Bobby Steggert
This week we put 2010 Tony Award® nominee Bobby Steggert on the couch to see how he's holding up through the marathon of award-season events.
Steggert's knockout performance as Younger Brother in this season's revival of Ragtime positioned Bobby as the breakout star of the year. He followed that up with a star turn in the York Theatre Company's Off-Broadway production of Yank!, a gay romance set during WWII, for which he received another round of raves (and now Yank! is headed to Broadway). Not one to sit still and rest on his laurels, apparently, he just began performances in A.R. Gurney's The Grand Manner at Lincoln Center. He did find time, thankfully, to get on our couch for a quick Q&A. Let's see what's on his mind…
The American Theatre Wing’s 2010 Tony Awards Will be Broadcast Live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS, Sunday, June 13th, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
A: My curiosity
Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: The first preview of 110 in the Shade, when I realized that my dream really was worth fighting for.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: Real lemonade, and you can put vodka in it too, if you want…
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Thai – especially the dumplings at Wondee Siam (54th and 9th).
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
A: Anything that combines mayonnaise and spice.
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: The quest to conquer the New York Times Crossword Puzzle.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
A: The internet.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A: To originate a role in a Broadway show that becomes steeped in history, like Tevye, Mamma Rose, Dolly, Harold Hill, etc.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
A: Overpriced coffee.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
A: Worrying about the uncontrollable.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A: Stress.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: To never judge myself – only to learn from my mistakes. I also inherited their freakishly youthful looks, which used to be bothersome but is very quickly turning into something good.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: Sensitive skin that burns too easily and an inability to cope with really hot temperatures.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
A: Uncontrollable laughter at inappropriate times.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
A: Texting, despite its convenience.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
A: TBA
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
A: Portland, OR. My best friends all live there, and it is quite possibly the best mix of urban and small-town that I've ever seen.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A: Intelligence.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
A: Dogs – their love is unconditional. Cats are shiftier.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A: It would be 70 degrees, sunny, mid-April – my best friends from all over the country would descend on New York, and we'd spend the day picnicking in Central Park.
Q: What is your personal motto?
A: Follow your gut – it is always right.