What’s your perfect time of day?
I’m at my most creative first thing in the morning, so I fantasise about getting a lot done before the day really starts. If I can get up before anybody else and motivate myself to sit at my desk, it’s magical.
If you could live in any era, which would it be?
New York in the late-50s, early-60s jazz era of San Juan Hill, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. It’s amazing to think that this community of musicians would go on to create such extraordinary work: a pure, complex, beautiful and emotionally resonant American art form. To have been around that would have been incredible.
If you could spend an hour with anyone famous, who would it be?
Don Cheadle, who I’ve worked with and love spending time with. We had dinner together the other day, which reminded me not only what incredibly good company he is, but how strong an impression he made on me when we first met. He’s so emotionally intelligent, caring and gifted.
Which time of your life do you daydream about the most?
The energy and hedonism of living in downtown New York for three years in my 20s. I went on this mad health kick and would run seven to 10 miles a day, sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening. One evening, I was running across the downtown bridges when I realised I’d already done it that morning, but I’d forgotten.
When was the last time you stole something?
I’m not good around pens. When I’d come home and pull all these pens that I’d taken from my pockets, I used to try to convince myself that it was subconscious. Now I just think: “I’ll have that.”
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When was the last time you cried?
Quite recently, when I went down a deep nostalgia hole watching Michael, the new film about Michael Jackson. It took me back to the whole phenomenon surrounding him, and to the hero worship I felt when I was 10 years old and the world seemed such a simpler place.
When was the last time you checked social media?
Does the Duolingo app count? It’s teaching me to speak French. I’m pleased to report that I’m on day 304 of my streak. Other learners, who I don’t know personally, message me to say: “Keep going, well done!” and send me the thumbs-up emoji.
What do you never have enough time for?
Many years ago I used to sail and was on a racing team in LA. We’d race boats out of Marina del Rey, up to San Diego. I wish I could find the time to get into that again.
When’s the last time someone mistook you for someone else?
Just the other day, when I went to see the John Lithgow play, Giant, on Broadway. As I was leaving, this very lovely woman came up to me and listed all the films of David Oyelowo.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?
I would say, with the knowledge that things are going to be more or less OK: “Don’t spend so much time panicking and being concerned about the future.”
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