Name: Susan Sarandon
Age: 67
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Occupation: Actress. Beginning this Friday, you can catch her in theaters in The Calling, alongside Topher Grace.
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
At the moment, de Blasio. Because he’s given the city back to the middle class.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
Oh, man, it would have to be either a New York pizza, one of the great Italian restaurants, sushi … I also just had soba noodles at a great place. But ABC Kitchen right now is my go-to. They have such clean food, delicious food.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I play.
What was your first job in New York?
A soap opera called A World Apart. I think I was about 21. No, wait, actually I did the movie Joe before, as soon as I got to New York. It was so much fun that I decided to be an actor.
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Hedwig. I loved it.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
Yes, I do.
What’s your drink?
I don’t drink very often, but if I do it’d be tequila. I don’t have a brand, that is, not unless they pay me to plug the brand. I also like mescal.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
Oh, I’d say 90 percent of the time. I like to make things heavily seasoned with garlic, whether it’s eggs or salad. I put it on everything.
What’s your favorite medication?
Marijuana.
What is the best thing in or about your apartment?
The view. I see uptown and downtown, because I’m very lucky that there are no high buildings next to me.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen on the subway?
I guess pole dancers — those guys that do whatever that’s called. I love that. I’m all for dancing everywhere.
When was the last time you stayed out past 3 a.m.?
Last Friday … I’m trying to think if that was it. The Wednesday before I definitely did when I went to my son’s DJ thing.
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
The old Times Square. It felt less corporate and kind of more open. Now it feels so polished; I liked it when it was au naturel.
What do you think of Mayor de Blasio?
[See the first question.]
What do you hate most about living in New York?
I guess just traffic.
If you could banish one person from New York forever, who would it be?
I can’t think of one person. I like the adversity. It keeps you on your toes.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
Last Saturday, to Pound Ridge, New York. These days, I don’t drive as much now around the city — sometimes to Brooklyn, but not as a way of life. And of course I’m a great driver — didn’t you see Thelma & Louise? My only problem is that I tend to drive a little fast.
Finish this sentence: The NYPD _____.
… are all younger than I am now.
Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times.
Where do you go to be alone?
Well, my apartment. I don’t think there’s anywhere you can go in New York to be alone.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
Friendliness, and their sense of humor.
