Howie Michael Smith

Q & A with Howie Michael Smith who starred as Princeton/Rod 2004 from 27 Sep 2010 - 9 Jan 2011 in the Tony Award winning musical Avenue Q, now playing Off-Broadway at the New World Stages / Stage 3.

Birthday?
September 6th.

Place of birth?
Connellsville PA.

You now live in?
NYC.

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
Carnegie Mellon.

As an actor, do you have a preference for stage, tv or film?
There is nothing like having a live audience, so theatre. Or maybe a live audience sitcom. But those are terrible now!

Your first stage performance was?
My first musical was 'Babes in Arms'.

Career highlight to date?
Loved singing with the Pittsburgh Symphony. And, of course, Avenue Q.

What roles would you most like to play?
I just want someone to please write something new and original and smart and then that's what I want to do.

Whats the best advice you have ever received?
Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
I almost fell off the stage once. I stopped myself and was freaked out. The audience enjoyed it though!

What is the most annoying part about your job?
LOTS of body pain!!!

Briefly tell us how you become involved with Avenue Q
After it had been on Broadway for about a year I went to an open call....seven callbacks later there I was! I'm getting close to playing the role 1,200 times!

Briefly tell us about the character you play in Avenue Q?
Princeton is a wide eyed college grad trying to find his 'Purpose' in New York. And Rod is a closeted investment banker..and a Republican.

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I'm sure it would've had something to do with saving animals. If I could I would have a farm with hundreds of them...still might.

Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
Peter Sellers and Steve Carell are at the top of that list. They do the perfect balance of comic-reality. It's my favorite stuff to see.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
I would enjoy sitting and chatting with Jim Henson for an afternoon....and then play with puppets!

Favorite after-show haunts?
I love being at home!

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favorite authors?
David Sedaris always hits me with something I don't expect. Highly enjoyable!

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favorite movies?
I'm not ashamed to say that I love really terrible horror movies!

Favorite TV programs?
The Office, 30 Rock, Modern Family, The Middle, Parks and Recreation, Community. Really smart writing.

Favorite holiday destinations?
Love the beach but I don't like flying for too long. So always up for a quick trip to Florida.

Do you have any hobbies?
Working out, writing, perhaps a little Wii.

Do you have any superstitions?
I do this thing at the top of Act 2 in Q. In the dark while the entr'acte is playing I run all the way across the stage and touch a set of stairs on the set and then I run to my place before the lights come on. I have no idea why. It's just something I've always done.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Matches, Water, and an Airplane.

What are your future plans?
After I finish this cup of coffee I'm going over to the fridge....