Name: Matt Doyle
Age: 22
Neighborhood: Hell’s Kitchen
Occupation: Eric’s boyfriend from Gossip Girl is also an accomplished theater actor — he’ll be in Bye Bye Birdie in the fall — and singer-songwriter. He makes his solo concert debut at Joe’s Pub on August 17.
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
John Lennon. He was pretty incredible.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
I cooked my first turkey dinner this past Thanksgiving. I went all out and even brined the bird. It was a mess. Salty turkey water went everywhere. I don’t have a kitchen
I have a kitchenette. It was hard work, but so worth it. The turkey was incredible in the end. I had never cooked anything like that in my apartment. I probably won’t ever do it again. I don’t think my mini-oven is built for it.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I play.
Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
I’m in theater. Been there, done that.
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
I just saw Hair for the third time the other day. It’s an incredible production with some of the best young performers on Broadway right now. Go see it. Let them fondle you. It’s okay.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
Sometimes.
What’s your drink?
Ginger ale.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
I try to put something together for myself at least once a day. Not always successfully.
What’s your favorite medication?
Zyrtec. I have terrible seasonal allergies. I can go from being completely fine one second to just dripping in snot and tears the next.
What’s hanging above your sofa?
My father is an art director and has been a huge inspiration in my life. He shot incredible images of the city with a photographer named Georg Fischer. I’ve got two of those photographs above my couch. I feel really lucky to have them there.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
Hair is important … that’s all I’m gonna say.
When’s bedtime?
2 or 3 a.m.
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
Well, I never quite knew the old Times Square … so I’ll have to go with the new one. However, I gotta say, this lawn-chair thing was a really stupid idea.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
He’s not really on my mind that much.
What do you hate most about living in New York?
Paying too much for too little. Also … air conditioners dripping on your head when you’re walking down the street. Really hate that.
Who is your mortal enemy?
I’m probably my own worst enemy. I can be a little neurotic sometimes. Not really a fan of Bill O’Reilly, either.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
I drove up to my parents’ house in Connecticut not too long ago. I felt really cool because it was a BMW. Then I realized I wasn’t fooling anyone because there was a massive Zipcar logo on the side of it.
How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
Even less people are going to see theater.
Times, Post, or Daily News?
New York Times. The headlines in the Post always freak me out a bit.
Where do you go to be alone?
My couch. Although, lately I’m discovering an afternoon walk with my dog to the park is nice.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
When you master the art and sport of swiftly walking down a New York sidewalk without bumping shoulders with anyone.
