Name: Alexis Bledel
Age: 29
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Occupation: Actress. She’ll be appearing Off Broadway in Love, Loss, and What I Woreat the Westside Theatre starting today, January 12, through February 13.
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
John Lennon. When I think about all the things that were going on in this city during the nine years he lived here, there’s an energy that stands out having to do with the message of peace he so powerfully sent out into the world.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
Brick-oven pizza. So delicious, charred crisp and light, just with garlic, ricotta cheese, and fresh basil at Lucali, or olive oil, arugula, and prosciutto at Otto. John’s of Bleecker Street … everything on the menu is good. Roberta’s is also amazing.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I pretend to be someone else, taking part in a collaborative storytelling endeavor.
What was your first job in New York?
A shoot for Seventeen magazine, when I was 14. It was a hair-and-makeup piece, and I ended up with a rather peculiar set of stringy dreadlocks.
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Promises, Promises. I really loved it. Sadly, Kristin Chenoweth was not there for the show I caught, but her understudy, Sarah Jane Everman, was wonderful and played so well opposite Sean Hayes. He was an absolute dream in that role; his comedic timing was impeccable and seemingly effortless.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
I do sometimes. It’s hard not to when the person is handicapped in some way that looks as though they would have a very hard time finding employment, or if someone is trying to sell something that might be handy, or share their musical talent with you.
What’s your drink?
In the winter I like to just sip on one Jameson straight up.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
Almost every day. I try to eat very healthy, organic, local foods, so I do end up preparing my own meals more often than I go out. I prefer to go out for a drink because in that case you pretty much know what’s being poured into your glass, as opposed to what’s going into your food.
What’s your favorite medication?
DayQuil.
What’s hanging above your sofa?
A multicolored Moroccan rag rug.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
I suppose it’s all relative to what you spend on other things, but $150 seems like a lot.
When’s bedtime?
2 a.m. or so.
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
I generally try to avoid Times Square because it is always so crowded, but I think I prefer the old version because I feel nostalgic for the first time I saw it (which was probably on that same trip into town for Seventeen). Standing there made my heart beat a little bit faster … maybe because I was looking up and felt nervous about being sideswiped by a car.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
I wonder if he has a signature dance move.
What do you hate most about living in New York?
Blizzards.
Who is your mortal enemy?
The lat machine at my gym. We hate each other.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
About eight months ago, when I was last in L.A. for meetings. I don’t love to drive, and I used to be quite dangerous on the road because I tend to be running late. Now I make it a point to take my time and end up arriving everywhere I go about half an hour early.
How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
Work slowed down for a while. It added to my general confusion about what goes on in the business world.
Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times.
Where do you go to be alone?
Swimming.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
Attitude.
