21 questions

‘Gossip Girl’ Star Connor Paolo Has Lunch at 10:30 A.M.

Connor Paolo

Photo: Patrick McMullan

Name: Connor Paolo
Age: 17
Job: Plays Eric van der Woodsen on the hit CW show Gossip Girl.
Neighborhood: Manhattan

Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
This changes on a weekly basis. After seeing Raging Bull it was Jake La Motta. Every time I hear “Imagine,” it’s John Lennon. Currently, it’s George Morfogen, who played Rebadow on Oz. I legitimately bumped into the man twice this week, and despite my screaming his character’s name both times, he remained gracious and appreciative.

What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
Anything served past 3 a.m. qualifies as great.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
Hurry up and wait, and that goes for school too.

Where do you get your coffee?
I only drink coffee when I need it. And if I need it, I really need it. I don’t care where it comes from.

What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Spring Awakening. And I highly recommend it.

Do you give money to panhandlers?
As much as possible. It’s the only time in our lives that, try as we might, we cannot completely ignore the poverty staring us in the face. Even when it appears that someone is not in dire need or will use the money for some less-than-holy purpose, it feels wrong not to give when I can.

What’s your drink?
I left my I.D. at home, so … milk.

How often do you prepare your own meals?
I pour my own cereal every morning without fail.

What’s your favorite medication?
All you need is love: I call it Prozac au naturel

What’s hanging above your sofa?
You mean my parent’s sofa. It’s a print of Blewy II by Red Grooms; 96/150; 1971.

How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
I don’t trust myself with style or finances, which is why my hair is cut by two wonderful hairdressers on set.

When’s bedtime?
On weekdays around midnight, but lately it’s whenever I can get up the nerve to admit to my girlfriend that I’m tired and need to hang up.

Brunch: pro or con?
Brunch? My school serves lunch at 10:30 a.m.

What’s your thread count?
I’m a 17-year-old boy … I count a lot of things, but “threads” ain’t one of them.

What do you hate most about living in New York?
Being as bewildered about why I’m leaving as I am about why I’m returning.

What’s your brand of jeans?
Anything from Urban Outfitters, with a 28-inch waist; beltless pants are a luxury.

When’s the last time you drove a car?
I got my permit on July 10 and have driven as much as possible since. The last time I was behind the wheel was Labor Day weekend.

Who should be the next president?
Al Gore. As far as I’m concerned, he should be the current president.

Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times. They’re the ones who go all out on Sunday, right?

Yankees or Mets?
Yankees. I refuse to defend my answer.

What makes someone a New Yorker?
The innate ability to become disgusted with someone as soon as they greet you.

Earlier: ’Gossip Girl’ Star Says He Wants to Punch Zac Efron!

‘Gossip Girl’ Star Connor Paolo Has Lunch at 10:30 A.M.