Billy Crudup: ‘My celebrity crush? I got to marry her’

Born in New York state, Billy Crudup, 57, made his film debut in Sleepers in 1996. His subsequent movies include Almost Famous, Big Fish, Mission: Impossible III, Spotlight, Alien: Covenant and most recently Jay Kelly. On TV he has a long-running role in The Morning Show, for which he has won two Emmys, and he stars in High Noon at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre until 6 March.

He has a son, is married to Naomi Watts and lives in New York City. He names flashes of hubris as the trait he most deplores in himself and in others. He describes himself in three words as slow but trying and says his ideal superpower would be relentless kindness.

His most embarrassing moment came when the mic was unplugged during a rambling pep-rally speech; apart from property, the most expensive thing he has bought is an education for his child. He says he has a pretty great mix of fame and anonymity. The greatest love of his life is learning, and love feels like being present where you are.

United States, New York City