Robert Creighton
This season, Robert Creighton plays the legendary, larger-than-life James Cagney in the brand new musical, Cagney at the York Theatre Company. His Broadway career has been rich and varied, with roles in hit shows such as Anything Goes, The Lion King and Chicago. Cagney began as a passion project with creators Peter Colley, Christopher McGovern and Creighton, who is also the co-author of the work. Now, it is on a New York stage with Robert receiving unanimous praise for a performance that is simultaneously nuanced and explosive. We are thrilled and honored to have this great actor On the Couch!
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Optimism and Belief.
What was your proudest moment?
The opening night of my first Broadway show with my entire family in attendance and the world premiere of Cagney at Florida Stage.
What is your favorite drink?
12-year-old Macallan scotch…in my favorite rocks glass…with one large ice cube.
What is your favorite food?
Steak frites and high quality vanilla ice cream for dessert – AND – All-Dressed Crispers, the half-chip half-cracker snack only available in Canada (please send).
What is your favorite condiment?
Ketchup!
What is your current obsession?
Preparing for Cagney and making it excellent. I go to sleep thinking about it – and wake up thinking about it!
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Television.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I'd like to do a meaty lead role in a play on Broadway directed by Daniel Sullivan.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Wine (but is it a waste really?)
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Playing around on my iPhone.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Time.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Like the wise seagull Scuttle sang in The Little Mermaid…Positoovity!
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Time management (or lack thereof). **my wife chose that answer!
What in the world most thrills you?
The fulfillment of dreams and the accomplishment of goals. It can be a little segment on a morning show or a friend winning a Tony award – I constantly find inspiration from people working for it and achieving it.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Times Square “characters.” I am not a violent person and yet I have the constant urge to punch them in their Elmo-face.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
Here's a good one! I forgot to remove my cell phone from my vest pocket after intermission during Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. While on stage as one of the old Inventors in Act 2 the car explodes and we tumble to the ground. My phone flew out of my pocket and slid 10 feet across the stage! Nobody in the audience could have seen it through the smoke, thankfully. It was retrieved by a cast member and given to the stage manager. While both nauseous and on the verge of tears I went back to get it. I walked up to the stage manager…he handed it to me…and we never discussed it again. To this day, there are moments when I've been on my phone in my dressing room and then later on stage I have the irrational flop-sweat fear that I've brought it with me. PTSD!
What is your favorite place in the world?
Muskoka Lakes: a group of lakes a few hours north of Toronto, Canada. Or ANY really nice golf course!
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Glass half-fullness.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. However, we have a cat and I love that cat…as much as he'll let me.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Well…I am married to the most amazing woman I have ever met, have two incredible children, and Cagney is scheduled to premiere in New York so…it is hard to say right now! Winning the lottery would be nice!
What is your personal motto?
I have two: “Good things happen!” & “Smell good ~ feel good!”