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ShareBruce Greenwood, aka the formidable Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek (2009), aka Jack Dunphy in Capote, aka the ruthless CEO of U.S. Robotics in I, Robot, aka that really, really bad husband in Double Jeopardy, aka the man with no identity in Nowhere Man—to name but a few of his film and TV roles—shows up as yet another character for PopMatters 20 Questions. We think this might provide a glimpse of the real Bruce—a rather erudite cake designer with a mean edge on a ’53 Telecaster, among other things.
Watch for Greenwood in Mao’s Last Dancer (premiered at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival), and the drama Barney’s Version, based on the novel by Mordecai Richler, and the upcoming drama Meek’s Cutoff, opposite Michelle Williams for director Kelly Reichardt.
1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?
A Soldier of the Great War, by Mark Helprin, who also wrote Freddy and Frederika, which will make you laugh out loud. Literally.
2. The fictional character most like you?
The absent-minded professor.
3. The greatest album, ever?
Allman Brothers, Live at Fillmore East.
4. Star Trek or Star Wars?
Uh, gee, let me think…
5. Your ideal brain food?
Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games, by Laszlo Polgar.
6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?
Being able to push a bead on quarter-inch steel and controlling puddle depth. Why? Why not?
7. You want to be remembered for…?
Dying at an impossibly old age.
8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?
Mandela, Proust, Rilke, Churchill, Einstein, Koufax , Patrick Russell (1970 French National Ski Team).
9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?
E= MC2, or the Aubrey-Maturin series, all 20 of them.
10. Your hidden talents…?
I have a gift. Cake designing. And icing work.
11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Get dressed before coming downstairs.
12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?
A ’53 Telecaster.
13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or…?
I’m always in jeans, but if I’m in Armani at least I know I’m not paying for dinner.
14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?
Stevie Ray Vaughn.
15. Time travel: where, when and why?
Athens, 400 BC, Socrates is talking…
16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?
Amp to 11, favorite Strat, Beer. Or 400 miles offshore in a 37 foot sloop.
17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or…?
That would be coffee. Fresh espresso, just roasted beans. Crema.
18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?
So easy; west coast of Canada, either mountains or islands, it’s all perfect.
19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?
Pay the teachers. A lot. Then double the number. Then double the teachers.
20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Curing tennis elbow so I can play guitar without crying.
