Jak Malone
We’re ending the season with none other than Jak Malone—TONY Award nominee, Olivier Award winner, and the unforgettable Hester Leggatt (and others) in Operation Mincemeat at The Golden Theatre. With a performance that’s equal parts hilarious and totally heartbreaking, Jak has earned a spot among the season’s most celebrated talents. You can find him perfecting a Yorkshire gravy, dressing up his Italian greyhound, Dracula, or eating leftovers cooked by his partner Jasmine. He loves the fans (self-named “Mincefluencers”) and admits that the show has grown almost completely as a result of their powerful word of mouth – still the most powerful marketing tool.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
This is admittedly a bit yuck, but I’m going to have to say my creativity. Because honestly, I’m bloody proud of it. I cultivated it. I look after it. It was handed down to me by my very fun and zany mother and it’s a consistent source of personal satisfaction and joy. When I’m feeling bad or things aren’t working out, I’m so grateful I have my creative pursuits to fall back on.
What was your proudest moment?
Winning the Olivier award has to take it. Obviously it was a really lovely thing to be recognised for my work, and I hope people still believe me when I say it was completely unexpected. But the proudest moment really was getting to deliver my acceptance speech and tell everyone about my grandmother, Nanny Joan. She passed away in 2011 but her influence is everywhere and I still miss her terribly. To this day, she inspires me to keep going. To get that opportunity to say her name in that moment was a true honour and is something I’m extremely grateful for.
What is your favorite drink?
Peach iced tea. Delicious, refreshing, sweet but usually not too sweet. Took a while for it to catch on in the UK but now you can get it anywhere and it’s a firm favourite of mine.
What is your favorite food?
You simply can’t beat bread, or a derivative thereof. In London my local supermarket sells what they call a ‘Well Fired Loaf’. It’s essentially a burned loaf of crusty bread. I used to wonder if I was the only person who came in to buy it. Now that I’m in New York I expect the whole company has gone under. How sad.
What is your favorite condiment?
Does gravy count? I love gravy. I love to make gravy. No two gravy’s I’ve made have ever been the same. Will I use real meat juices or store bought stock? Gravy salt? Gravy browning? Worcestershire sauce? What herbs will I use? Will I put wine in it? I’m like the Willy Wonka of gravy.
What is your current obsession?
I’m on a quest to try all of the best pizza spots in NYC. So far Joe’s is miles in the lead. Recommendations welcome.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
This may come as a surprise considering I’ve just gone on and on about delicious meaty gravy. But there’s a big part of me that wants to be vegetarian, maybe even vegan. I tried once and I didn’t manage it. But I’ve always imagined more veggies in my future.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I’m a huge horror fan and would love a role in one of my favourite horror franchises. Evil Dead, Halloween, Friday 13th. There’s so many I love. Or a Stephen King adaptation. It would be my version of a trip to Disneyland.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Clothes for my dog. His name is Dracula. He’s an Italian greyhound so he’s short haired and very skinny and does need to be dressed if it’s cold outside. But he definitely doesn’t need as many clothes as we’ve bought for him. One or two outfits would do. But we’re reaching a level where he might need his own wardrobe. We just can’t help ourselves.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
We’re back to the dog again. Sometimes I intend to have an entirely productive afternoon and everything is set out for me to do so. But then Draxie jumps up on to my lap and then it’s game over. We’ll cuddle for hours. He’s very affectionate and I can’t resist.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Salt. I’m really trying to cut down.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My mum taught me to be imaginative and playful and to find enjoyment at all costs. She taught me to pull every creative thread that presented itself. My life is so rich because of all that stuff.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Both my dad and I are very annoyed by people in public. Slow walkers, loud talkers, loud chewers, I’ve basically given up ever going to the cinema. Too annoying.
What in the world most thrills you?
As mentioned above, I love horror movies. And I believe there’s no better way to enjoy one than waiting until you’re home alone at night time, turning off every light in the house and putting on the most terrifying film you can find. It’s safe scares and really good fun.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
I’ve been noticing that my sisters and younger family members are posting photos of themselves with their hands covering their faces. Like it’s a nice photo of them enjoying a day with friends but all of them have their hands over their noses. I find it really strange. If you don’t like how you look then don’t take or post the photo. I can’t get on board with it.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Doing one show for as long as I’ve done operation mincemeat means by brain does turn to soup. Occasionally my lines will come out as absolute nonsense. If I’m lucky I’ll catch it in time and pivot too the correct line. I once replaced the line ‘fine British oak’ to ‘five minute yolk’.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Liverpool. Wonderful city. Next time you visit the UK, give yourself a day or two to stop in and enjoy Liverpool.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Patience. And silliness.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
I think we know the answer don’t we? Dogs, big time!
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
I’d like to buy my mum a nice house by the sea. If I could somehow do that today, It would be a blessing and a relief.
What is your personal motto?
If it’s kind and it’s free, do it!