Tom Kirdahy
Tom Kirdahy was a public advocate in New York where he provided legal assistance in civil matter to low-income clients, specializing in representing people with HIV or AIDS pro-bono. He met playwright Terrence McNally during the summer of 2001, and quickly became close with him. The couple united in a civil ceremony in Vermont in 2003, and were legally married in April 2010 on the banks of the Potomac. Tyne Daly recited poetry at their wedding, and is currently starring in Terrence's Mothers and Sons on Broadway, which is also being produced by Tom. Find out what his current obsession is as we get him On The Couch!
What do you consider to be your best asset?
It's definitely not my nose. I hope it's my sense of humor.
What was your proudest moment?
I was named Valedictorian of my college class at NYU and gave the speech at our Baccalaureate ceremony. My entire family was in the audience. I loved making my parents proud. And justifying all the money they'd spent educating me.
What is your favorite drink?
Seltzer with lemon lime. I drink tons of it.
What is your favorite food?
Fried calamari. If it's on a menu, I order it.
What is your favorite condiment?
Mustard.
What is your current obsession?
Making sure that young people see Mothers and Sons.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Fried calamari.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Why lie? I'd love to be lead producer on a Tony Award winning show.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Cabs.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Facebook.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Fried calamari.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
I've gotta go with two: patience and kindness.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Sometimes I wish I didn't trust people so immediately.
What in the world most thrills you?
Sitting in a dark theatre and holding my husband's hand while witnessing something breathtaking on stage. There's nothing like it.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Spelling shortcuts while texting. I just can't warm up to “C u l8er”
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
Memory is selective so I've probably erased a ton of them from my mind, but I'm an attorney and I do remember spilling coffee on myself and then being called into court at the exact moment it happened. My white shirt was COMPLETELY coffee stained and steam was literally coming out of it. My shirt was half brown and smoke was coming out of it while I was arguing the case and the judge, opposing counsel and all acted as though nothing was happening until finally the court officer said “Mr. Kirdahy, you look uncomfortable, are you okay?” It was so hot I was in agony but I pretended as though I had no idea what he was talking about. We won the case– probably for the sheer brazenness of the behavior.
What is your favorite place in the world?
My first impulse is to say home in front of the fireplace, but I confess if someone said you could be there or in Paris I'd be on a plane in a flash…
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
That one's easy: a sense of humor.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
This one's even easier. Dogs, dogs, dogs. I can't get enough of them.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Misogyny, homophobia and racism would be wiped out.
What is your personal motto?
I have two: “Fight for justice” and “ciao for now.”