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    Fun facts about 'American Horror Story's' Zachary Quinto

    The 'Asylum' actor almost wasn’t on the show

    Zachary Quinto came into the public eye on "24," Season 3, playing computer geek Adam Kaufman. Then his role as Skylar on "Heroes" made him a household name. But just in case there was any doubt that there might still be a few people who didn't recognize him, Quinto took the part as a young Spock in J.J. Abram's film reboot of "Star Trek." These days he can be seen, for the second season, on "American Horror Story: Asylum."

    In the first four episodes, viewers came to recognize him as the calm in the otherwise horrific storm. His character, Dr. Oliver Thredson, seemed to be the only rational thinker in the 1960s mental institution. At least until Episode 5 when it was revealed he is, in fact, Bloody Face: the most evil of them all. In a recent conference call interview, a few fun facts were uncovered about Zachary Quinto.

    If "Star Trek" weren't delayed, he would not have been cast in "AHS"

    Quinto was scheduled to begin shooting "Star Trek," but production was pushed back, giving him a window for a quick job. He serendipitously got a call from Ryan Murphy ("Glee," "Nip/Tuck"), who was putting together a new show called "American Horror Story." He offered Quinto a four-episode part as Chad, the former owner of the house who helps haunt the current residents. Part way through that season Murphy approached him about the next installment and a much larger role, playing one of the main characters in "Asylum." Quinto stated, "When Ryan presented the plan to me about this, it just seemed like there was no question that it was a little bit more unique and exciting to me because of that, so that made my decision pretty clear."

    Quinto is friends with cast mate Sarah Paulson

    Quinto said he's known cast mate Sarah Paulson for a long time, and they are good friends. And he admitted that relationship makes filming some of the difficult scenes they have together a little easier. He stated, "Oftentimes, friendships are formed on set through these kinds of experiences working together in such intimate and unusual ways, but it's even a richer experience when you already have that foundation of friendship." He said their bond gives them a sense of trust not always found with other actors. He added, "So we also are able to have more fun and laugh at a situation a little bit more."

    Quinto's "AHS" role is among his favorites to date

    Quinto has played a wide variety of roles through his career so far -- from the super powered serial killer Skylar on "Heroes" to the adversarial computer analyst Adam on "24" to the iconic Vulcan officer Spock in "Star Trek." But Quinto can not pick a favorite stating, "Each one of those experiences was so profound and unique… They are accumulative in a lot of ways. I feel more settled as I'm getting older, and my experience of things feels more complete. So Thredson has been very satisfying to me in that regard."

    Quinto watches "Homeland," "The Voice," and "Boss"

    Although he admitted he doesn't have a lot of time for watching TV, he never skips an episode of "Homeland," saying if he misses it on Sunday night, he watches it On Demand. He also copped to taking in "The Voice" from time to time. He noted, "It's really innovative and unique and well done… I find there's an element of authenticity to that show that I really respond to, and I very rarely respond to any reality programming. So if I'm going to watch, it has to be people doing something that I could never do, and obviously, each one of those singers that holds true for." He also encouraged people to tune it "The Boss" on Starz, which features his boyfriend, Jonathan Groff.

    Watch the horror unfold as Quinto plays Bloody Face on "American Horror Story: Asylum" on Wednesday nights at 10 PM on FX.

    More from this contributor:

    The stars of ' American Horror Story : Asylum' marvel at the show's set

    Chloë Sevigny Discusses Her Role on 'American Horror Story'

    Exclusive interview: Eric McCormack talks about 'Perception,' his role, and schizophrenia

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