Brilliant Minds‘ last episode is amazing! Alex Ozerov-Meyer opened up with us about his emotionally charged role as John Doe AKA Roman in the show. Episode 7 marks a pivotal moment for his character, as Roman faces a life-altering and deeply controversial decision: choosing to end his life to escape his suffering. With remarkable empathy, Alex shared his personal reflections on portraying a character in such a profound crisis, revealing the real-life experiences that shaped his understanding of this storyline. Ready?
Here we go!
Alex Ozerov-Meyer on Roman’s Controversial Decision
When asked about dealing with the dilemma Roman faces in Episode 7, Alex responded, “In some ways, the decision to end his life and no longer continue with this way of living is controversial, but in many ways, it’s a very brave, difficult, and full-minded decision.” He acknowledged the weight of such a choice, explaining, “It’s a very difficult decision, but I think it’s also an incredibly humane decision, too. It allows people to sort of part with the people they are closest to in wonderful ways.”
Alex revealed that he found a surprising connection between Roman’s story and his own life. “When I first read the script, I quickly realized that there’s a lot of parallels that happened between the story and my life,” he shared. At the time, Alex had a friend who had moved to New York, the city of his dreams, only to be diagnosed with cancer shortly after arriving. “He was ready to start afresh with his family,” Alex recalled, “just like my character in the show.”
As Alex’s friend battled through rounds of treatment, the diagnosis eventually turned terminal. His friend decided to apply for Medical Assistance in Dying (M.A.I.D.) in Canada, a choice Alex could now relate to on a personal level. “When I read the script, I was like, ‘wait a minute, that’s exactly what my friend is about to go through.’ So I already had a lot of empathy, a lot of compassion, and understanding of how difficult it is to make this decision,” Alex explained. “Knowing that my friend was going through this, it wasn’t hard for me to get behind it with my character.”
For Alex Ozerov-Meyer, Roman’s storyline is not only about a man facing a personal crisis but also an opportunity to tell a story that fosters empathy and reflection. By bringing his own real-life experiences to the role, Alex offers a portrayal that feels as raw and compassionate as the reality many people face.
MORE: Here’re the reviews of Brilliant Minds episode 1, episode 2, and episode 3.
Alex Ozerov-Meyer on Love, Loss, and Freedom
Alex Ozerov-Meyer shared with us insights on why his character’s storyline—particularly themes around love and same-sex relationships—is so vital in today’s climate, especially following a divisive election result. Alex’s character, Roman, and his Russian lover Alex face societal and personal challenges as they seek a new life in New York, away from the restrictions on same-sex relationships in their homeland.
When asked why it’s important to explore such storylines, especially considering recent political changes, Alex emphasized the value of representation and dialogue. “I think it’s incredibly important to start talking about this narrative,” he began, “like Dr. Wolf, who is an openly gay doctor in the show, just as the real-life doctor he’s based on, Dr. Oliver Sacks.”
He went on to explain the significance of showing his character Roman’s relationship with Alex, his lover, and how both men were forced to flee Russia to be together. “In their minds, New York City was freedom, a place where anybody could love anybody,” Alex explained. “This is a place where they could escape. And so they were really hoping to start fresh.”
For Alex, telling this story is a matter of honesty and acceptance, removing any barriers to love in storytelling. “I think it’s so incredibly important to tell this story and to tell it without any kinds of weird conversations about it. Love is love,” he shared. In the series, love and connection help Roman confront his struggles, even as he becomes physically trapped by illness.
As Roman faces the decision to end his life, Alex sees love as an undeniable force guiding him: “It’s an incredible force that helps Roman make a clear decision for himself and for those around him. My character says, ‘what are you waiting for? There is no time like the present!’ and that moves the storylines forward.”
The actor also drew on his own experience in the face of loss, sharing how his friend’s terminal cancer diagnosis influenced his understanding of Roman’s journey. “We shouldn’t squander the moments that we have in our lives and we shouldn’t waste them,” Alex reflected. “We should love who we love and we should take the chances when we can take them.”
He revealed how witnessing his friend’s battle gave him clarity on how to live without regret. After filming the season, Alex took time off to be with his friend, cherishing those last days. “This gave me a clear indication that I should really confront this head on and I should stop avoiding this reality,” he said, aiming to be fully present for his friend in his final days.
Alex Ozerov-Meyer’s portrayal of Roman and his deep connection to the story of love, loss, and freedom underscores the series’ message: that love, even in the face of immense hardship, is a profound and empowering force. By sharing Roman’s story, Alex hopes to encourage others to live fully and authentically—without regret.
MORE: Here’re the reviews of Brilliant Minds episode 4, episode 5, and episode 6.
Alex Ozerov-Meyer Reflects on the Impact of NBC’s Meyer Brilliant Minds
Through Roman’s story in Brilliant Minds, Alex Ozerov-Meyer hopes viewers will reflect on living authentically, embracing difficult choices, and supporting loved ones through life’s most challenging moments.
When asked what he hopes people will take away from the episode, Alex emphasized the importance of living fully in the present and following one’s heart. “I think one of the things I want people to take away is to realize that there’s no time like the present,” he explained. “To sort of not run away from what the heart wants, and to be courageous and brave, to make the decisions that are right for you and your family.”
One of the central messages in Roman’s storyline is the importance of de-stigmatizing Medical Assistance in Dying (M.A.I.D.), a procedure that remains controversial in many places. Alex noted, “I hope that the show begins the conversation, at least in America, to accept this medical treatment. This procedure can really save a lot of hearts and a lot of lives.”
Reflecting on his personal experience, he shared that his friend’s fight with cancer shaped his understanding of Roman’s decision. His friend had told him that the toughest part was enduring rounds of chemotherapy, not the decision to end his suffering. “I hope that begins the conversation that there is this option that people can stop suffering,” Alex said. “That people, if they’re ready to go, should be able to go, with their family and loved ones nearby, celebrating their life while fully coherent.”
Alex further highlighted how this experience affected his understanding of cultural differences in end-of-life options. In Canada, he explained, his friend had access to M.A.I.D., though the process involves rigorous assessments and approvals. Meanwhile, Alex’s mother, who had traveled to Russia to care for her elderly mother, shared her own struggles as her mother expressed the desire to pass peacefully, an option unavailable to her due to restrictive laws. “All that my grandmother wanted to do was just pass on. She just wants to die. She’s done with continuing to suffer and continuing to live in pain,” Alex shared, adding that this conversation, which kept surfacing in his own life, mirrored the themes in Roman’s storyline.
In addition to advocating for compassion in end-of-life care, Alex emphasized the importance of human connection. “I hope people take away that we can’t minimize or disregard the impact of human connection,” he said. “The worst thing is to really feel isolated and to be alone through your own suffering.”
And we’re fully agree!
Brilliant Minds airs Mondays at 10 pm ET on NBC.
