Dee Hoty
When it comes to theater, Dee Hoty is beloved. Known for her fabulous entrances and impeccable timing, she is currently bringing down the house in the Broadway revival of Gigi with Vanessa Hudgens. Before this, she earned Tony Award nominations for roles in The Will Rogers Follies, Footloose and The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public. She also starred in hit musicals such as Mamma Mia! and Bye Bye Birdie. Dee is a Broadway treasure and one of our dearest friends in the theater. We are thrilled to have her On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My best asset is a sense of humor, and plain old common sense.
What was your proudest moment?
Going to the Tony Awards ceremony with my Dad as my escort. We did the red carpet together and I loved telling everyone my Dad was my date! He loved it, too. It was The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public year, the show had closed, and I was the only one from it who was nominated. I wore the dress Bob Mackie designed for me (as Miss Mona) in the show. Stevie Phillips, our producer, made a gift of it to me on the closing night saying, “You should have this dress, Dee. Not enough people saw you wear it!” Classy. I still have it, and I can still get into it!
What is your favorite drink?
My favorite drink used to be scotch & soda. Lately, I'm more into a Maker's Mark Manhattan on the rocks with two cherries. But in the summer, there's nothing like an icy cold beer. I also like red wine, iced coffee, New York City water, and herbal tea. Go figure.
What is your favorite food?
Greek food is comfort food to me (my Dad was Greek) but I like the mac & cheese/grilled cheese/pasta carb-y stuff. And dark chocolate. And cake.
What is your favorite condiment?
If it counts, butter is my favorite condiment. Otherwise, I like honey mustard, horseradish, and mayo.
What is your current obsession?
Watching Nashville (guilty pleasure!) It's a combination trashy soap AND good music.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I'd give up late night eating.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Professionally, I most long for Cy Coleman to have written a show for me. That's not saying I wouldn't love for Mr. Sondheim to call either, but there you are.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
I waste money shopping on the road/on vacation. I come home with another black tee shirt or pair of shoes that don't fit well, but seemed like a good idea in the store. But that “away spending?” It's like a drug.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
I waste time watching network TV. Aurgh.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Upper respiratory infections and osteoporosis.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My parents taught us: If you're going to do something, do it right–the first time– and then you won't have to go back and do it again! Or don't bother.
(Also my dear Mother taught us that on a rainy day you had two choices: Stay home and clean out your closets and drawers–or go shopping! I STILL do that.)
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
I learned procrastination from them. And saving stuff –not like a hoarder, but a pack rat. It was their Depression-era upbringing, I think. But I do love a good 'purge' now. See above re: a rainy day!
What in the world most thrills you?
That first scent of springtime, or alternately autumn, thrills me. And the way the light changes in the morning. Selfishly, I love to answer the phone and hear my agent say the words, “You GOT it!” about a job.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Pop culture trend dislike: the 'ME' generation seems so self-centered, oblivious to anyone else; just walking down the street, no one gives an inch to let the 'oncoming' person pass. What IS that? Also, the need both men and women seem to have for vanity elective plastic surgery really mystifies me.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
I lost my drawers on stage! On the tour of Dr. Dolittle (with Tommy Tune.) Wearing only a sheer petticoat over bloomers for a shipwreck scene, the string in the bloomers broke and they ended up around my ankles! I was wearing tights and a thong, but was otherwise in stripper mode. Thankfully, the actors-playing-animals all gathered around me and effectively hid me from audience view: some carried animal puppets, etc., they used to protect/hide me. Oh, it was hilarious. After.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Cape Cod is my favorite place. It might be where you go when you die. I don't care if it rains or freezes or is perfectly beautiful, I love it there.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Honesty. And a sense of humor.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Although born under the sign of the Lion, I am decidedly a dog person.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
No Day Like Today Dept – Today I had a walk with my sweet dog Sophie, came home & had breakfast, ran errands, took a class, saw an old friend from high school who surprised me (from out of town) before I went to MY BROADWAY SHOW. And then met another old friend who surprised me after the show & we went to Gallagher's for drinks and snacks. AND it was payday. C'mon, what's better than that? Short of a marriage proposal, or winning the lottery. And except for the payday part, I (mostly) get to do it again tomorrow! And, God-willing, for a long time to come…
What is your personal motto?
I believe in treating others as you would like to be treated. Kindness and generosity go a long way in this world.