Beth Malone
You may have seen her heart-wrenching performance in the now-classic Fun Home at Circle in the Square in 2015. It was
her role as the erudite, inquisitive, and undeniably talented Alison Bechdel that earned her a Tony nomination for Best
Lead Actress. Now, she appears every Wednesday in all her divinity as the Angel in the revival of Tony Kushner’s Angels in
America, currently at the Neil Simon Theatre. Her other roles include Molly Brown in The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Annie
Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun in 2014. Beth Malone has been lighting up our lives for a while, and it’s a true treat that we
finally have her On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I’m really game. Really sort of up for anything a director wants to try… sometimes I have too
much enthusiasm- too many ideas. As I’m getting older I’m getting better at NOT saying
things. Just a little better though.
What was your proudest moment?
Fun Home performing for UN Ambassadors from 17 countries, some of which criminalize
homosexuality. Being given the opportunity to tell that story to those people, I’m not
sure I’ll ever do anything as impactful again.
What is your favorite drink?
Cold beer on hot day. Or brown liquor straight up on a cold night.
What is your favorite food?
Spicy!
What is your favorite condiment?
Pickles.
What is your current obsession?
New X-Files. Gillian Anderson.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Self doubt.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I know I can carry a Broadway musical, but to commercially carry a show
is a very different question. I long to be at a level where I’m a trusted box
office bet. I’m aware it’s a matter of beasting some TV or movie gig, but
everything seems within reason to wish for.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Cabs.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Bubble Pop.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Trump. He makes me apoplectic.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Openheartedness.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Inferiority complex.
What in the world most thrills you?
Powder skiing.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Duck face selfies.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
After Fun Home at The Public Tracey Letts complimented me. A lovely lovely thing to do… I proceeded to tell him he was
great in the Apple Plays. Judy Kuhn just ushered me away.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Snowmass, Colorado.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Goodness.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. We have 2. I love cats too. But right now, dogs.
What is your personal motto?
Everyone, everyone, everyone has some kind of gift.
