On a scale of a rush ticket to house seats, where does Giant star John Lithgow fit? This is “NYQ,” a series in which we find out how “New York” notable New Yorkers really are.
How long have you lived in New York City? Off and on since 1969.
If you could make one subway etiquette rule a law, what would it be? Just be nice. Be kind.
Someone bumps into you on the subway. How do you respond? Thank you. It’s usually a compliment.
Your train line is down and you’re running late. What do you do? Get up and walk.
Your cab driver is taking you on a horrible route. Do you interrupt? Absolutely. I once drove a cab myself. I was an out-of-work actor. What can I tell you? Some people waited tables. I worked at a radio station and behind the wheel of a yellow taxi.
Someone tries to hand you a flyer on the street. What do you do? Walk right past. Walk on by.
It’s a blinking red light and you’re about to cross. Do you wait till it says walk, or do you cross? I sprint. I try to bring back my youth.
It’s a long holiday weekend and you know the city will empty out. Where do you go first? Café Luxembourg.
Your family’s coming to town and they only gave you short notice. What do you do with them? Send them to the Natural History Museum.
Would you rather transfer trains or walk? Transfer trains. There’s always something to read.
Someone tells you they think the rats are actually cute. How do you respond? In some circumstances.
Have you ever actually been to Staten Island? Of course. I’ve even shot a movie there.
What’s your phone area code? 917.
Do you think area codes still matter? Yeah. They know I’m from New York.
Do you call Manhattan “the city” or just “Manhattan”? The city.
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a coffee in New York City? I ignore the price.
Do you own a car? No. I’m no fool.
Best New York celebrity sighting — other than yourself? Shaquille O’Neal.
You know you’re a New Yorker when … I don’t know. I guess I still haven’t gotten used to it. It’s the city of discovery, so I just keep waiting.
You’re old enough to remember when … I went everywhere by bicycle.
What’s a place that closed that you wish you could bring back?
Lüchow’s, a German restaurant down near Madison Square Garden.
How much do you pay when you go to the Met Museum? I have friends at the Met Museum.
Last time you hailed a yellow cab? Probably yesterday.
Last thing you used your famous-person status for in New York? Restaurant reservations. It doesn’t always work. I have to pretend I’m my own assistant.
How many times have you moved to New York City? I’ve been moving in and out of New York City ever since 1982.
Has your phone ever gone off during a live performance? Yeah. I was sitting right in front of the director at a preview performance, and it happened during a long and very important pause. Truly one of the worst moments of my life.
Have you ever fallen asleep in the audience at something?
Oh, regularly. My father always called it “a wonderful occasion for a nap.”
What’s the longest you’ve ever waited on a subway platform? Between shows once, there was a terrible rainstorm. Everything was flooded. I ended up going upstairs and walking to the theater in driving rain. I was five minutes late for my entrance and my hair was still wet. The train never arrived.