Daniel Breaker
Daniel Breaker, Hadestown’s newest Hermes, joins us On The Couch this week. His career and talents really couldn’t span any further, with roles in the most serious of Shakespeare plays, all the way to his Drama Desk Nomination for his role as Donkey in the original Broadway cast of Shrek. He also had long and successful runs in Broadway’s Hamilton, The Book of Mormon and Passing Strange (for which he recieved a TONY Nomination.)
Read our full interview with Breaker below, where you can hear about his obsession with hot sauce, crab and the Criterion Channel 24/7 app.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My wit.
What was your proudest moment?
The birth of my children, and the chaotic beauty of watching them experience life.
What is your favorite drink?
Either a cortado, a matcha latte, or a coastal white wine.
What is your favorite food?
Crab, crab, crab. And shrimp.
What is your favorite condiment?
Everything is better with homemade hot sauce.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Either a cortado, a matcha latte, or a coastal white wine.
What is your current obsession?
Criterion Channel 24/7 app. Just turn it on and catch something interesting.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
To be in a great film.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
High end kitchen knives.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Doomscrolling.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Anxiety. Stress.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
The belief that every experience is an adventure.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Shopping!
What in the world most thrills you?
Getting lost in the awesome forces of nature.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Ozempic and plastic surgery.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Earlier in my career, I didn’t get a Tony nomination for Shrek the Musical. Frankly, I didn’t mind. I believe awards are an unhealthy byproduct of an artist’s life. The hard part was dealing with everyone’s sympathetic eyes. Here I was, not expecting or wanting this accolade, but my peers felt so bad for me, which in turn put me on a self-imposed spiral of creative doubt, self-editing, and insecurity. It took me a while to climb out of that hole. Perhaps that doubt is still in me, but I’ve done a lot of work to quell the beast.
What is your favorite place in the world?
San Sebastián. Or the French/Catalonian region on the Mediterranean. Or the crowded markets in Marrakesh. Or Mexico City at night. Or Garmisch in the winter. Or the places I’ve yet to explore. (I’m looking at you, Japan)
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Honesty.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. (Cats are jerks)
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A less cruel America.
What is your personal motto?
1.Make generosity a habit. Care for as many as you can. 2. Find the fun.