Mark Linn-baker

Q & A with Mark Linn-Baker, who starred in the Broadway premiere of Relatively Speaking, three one-act plays by Ethan Coen, Elaine May and Woody Allen, which played at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre from 20 Sep 2011 - 29 Jan 2012.

Birthday?
June 17, 1954

Place of birth?
St. Louis Missouri!

You now live in?
New York, NY

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
Yale School of Drama '79.

Your first stage performance was?
A five year old Hamlet... all I remember are the tights....

Career highlight to date?
I have enjoyed being in successful runs of some great theater shows on Broadway and off-Broadway, I have had a few wonderful TV experiences (including the 8 season run of Perfect Strangers), and been in some wonderful films... I have worked with some of the great theater, TV and film artist of our time and that has been emormously gratifying....

What roles would you most like to play?
I like the ones that look like me....

What's the best advice you have ever received?
I assume you are asking about advice on acting. The best advice I have received in that regard: Say the words, don't bump into the furniture.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
Life is embarrassing, thats why we actors hide on stage where no one can see us!

What is the most annoying part about your job?
At this time in the economic life of our country I don't think there is anyone who can afford to be annoyed by having a job!

Briefly tell us how you become involved with Relatively Speaking?
I auditioned for Relatively Speaking over the summer....

Briefly tell us about the character you play in Relatively Speaking?
I play Sam Roth, the father of the bride, in Woody Allen's HONEYMOON MOTEL

Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
Right now my favorite actors/ actresses are the ones with whom I share the stage 8 times a week at the Brooks Atkinson where we are making people laugh long and loud with some incredibly funny material....

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
If I could meet anyone in the world I would prefer to meet them alive.... why would I meet them dead? and what would I say if I was dead? I'm confused....

Favorite after-show haunts?
The West Bank Cafe and Bar Centrale are my favs!

What was the last Broadway show you saw?
The Book Of Mormon.... Amazing, game changing show!

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favorite movies?
My favorite film of all time is DR. STRANGELOVE...

Favorite TV programs?
Modern Family.... and, of course, Perfect Strangers....

Do you have any superstitions?
I am very observant of rituals performed at the mention of the Scottish play when backstage in a theater....

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
If I were stranded on a desert island it would have to be one with a terrific four or five star hotel/spa.... in which case I would only need a passport, a credit card, and a taxi from the airport...

What are your future plans?
I hope to be stuck at the Brooks Atkinson with Relatively Speaking for quite some time!