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What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Every single person and living creature on the planet is safe and well nourished.
What is your greatest fear?
Any misfortune involving our kids. Also, I have recurring nightmares that involve being chased by people or being attacked by scary animals.
With which historical figure do you most identify?
Houdini.
Which living person do you most admire?
My wife, all those who contribute something of beauty, and scientists.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Home improvements and uxorious gifts.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Stoicism. If it hurts, say so.
On what occasion do you lie?
Whenever I’m acting, which I try to do truthfully (a delicious paradox).
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Emilie, Charlie, and River.
When and where were you happiest?
The first time Emilie and I kissed.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wouldn’t mind being able to locate the pickles in the refrigerator.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“I am what I am, and that’s all that I am.” —Popeye
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I’ve never had a cavity.
What is your most treasured possession?
Our shared life force. I also like my new piano.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Solitary confinement.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Some people say, “He’s so Jeff Goldblum.”
What do you most value in your friends?
Kindness, intelligence, humor.
Who are your favorite writers?
F. Scott Fitzgerald, Arthur Miller, Yuval Noah Harari, Thelonious Monk, Robert Towne, Rodgers and Hart.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Detective Meyer Landsman, the main character in Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. When I was a kid, I liked Zorro.
Who are your heroes in real life?
The playmakers for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What are your favorite names?
Charlie Ocean and River Joe.
What is it that you most dislike?
Deliberate cruelty. And itchy tags inside shirts.
How would you like to die?
With a clear conscience. Or like the Elephant Man in the David Lynch movie.
