21 questions

Lizz Winstead Thinks the Economy Is So Bad, She’d Consider Doing Reality TV

Name: Lizz Winstead
Age: 40ish
Neighborhood: Boerum Hill
Occupation: Co-creator of The Daily Show and founding member of Air America Radio. Her show Wake Up World is at the Green Room on March 9.

Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
Edie Beale (little Edie).

What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
Babbo. Goose-liver ravioli with brown butter and balsamic, meatballs, branzino.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
Write comedy that humiliates those who abuse their power.

Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
Yes, I would live here even if I had to blow guys to make the rent.

What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Boeing, Boeing.

Do you give money to panhandlers?
Yes, and it’s none of my business what they want the money for. I know my quarter or dollar isn’t going into a fund for continuing education, so If I can do my part to help someone anesthetize the horrible realities of living on the streets of NYC, I will. If I don’t have change, I always acknowledge their existence — unless they are peeing while they ask me.

What’s your drink?
Oban. I like a smooth, non-peaty, non-smoky single malt. Two ice cubes. And yes, you can buy me a drink.

How often do you prepare your own meals?
Once a week.

What’s your favorite medication?
Provigil. I have narcolepsy.

What’s hanging above your sofa?
A painting of an egg by Aldo Sampieri and the Judy Olausen photo, Mother as Coffee Table.

How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
$200. In fact, any hair removal shouldn’t cost more than $200.

When’s bedtime?
See Provigil.

Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
Old.

What do you think of Donald Trump?
I think his answer to the haircut question would be: “two bits.”

What do you hate most about living in New York?
It’s hard to find good hash browns.

Who is your mortal enemy?
She knows.

When’s the last time you drove a car?
February 1. Zipcar rocks.

How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
For the first time in my career, I would consider producing a reality show. Also, see above re: salary.

Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times, Post and Daily News.

Where do you go to be alone?
I have two dogs; I am never alone.

What makes someone a New Yorker?
See above re: salary.

Lizz Winstead Thinks the Economy Is So Bad, She’d Consider Doing Reality TV