Veteran actor André De Shields is adding another credit to his impressive resume by joining the cast of NBC’s new medical drama “Brilliant Minds.” The announcement was made by series creator Michael Grassi during the show’s panel at the Television Critics Association press tour.
De Shields won’t be alone in making a guest appearance on the show. Steve Howey and Mandy Patinkin will also be lending their talents to the upcoming season. “We have exceptional guest stars this season,” Grassi teased, hinting at the possibility of even more announcements down the line.
“Brilliant Minds” takes inspiration from the life and work of the esteemed neurologist Oliver Sacks. The show follows Dr. Oliver Wolf (played by Zachary Quinto), a brilliant and unconventional neurologist, and his team of interns as they delve into the mysteries of the human mind. All while navigating their own personal relationships and mental health challenges.
The series also stars Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Spence Moore II, Alexander MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, and Teddy Sears.
In the pilot episode, André De Shields will portray an Alzheimer’s patient, while Steve Howey will appear later in the season as a biker gang member seeking treatment from Dr. Wolf. Mandy Patinkin is set to play a family doctor with a two-episode arc, visiting Bronx General for a special case.
“Brilliant Minds” draws inspiration from Oliver Sacks’ renowned books, “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” and “An Anthropologist on Mars.” Sacks, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 82, was celebrated as the “poet laureate of contemporary medicine” by The New York Times. His work focused on some of the most unusual and perplexing brain disorders, offering insights into human consciousness and advocating for a compassionate approach to mental health care. Sacks’ book “Awakenings” was also adapted into a 1990 film starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams.
With its compelling storyline and a cast of both established and rising stars, “Brilliant Minds” promises to be a thought-provoking addition to NBC’s fall lineup.