Theres a country musician I love, Townes Van Zandt.
And then from the arts, theres a guy I love, Grayson Perry.
Im a huge David Hockney fan.
Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage; Dusan Martincek/National Geographic
I wouldnt be allowed to play her, but yeah, shes up there.
I think Leonardo DaVinci would be interesting if they were to do another guy.
Did you research the theories youre discussing [in the script] or is that just by rote?
And did you talk to any real-life physicists?Oh yeah.
They were very thorough, the production.
But I did gain a basic understanding through talking.
It was like learning how to juggle from scratch.
I loved all that stuff.
I loved doing that, and the math, and talking with people about what these ideas were.
When do you feel the smartest?Right after I drink my morning coffee [laughs].
The time period youd most like to live in?I think Shakespearean London.
Whats next on your acting bucket list?Hamlet.
A genius moment youve had?
[Laughs] Oh my God.
Well, I wrote a song about Einstein long before I knew about this project.
Right-brained or left-brained, or both?I think I swing wildly between both.
I try and stay in my right brain as much as I can, but my left takes over.
Geniuspremieres Wednesday at 9 p.m.
ET on National Geographic.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
