to seeing how his relationship with Dr. Oliver Wolf develops and how Nichols’ military background continues to shape his approach to patient care. He likes to keep things open-ended and let the actors interpret the characters and their relationships in their own way. So Zach and I had to use our own instincts and chemistry to navigate the aftermath of that kiss and how it affected Wolf and Nichols moving forward. But I think the stolen glances and subtle shifts in their interactions speak volumes about the new dynamic between them.
Overall, I think the evolution of Wolf and Nichols’ relationship has been a fascinating journey to explore as an actor. From initial animosity and tension to moments of vulnerability and intimacy, their dynamic has been complex and multifaceted. And ultimately, the exploration of their romantic and sexual tension adds another layer of depth to their characters and the story as a whole. It was really fun for me to delve into Nichols’ backstory and motivations, and I hope that it has helped the audience understand and empathize with him on a deeper level. Who knows what the future holds for Wolf and Nichols, but I’m excited to see where their relationship goes from here.
As for “Sex and the City,” that was one of my first big gigs in New York. I remember being on set and just being in awe of the whole production. It was such an iconic show, and to be a part of it even in a small role was really special. I had no idea at the time that it would become such a classic series that people still talk about today. It’s funny how these small moments in your career can end up being memorable for so many people.
What other projects do you have coming up that fans can look forward to?
I have a few film projects in the works that I am really excited about. I can’t share too many details yet, but I can say that they are very different from anything I’ve done before and I think fans will be pleasantly surprised. I always love challenging myself with new roles and genres, so I’m looking forward to sharing these projects with everyone soon.
As your career continues to grow, what are some goals you have for yourself as an actor?
One of my main goals is to continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone and taking on roles that challenge me in new ways. I also want to continue working with talented filmmakers and actors who inspire me and help me grow as an artist. Ultimately, I just want to keep telling stories that resonate with people and make them think, feel, and maybe even see the world in a different way. That’s what I love most about acting – the ability to connect with people through storytelling.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share with your fans?
I just want to say thank you to all of my fans for their continued support and love. It means the world to me to know that my work resonates with people and brings them joy. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my career so far, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Stay tuned for all the exciting projects coming up, and thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me. If there’s one guest-starring role on my rĂ©sumĂ© that still brings a smile to my face, it would have to be my time on “Studio 60.” The experience was made even more special recently when I found myself surrounded by familiar faces from other projects during a trip to Washington D.C. for a “Brilliant Minds” event.
On the plane to D.C., I had the pleasure of sitting next to Emily Procter, whom I had worked with on “CSI: Miami.” And in the hotel, I bumped into Tommy Schlamme, the producer of “Studio 60,” whom I had to reintroduce myself to. The coincidences didn’t end there as Aaron Sorkin, the creator of “The West Wing” and “Studio 60,” was also on the plane back home.
Meeting Aaron Sorkin brought back memories of my audition for “Studio 60.” I vividly remember how nervous I was during the audition, keeping my arms crossed the entire time. Despite my nerves, I landed the role of Darren Wells, a baseball player, in the first few episodes of the series. It was a significant moment for me as a 28-year-old actor new to Los Angeles.
Another highlight from my career was my appearances on “Letterman” in 2004 when I was part of the cast of “Blind Justice.” David Letterman saw comedic potential in the show’s premise and had me play a blind detective in various sketches. From arresting a lamp to chasing suspects on the sidewalk, the experience was both hilarious and memorable.
Reflecting on my journey as an actor, I recall the early days when I aspired to make a career in the industry. Seeing trailers in New York City and watching films like “13 Going on 30” filled me with a sense of longing and determination. Now, being able to talk about my career with publications like Variety fills me with immense pride.
As I shyly express my pride in how far I’ve come, I can’t help but look forward to what the future holds. With any luck, in another 15 or 20 years, there will be even more exciting stories to share. From a young kid finding his place in the world to a seasoned actor, I am grateful for the journey and the opportunities that have come my way.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
