Bob Balaban
Bob Balaban is an acclaimed actor, director, and author. One of his earliest credits was the original Linus in the 1967 off-Broadway production You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. His film acting career spans nearly 100 films, and include Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Capote, Catch-22, Gosford Park (which he also co-wrote and was nominated for an Oscar), and most recently Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. He is also a regular in many of Christopher Guest’s films such as Best In Show, A Mighty Wind, and Waiting for Guffman. Bob also has an extensive career directing film, television, and theatre. The 10th anniversary production of the award-winning The Exonerated, which he directed, is currently playing at The Culture Project. Find out what Bob’s favorite food is as we get him On The Couch!
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
I tend not to give up.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
When my children were born.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
Cranberry juice. My eating and drinking habits are pretty dull.
Q: What is your favorite food?
You probably won’t believe this but it’s the veggie burger at Five Napkin Burger.
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
I’m crazy about dill, especially in chicken soup.
Q: What is your current obsession?
Anything I’m doing at the time. Right now it’s writing book three if my new kids book series, Creature from the Seventh Grade, and immersing myself in a couple of movies I’m about to act in.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Overbooking myself.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Being employed in something I love.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Cabs. I try to avoid them whenever possible.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Talking on the telephone.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Lack of sleep.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Not to complain.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Pretending everything is always okay, though it does sometimes come in handy.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
On the personal side, I’d have to say spending time with my family. Professionally, I’d say watching great actors act.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
iPhones at the dinner table.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
I played Pavlo Hummel in The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel. My character had to get out of his Army fatigues and into civvies. I pulled my pants down and took the underwear with them, flashing the entire audience.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
I’d rather be sitting in front of my fireplace in my house in Bridgehampton with my family than anywhere else in the world.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
After being married for three million years, my wife and I still find what the other has to say fascinating. It does keep things pretty lively.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
I’ll go for any living thing that doesn't bite me.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
If I finished everything on my to do list, it would be an amazing day. And pretty unlikely.
Q: What is your personal motto?
Say yes to as many things as you possibly can.