Name: Justin Kirk
Age: 40
Neighborhood: Midtown (way up high)
Occupation: Actron
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
I got these questions the day before the Letterman story broke, but I’m stickin’ with Dave. As a teen in the Midwest, the NBC show meant the world to me. It felt like it didn’t just change TV, it changed everything.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
I can’t even remember what i did this morning, but I went to Fatty Crab last week and that was awfully tasty.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
Illuminate the human condition through simulated pot smoking.
Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
C’mon! I lived on $10 a day when I first moved to New York! So no. Absolutely not.
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
My man Hunter Parrish in Spring Awakening! He kicked out the jams!
Do you give money to panhandlers?
Definitely if they (a) are attractive or (b) recognize me from TV.
What’s your drink?
Hangar One on the rocks. Or Ketel One on the rocks. Actually, any vodka as long as the bottle isn’t plastic.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
The only time I don’t is when I can’t find the “tear here” slot on the bag. God, I want that jerky so bad!
What’s your favorite medication?
The adoration of strangers.
What’s hanging above your sofa?
Every day that it isn’t me is a good day.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
I’m an actor. I get my hair cut at work.
When’s bedtime?
Right now, hot stuff! Let’s go!
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
I know real New Yorkers are supposed to hate it, but I like the new one. I’m right in the middle of it, so it’s like living at Disneyland!
What do you think of Donald Trump?
Umm … jeez, I … new Times Square!
What do you hate most about living in New York?
Every time I leave my apartment I run into some jerk or another that I’ve known for the last twenty years.
Who is your mortal enemy?
Forget what I said above. I love everybody! What kind of question is that? Asshole.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
When I parked my Prius in my Hollywood carport and hauled my ass back to this godforsaken burg.
How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
I work on cable TV. I don’t have any stocks.
Times, Post, or Daily News?
I’ll let you know November 6. The Understudy! Opening November 5 at the Roundabout Theatre!
Where do you go to be alone?
Los Angeles.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
New Times Square!
Justin Kirk will be appearing tonight at the 92YTribeca for a Q&A after a screening of his movie Against the Current. He can also be seen Off Broadway starting November 5 in Theresa Rebeck’s The Understudy.
