Meaning: The quote "Charlie's not your conventional mathematician... we sexed him up a little bit" was made by David Krumholtz, an actor known for his role as Charlie Eppes in the television show "Numb3rs." In the show, Krumholtz portrayed a brilliant mathematician who uses his skills to help his FBI agent brother solve crimes.

When Krumholtz made the statement, he was likely referring to the fact that the character of Charlie Eppes deviated from the stereotypical image of a mathematician. Traditionally, mathematicians are often depicted as introverted, socially awkward individuals who are solely focused on their work. However, Charlie Eppes was portrayed as a more dynamic and relatable character, which may have been what Krumholtz meant by "sexed him up a little bit."

In the context of the show, Charlie Eppes was shown to have a more outgoing personality, engaging in romantic relationships and displaying a level of charisma that is not commonly associated with mathematicians. This departure from the typical portrayal of mathematicians may have been what Krumholtz was alluding to when he mentioned "sexing up" the character. Essentially, the character was given traits that made him more appealing and relatable to a broader audience.

Krumholtz's comment also reflects the broader trend of humanizing and diversifying portrayals of intellectuals in popular media. Historically, intellectuals such as scientists, mathematicians, and academics have often been depicted in a one-dimensional manner, focusing solely on their intellectual prowess and neglecting their personal lives or emotional depth. By "sexing up" the character of Charlie Eppes, the creators of "Numb3rs" aimed to challenge this stereotype and create a more multifaceted and compelling portrayal of a mathematician.

This departure from the conventional depiction of mathematicians also aligns with the broader evolution of portrayals of intellectuals in popular culture. As society's understanding and appreciation of various fields of study have evolved, there has been a growing emphasis on portraying intellectuals as complex individuals with diverse interests and experiences. This shift allows for more nuanced and realistic representations of individuals in STEM fields, moving away from the narrow and often limiting stereotypes that have been perpetuated in the past.

In conclusion, David Krumholtz's statement about "sexing up" the character of Charlie Eppes in "Numb3rs" reflects a departure from the conventional portrayal of mathematicians in popular media. By infusing the character with a more dynamic and relatable personality, the creators aimed to challenge stereotypes and create a more multifaceted representation of a mathematician. This broader trend aligns with the evolving portrayal of intellectuals in popular culture, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of individuals in STEM fields.