Jessica Keenan Wynn
For Jessica Keenan Wynn, showbiz runs in the family (she’s fifth generation!), but she holds her own as one-half of the hit-making songwriting team Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann in the Broadway musical Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. Jessica made her Broadway debut as Weil, the larger-than-life lyricist and icon of music’s golden age. Her previous credits include a raucous performance as Heather Chandler in Heathers: The Musical at New World Stages. She also appeared in the 25th Anniversary production of Les Miserables. We’re thrilled to have Jessica Keenan Wynn chillin’ On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Humidity hair. It’s a great talking point and wonderful icebreaker (nice pun).
What was your proudest moment?
Screaming obscenities in Trader Joe’s, while on the phone with Stephen Kopel as he told me I would be joining the Broadway company. I walked 30 blocks home in a winter snow that day.
What is your favorite drink?
WINE. ALL. (not Moscato)
What is your favorite food?
Avocados. Mexican is my go to.
What is your favorite condiment?
Dijon mustard. Grey Poupon since Broadway came into the picture.
What is your current obsession?
Horoscopes, by Chani Nicholas. She is a cosmic powerhouse. I’m an urban hippie.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Blind popcorn binging. It’s a problem.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Originating a role on Broadway. Also, I would kill to do a play (and that can be off off off the Broadway).
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
FOOD. ALL. (except meat. I’m no ANIMAL)
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Sitting on Streeteasy looking at all the $3000 closets in Brooklyn.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
ALL WINE & ALL FOOD TOGETHER. But it’s all in moderation…including moderation.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Wit. My family is full of narcissists and comedians. It was a TV episode at every gathering. Had to think fast to compete.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Fear.
What in the world most thrills you?
Traveling. I am traveling alone to Italy next month and I can’t wait. I’ve never been there and I’ve never done anything like this on my own. It’s thrilling.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
The incessant picture-taking. If you are at a museum LOOK at the art…don’t take a picture of it and walk away. What is that? Infuriating.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
While waiting tables, I spilled red wine all over a woman’s white Theory pants. She wasn’t satisfied with a comped check or us laundering her cabernet slacks. I was a singing waiter then, so I probably sang something like “Over the Rainbow” and cried into a Shrimp Scampi.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere outside that’s quiet and open for miles.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Great smile. A weird/awkward smile tells SO much about what’s brewing or festering internally.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Woof.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Already is. It’s all we have…right now.
What is your personal motto?
Lately it’s been: “Don’t give up, just give in.”