NBC's new medical drama, Brilliant Mindspremiered on September 23, with new episodes of the week airing on Mondays. Inspired by real-life doctor Oliver Sacks, the series follows a neuroscientist suffering from face blindness (Zachary Quinto, Star Trek), which prioritizes patients over politics. When his unorthodox treatment methods get him fired, Oliver's longtime friend Dr. Carol Pierce (Tamberla Perry, All America: Don't Go Home), offering him the opportunity to work with him at Bronx General Hospital.
Oliver and Carol's dynamic is the most heartfelt Brilliant Mindsand Tamberla Perry is happy that her real-life friendship with Zachary Quinto is translating to the screen. She emphasizes that the two characters see each other for who they really are, as she is one of the few doctors who believes in Carol Oliver's unconventional approach to care. In addition to Perry and Quinto, Ashley LaTrop, Alex McNicol, Auri Krebs, Spence Moore II, Teddy Sears and Donna Murphy round out the main cast.
Screen Rant Perry was interviewed about what drew her to the series, Carol and Oliver's friendship, the show's emphasis on mental health, and what fans can look forward to. Brilliant Minds 1 season continues.
From the moment she read the script for Brilliant Minds, Perry Knew She Had to Play Carol
“It was a different kind of show. It was unlike anything I could think of at the time, or even before, on television.”
Screen Rant: What were your first thoughts when you first heard the concept? Brilliant Minds?
Tamberla Perry: I got this audition at maybe five o'clock on Wednesday and it was supposed to be at 10:00 on Thursday morning, and it was like 14 pages of dialogue. That's what the industry did to us then. I remember I finished reading the script around 2:00 in the morning. I went into the living room and I told my husband, because he was going to take me to the audition, I said, “I'll be ready to write this at 8:00 in the morning because I'm about to book it. work.” I just knew.
From the moment I read this script, I knew I had to have it. I don't covet roles. As actors, we want to work and the things we listen to, we often want to commission, but 98% of our work gets rejected. They often say no to us. You shouldn't put too much stock in these things or you'll get your feelings hurt every day of the week. But when I read it, I said, “I have to buy this. I have to buy this.” I did too.
I recorded that audition. I gave it my all and when I read the script it was different. It was a different show. It was unlike any show I could think of on television at the time, or even before. A show dealing with mental health is a very relevant topic, especially at a time when it's so relevant. It really spoke to me. I was excited to get every call saying, “You've made it to the next round.” And I wondered when these tours would end, but I was there every step of the way.
When you started filming and getting to know this character, what stood out to you about Carol and her approach to her work as a doctor?
Tamberla Perry: Carol “Fierce” Pierce, as I like to call her, the Chief of Psychiatry at Bronx General is actually a pediatrician and Dr. Based on Carol E. Burnett, best friend and colleague of Oliver Sacks. Who inspired this story? So my character is based on a real woman who is completely devoted to Oliver Sacks. He understood her. He was the first Black graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1960.
But beyond that, he was a trailblazer and trailblazer for diversity in medical education, and he was just a leader and a transparent force in the fight against health disparities at that time in the 60s. Today, we still talk about health inequalities. So to step into the shoes of this woman that this character is based on and build on that legacy—a lot of people don't know about Carol Burnett. There is not much about him. There are many things about Oliver Sacks.
I took it upon myself to do my best to honor who he was and his relationship with Oliver Sacks in this role. I like to say that I bring parts from what I read about her, from Diahann Carroll, and also from one of my favorite comedic actresses, Regina King. And through all of these women, even women that I know, I was able to create this Fierce Pierce that, hopefully, the audience will come to know and love over the next few weeks.
Perry Reveals Carol and Oliver's Friendship in Bright Minds
“They were in the trenches together and he knows his friend is a genius.”
After that, Carol is the first to offer Oliver an opportunity, literally knocking on the door. What does he see that other doctors do not see?
Tamberla Perry: Oliver, in the industry, seems like a tough guy, a bit of a troublemaker, but he knows his friend. They were in the trenches together and he knows his friend is a genius. He knows that if he decides to come to this hospital, they can create this sleep psychology team that really focuses on patients and helps patients that other people throw away and think are hopeless.
So he knows his friend is a genius. He knows that he will literally put himself in the patients' shoes to understand what is going on with them and then give them the tools to go out and adapt. He knows this about him. He knows there will be some resistance to bringing him in, but he knows he is the best for the hospital and the department.
Their friendship was the heart of the pilot episode for me.
Tamberla Perry: I didn't ask you for this compliment, but it seems to be a theme that runs through a lot of people we've interviewed. It's just about the friendship Wolf and I have on screen, but it also goes beyond the screen. Indeed, we have loved each other through friendship as in our personal relationships. I'm glad it's being translated professionally.
On the flip side, what makes Oliver feel like he can trust Carol?
Tamberla Perry: She sees him and has been seeing him for a long time and it was about Carol Burnett and Oliver Sacks. He saw her. Carol Burnett was there when they were in their young twenties and people didn't really understand who she was. I think that's what our creators and writers are really trying to achieve. This was the person she had been going to forever and they were truly meant for each other. That's the hope we try to give our viewers, not everyone gets to see them, but that's what we want. We want people to watch this show and feel seen.
Perry Advises Prospects on Brilliant Minds Season 1
“You're really seeing a turning point in mental health for a few different people.”
I loved Oliver's scenes with the interns. Will Carol interact with this group? What might that dynamic look like this season?
Tamberla Perry: As the show goes on, we'll see her interact with them a little bit. They're his interns and I'm bringing him to this hospital where he's going to have a team of interns working with him, so it's a surprise for him. Ashleigh LaTrop, Spence Moore II, Aury Krebs and Alex MacNicoll portray these characters.
Once people are cast and they do such a good job, you can't think of other people in those roles. These four actors embody these four characters perfectly. You'll definitely see some interactions between me and them as the series goes on. They respect me. I am the boss. This is my hospital. I know his name is Wolf, but this is really Carol's hospital.
Aside from the pilot, what episode are you most looking forward to for fans to see this season?
Tamberla Perry: I'm going to say 11. It's nearing the end, but I think it's one of those episodes where you can see a turning point in a few different people's mental health.
About NBC's Medical Drama Brilliant Minds
Michael Grassi serves as creator, writer and executive producer
Inspired by the extraordinary life and work of world-renowned author and physician Oliver Sacks, Brilliant Minds follows a revolutionary, larger-than-life neuroscientist and his team of interns as they battle for the last great frontier—the human mind. with their own relationships and mental health.
Check out the official trailer Brilliant Minds below:
Brilliant Minds It airs Mondays at 10 pm ET on NBC.