Every day is opening night.

Wayne Duvall

Wayne Duvall

Wayne Duvall, Captain in Broadway’s Swept Away joins us On The Couch this week. Duvall has been with this show for years and is reprising the role he played out of town. He says that the opening night of this show on Broadway will be his proudest moment.

As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, Bill Gates speaks with Chef Eitan Bernath at the Goalkeepers food truck for the annual Goalkeepers NYC event, hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, September 22, 2024. The event is a catalyst for action linked to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Goals, bringing together leaders and changemakers from around the world to make progress towards ending poverty, fighting inequality, and stopping climate change by 2030.

A master at his craft, you might recognize Wayne from movies like A Quiet Place 2, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and O Brother, among many others. He was last seen on Broadway in George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984 back in 2017 and before that, has had a long career working regionally and off-Broadway.

Read our full interview below to hear his mother’s wise words.

What do you consider to be your best asset?
Loyalty

What was your proudest moment?
It will be opening night of Swept Away.

What is your favorite drink?
Grey Goose and tonic with lime

What is your favorite food?
Coconut Cake (no lemon filling)

What is your favorite condiment?
Anything Truffle

What is your current obsession?
Duolingo

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Ice Cream

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Successful Acting Teacher

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Grubhub

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Watching Television

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Dessert

What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
From Mom: “I don’t care what you do in life but if you want to be a plumber, be a master plumber.” “Do what you love and strive to be the best at it.”

What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Can’t think of a single one.

What in the world most thrills you?
Seeing someone I love succeed.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Faces in phones

What was the most embarrassing moment you experienced on the job?
A famous director berated all day on a film set and I didn’t stand up for myself.

What is your favorite place in the world?
Center orchestra seat for a great play or front mezz for a musical

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Sense of humor

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
My father would walk through the front door. (He passed when I was 13)

What is your personal motto?
Life is short, do what you love.