Born in Maryland, Richard Schiff, 70, came to fame when he was cast in Steven Spielberg’s 1997 film The Lost World: Jurassic Park. From 1999 to 2006 he played Toby Ziegler in the TV drama The West Wing, receiving an Emmy for his performance. Other work includes the series The Good Doctor and Ballers, and the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He stars in Copenhagen at Hampstead Theatre until 2 May. He is married with two children and lives in Montana and New York City.
What is your greatest fear?
People finding out my greatest fear.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Martin Sheen, simply the kindest and most fun-loving person and serious activist I’ve ever known. If Jesus was alive today he’d point to Martin Sheen and say, “That’s what I was talking about.”
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My lack of foreign language skills.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Inability to listen.
Describe yourself in three words
Quietly somewhat funny.
What makes you unhappy?
When I fall into solipsism.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The many coffee stains on my shirts, sweaters, suits, slacks and socks.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Jessie Buckley.
What scares you about getting older?
Getting even older.
Who is your celebrity crush?
It was and is Diane Keaton. I worked with her once but had the good fortune to meet her later and we had a wonderful hour-long conversation about who knows what.
What is the worst thing anyone’s ever said to you?
Hasn’t happened yet, it’s coming.
What was the last lie that you told?
I don’t lie. That one.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Bad movies.
To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
Both parents, I’ll write the book someday.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife, Sheila Kelley. We are more in love now than ever before and it shocks us both every day.
Have you ever said “I love you” without meaning it?
Yes, to Amy Adams. We had run into each other, we’d worked together a couple of times and were friendly, we chatted for a bit and I said I had to leave and I blurted it out. I still don’t know why except that’s probably a clue as to why the world responds to her the way that they do.
What keeps you awake at night?
Wondering why I can’t sleep.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
Fame is overrated, so is money once you have enough to be comfortable, so by elimination …
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Showing up is at least 90% of it.
What happens when we die?
There are no more interviews.