Carter Hudson
Carter Hudson is one of the more talented up-and-comers on the New York stage. He made his Off Broadway debut last year in the Second Stage production of the Substance of Fire with John Noble and Charlayne Woodard. This season, Carter plays Tristan, a patient participating in a new clinical drug trial, in Lucy Prebble's thought-provoking new play The Effect at the Barrow Street Theatre helmed by David Cromer. Carter can't really be stopped, but this week, we managed to grab him for a quick session On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Sincerity. Seriously.
What was your proudest moment?
Being voted “Most Talented” in my senior year of high school. I wasn't actually very talented but the voters spoke, and because I was in puberty it felt more important than anything else ever will.
What is your favorite drink?
That one on a couch with an old friend who is easy to talk to.
What is your favorite food?
Nachos. I'm not ashamed. Okay, I'm a little ashamed, are you happy now?
What is your favorite condiment?
Srirachi. Discovered late in life. There's so much wasted time to make up for.
What is your current obsession?
Hamilton.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Mindless interweb surfing. It's a silent killer.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
The respect of those I respect the most.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
My dog. She's worth it.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Sports blogs. And, why? I don't even care that much. I should probably cut back.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Lack of sleep. Or, the bacteria that lives on subway seats. Seriously, I lose sleep just thinking about it.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Sincerity. Seriously.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Passive Aggression. I wish I was more actively aggressive.
What in the world most thrills you?
My wife's brain.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Internet outrage.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
I was doing a two-character play and the actress I was opposite (who is a brilliant goddess) went up on a line. As I started crunching the numbers in my head about how I might be able to prompt her while staying in the scene she turned to me and grandly gestured, “Go on …?” The audience, reasonably, assumed I was next to speak. I soiled myself, then kind of just stammered for what felt like fifteen minutes (fifteen seconds in reality) before she turned out to the audience and called “We're lost. I do not know my next line!” The stage manager came over the god-mic with her line, however he was reading an incorrect line. So, the writer, who was in attendance that night stood up from the last row of the orchestra and yelled out the proper line, dead-letter perfect. The actress said, “Ladies and gentlemen, the writer of this play!” and took a bow. She received a warm applause. Then every head in the audience volleyed straight to me, like “your next line better be brilliant, kid.” Audiences are intimidating.
What is your favorite place in the world?
My grandfather's garden in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. He died a few years ago. He survived the Great Depression, fought in the Second World War, grew plum-apple hybrids from trees he grafted himself, raised honey bees, and taught me how to build a proper bird house. He made real things.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
My wife's brain.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. (Long pause) Dude, dogs, what kind of question is that? Cats are passive aggressive.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Showing up to rehearsal for a play that turns me on.
What is your personal motto?
Soften the edges of your heart.