Des McAnuff
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I’m a good storyteller and, additionally, I’m resilient when the stories aren’t so good.
What was your proudest moment?
The first time I laid eyes on my newborn daughter, Julia. I asked myself what could I have possibly done to deserve this little person coming into my life. Nothing else really comes close to that.
What is your favorite drink?
A Bombay Sapphire martini, straight up, bone dry, with a twist.
What is your favorite food?
I truly love Indian food, particularly when it’s accompanied by one of those martinis.
What is your favorite condiment?
Having grown up in Canada, I put butter on everything.
What is your current obsession?
Formula 1 racing. It’s my ambition to see every Grand Prix on the international circuit and I hope there’s always at least one more to go.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I would stop eating Twizzlers by the fistful in technical rehearsals.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I’d love to direct Meryl Streep in anything.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Room service.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
I have a Fitbit and I’m never satisfied with anything under 20,000 steps.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Walking myself to death.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My mother taught me to make my hobby my profession.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My mother taught me to make my hobby my profession.
What in the world most thrills you?
Waking up to see my beautiful wife in the morning light.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Walking down the street in the middle of a sea of zombies staring at those narcissistic little cell phones and realizing I’m holding one myself.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
There have been so many, it’s hard to choose. Once, while demonstrating how to operate a golf cart in a scene onstage, I drove it at top speed directly into a wall, almost killing my two assistants by running over them.
What is your favorite place in the world?
I really love Pienza in Tuscany, but with any luck, it will become the Imperial Theatre on 45th St. in New York.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Forgiveness.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
I adore both, but my border collie George would be pissed off if I didn’t say dogs.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Starting rehearsal on that Meryl Streep project.
What is your personal motto?
“He that is not busy being born is busy dying.”