Michael Urie
Michael Urie tells the story of stumbling across a copy of Torch Song Trilogy in his high school drama club in Texas. At the time, he imagined himself as the young runaway David. Then after Juilliard and star-making performances on television’s “Ugly Betty” and “Younger,” he started thinking of himself more as the sexually confused Ed, or maybe the hustler turned model Alan. It wasn’t until producer Richie Jackson and director Moisés Kaufman called him asking if he’d be interested in playing Arnold, did he imagine stepping into the role originally written and played by Harvey Fierstein. Now, after an acclaimed Off-Broadway run which garnered him some of the best reviews of his career, he brings his touching, hilarious, and heartbreaking turn as Arnold Beckoff to the Hayes Theater where he is originating his first ever role on Broadway. Ahead of Harvey’s Fierstein’s Torch Song opening night next week, we luckily grabbed a second with Michael On The Couch!
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My tiping skylls. Dammit.
What was your proudest moment?
I know it’s strange, and probably not the kind of proud you mean, but I can’t remember being as proud as when I saw Boys in the Band. Not only that my friends Michael Benjamin Washington, Robin DeJesus, Andrew Rannells and the rest were up there killing it. Not only that this messy brilliant play was on Broadway and selling like hotcakes. But, it was a full company out gay actors on Broadway playing gay characters. I was overflowing with pride.
What is your favorite drink?
Laphroaig if it’s booze, Lacroix (peach pear) if it’s not.
What is your favorite food?
Steak.
What is your favorite condiment?
Tabasco. I even keep some at the theater.
What is your current obsession?
My daily playlist from Spotify. I listen as I beat my face for the opening scene of Torch Song. Always good stuff.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Reading Twitter.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
To play a superhero.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Marvel movies.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Watching Marvel movies.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Ruining my knees doing physical comedy.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Money saving.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Worrying about my loved ones. If i don’t hear from my partner Ryan, I’m 100% sure he’s dead in a gutter somewhere. Thanks, mom!
What in the world most thrills you?
Spontaneity on stage.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
The President.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
In 2005, I was doing King Stag at Seattle Rep. The play began with me as a silly Italian commedia clown dragging a giant birdcage on wheels with a man-sized bird inside. I gave the audience some backstory and then began to personally introduce myself to audience members and ask them questions about themselves. It was usually quite funny. One night, there were like three people in a row from totally different parts of the world, Japan, Russia, Africa – that varied. Really fascinating! In my frantic improvy brain, I thought I should say something about how exciting that is – it’s like looking at the United Nations! But for some reason “looking at United Nations” didn’t get from my brain to my mouth. Instead I said, “it’s like Windows on the World!”…… UM…… Windows on the World was the name of the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center…………… WTF, brain? Humiliating.
That story was almost dethroned just two nights ago when my dog wandered from the dressing rooms at the Hayes down the three flights of stairs to the stage level and into the stage right wing… Luckily she didn’t make it all the way to Arnold Beckhoff’s apartment…….
What is your favorite place in the world?
New York. (Except in the rain)
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Patience.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs, offstage.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Big news from Robert Mueller.
What is your personal motto?
Follow the green lights. (Stolen from Michael Patrick King).