Jarrod Spector
Jarrod Spector is as current as any great talent on Broadway today. That being said, he sure has a knack for portraying the icons of the past. This Tony Awards season, Jarrod is nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his fabulous portrayal of songwriter Barry Mann in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, nominated for seven Tony Awards itself, including Best Musical. Jarrod made a name for himself as Frankie Valli in the now worldwide sensation, Jersey Boys, and has performed in major productions of Les Miserables and Hamlet. His presence on stage at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre cannot be missed. But before checking out Beautiful, check out Jarrod’s On the Couch!
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I've been told I'm a good listener. Also I've got a sweet ass.
What was your proudest moment?
Presenting my fiancée with her engagement ring (she'd already said yes, but the ring itself came after). That I'd worked long and hard enough to afford any ring at all, and that I'd apparently done enough good over the course of my life to deserve such a woman…the confluence of those two realizations made for a genuinely proud moment.
What is your favorite drink?
My morning coffee. Without question.
What is your favorite food?
Fusilli with red wine braised octopus and bone marrow from Marea. Might be the best dish in the world. And now I'm hungry. Dammit.
What is your favorite condiment?
Sriracha. Oh! Or real maple syrup. But not together.
What is your current obsession?
My fiancée and I recently watched the documentary Forks Over Knives and have gone DEEP down the rabbit hole of eating healthy. We got a great juicer. We may go broke buying organic produce.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Procrastination. I think. I'll come back to this question later.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Any role in any medium where I have to train to learn how to do something. I don't even care what–sword fighting, horseback riding, ukulele, yo-yo, whatever.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Cabs!
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
I don't necessarily waste time doing any one thing, it just takes me too long to do everything. I started filling out these questions five hours ago.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Stress. And my affinity for bacon.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
The determination to settle for nothing less than true love.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
I worry a lot. And I'm guilty of a corny joke every now and again.
What in the world most thrills you?
Sex. Anyone who answers differently is lying, didn't think of it, or is doing it wrong.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Reality shows about EVERYTHING. Not every niche of every culture needs its own camera crew. Also there's nothing “real” about housewives, dance moms, Shahs, Beverly Hills brats or anyone else if there's a boom operator right in front of them.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
One time at Jersey Boys I re-injured a previously sprained ankle (which I thought had healed) onstage when running down a flight of stairs. I made it through the scene standing on one leg, limped/hopped off stage, crumpled in a pathetic crying heap in the wings and they had to stop the show to replace me. Only time I've ever had to leave a show in the middle. It was pretty f^@*ing embarrassing.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Tulum, Mexico. Also my bed.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
See Barrett, Kelli.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Cats aren't company.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Marriage/baby/lottery.
What is your personal motto?
Know Thyself.