James McArdle
James McArdle waxes erudite, all the while exhibiting an immense struggle, in Tony Kushner’s brilliant Angels in America now at the Neil Simon Theater. It’s no surprise, given Mr. McArdle’s track record – he’s an actor who proves over and over a shocking versatility and unique generosity that keeps people engaged and surprised. Hailing from Glasgow, James made his home-away-from-home at the National Theatre, where he appeared in Emperor of Galilean as Agathon, then the pre-Broadway production of Angels… as Louis, a role for which he earned an Olivier Award nomination. For the lead role in Chichester Festival Theatre’s Platonov, he garnered a 2015 Ian Charleson Award. As the Tony Season blares down the pike, see James McArdle on Broadway, but in the meantime, chill with him On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My dancing. I’m dead good at it.
What was your proudest moment?
Saying no to a sugary drink about an hour ago.
What is your favorite drink?
Sugary ones. No not any more. Now I love water. Yawn.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken and broccoli. That is a lie but if I don’t believe it then we are screwed.
What is your favorite condiment?
Condiments are part of my past I’m afraid.
What is your current obsession?
Apart from eating nothing but misery? Louis from Angels in America.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I have a cornucopia of vice that I don’t see myself letting go of.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Retirement at an early age. Living in the country with a family. Rolling my eyes at younger actors trying to play Louis and saying no that’s not right.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
I’m Scottish. We don’t waste money.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Is this linked to your vice question? Um… Pass.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
New York. I love it.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Tell the truth. Wear your heart on your sleeve.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Tell the truth. Wear your heart on your sleeve.
What in the world most thrills you?
Being out in nature and competitive board games.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Social media. I see its benefits maybe blah blah blah but ultimately it’s a noisy vain hell hole of a thing.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Telling an actor I hated a particular production of Hamlet and learning he was Claudius in that production.
What is your favorite place in the world?
A quiet spot in Loch Lomond.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
I require a long list of adjectives before I’d let you near.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. Cats are over. I heard that’s what social media is saying so it must be true.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Getting out the city to the country.
What is your personal motto?
Uft I find mottos unreliable. I try and just follow my brain, heart and balls and if it goes wrong I’ll learn for the next time.