Bebe Neuwirth
Bebe Neuwirth, official Broadway royalty, and winner of almost every award possible, joins us On The Couch this week.
If a run down of her extensive list of credits is needed for this intro, then, respectfully, where have you been living for the past forty years?
A two time Tony Award winner for her roles in Sweet Charity and Chicago (where she remains the only actress to have played all three leading ladies: Velma, Roxy and Mama Morton), she’s join the ranks of nominees this season, along alongside fellow Cabaret cast mates Eddie Redmayne, Gayle Rankin and Steven Skybell. Her depiction of Fraulein Schneider is truly breathtaking. Broadway is lucky to have her back.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Honesty.
What was your proudest moment?
I was quite proud of myself when I learned to ride a bicycle without training wheels.
What is your favorite drink?
Yuzu lemonade from Patisserie Fouet.
What is your favorite food?
My husband makes sensational pancakes.
What is your favorite condiment?
Grainy French mustard
What is your current obsession?
Cinnamon rolls from Smør Bakery.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Sugar!
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I’ve got an idea for a theatre piece; it’s a musical adaptation of a book. I’d love to be able to make that happen.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Looking at Bluesky. (The only social media I use.)
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
If “Entropy is Time’s arrow”, then Time is surely the greatest threat. (Meanwhile, as Time marches, Stress isn’t doing me any favors.)
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Honesty.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
I get to the airport far too early. (Worry. I inherited/learned Worry.)
What in the world most thrills you?
The Atlantic Ocean during a blizzard at the beach
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I’ve had some pretty awful auditions; the kind where you can’t get out the door quickly enough and forget the whole thing ever happened. . .
What is your favorite place in the world?
I have a feeling Japan is going to be my favorite place in the world if I ever get there. Until then, I love being in the woods.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Kindness, honesty, humor.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Cats
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
This might be the most difficult question. There are so many possible sources of joy. Vibrant, good health – of one’s own and of loved ones. Compassionate friendships. Creative, inspiring, and generous collaborators. A calm and loving home. I suppose the assurance of these things, as well as a few others, would make an excellent day. . .
What is your personal motto?
I don’t have a personal motto. But I can tell you this – I strive always for truthfulness, compassion, and authenticity. (I once heard Lauren Bacall say “without humor, there is no point”. So there’s that too.)