My MoBay — Taye Diggs
American film & theatre actor
What are your earliest memories of Montego Bay?
Was when I was filmed How Stelle Got Her Groove Back at Round Hill. Waking up to the sea and realising just how blessed I was to be in this movie, shooting in Jamaica, at an amazing resort.
What’s the most memorable meal that you have enjoyed in Montego Bay?
The seafood here is a completely different experience from the States’s, especially the shrimp.
What would you do if you were mayor of Montego Bay for a day, what would be your first order of business?
My cousin Shane and I just wrote our second children’s book Mixed Me!, so I would get those copies out to all of the libraries and schools.
What would be your do-go-sees to a first-time visitor to Montego Bay?
Locally-owned businesses.
What’s your beverage of choice?
On the island, the rum-based cocktail Jamaican Smile. More globally, vodka soda with extra lime.
Share the title of the last book you read?
The Tools: Transform Your Problems Into Courage, Confidence and Creativity by Phil Stutz & Barry Michels.
What artistes are in heavy rotation on your MP3 playlist?
Sam Smith, Drake, Jay-Z, and Kanye West.
Wha’s your personal fragrance?
Egyptian musk mixed with… and the rest is a secret.
Best trait?
I think I’m kind…
Worst trait?
But I can also be judgmental.
Last time you were moved to tears?
In Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Every night when I’d been singing the final song I’d get overcome with emotion.
When was your last time you dropped some serious cash?
Probably on retail in Los Angeles. Shoes, sneakers, and fashion-forward slacks.
What is your life philosophy?
Love.
As an ethnic actor how important a get was the role of Hedwig for you?
I still haven’t come down from it. It was less political and more personal for me. That character’s life mirrored mine.
What do you think it will take for the United States to more from a culture of mere multiculturalism and embrace one of interculturalism?
Everybody needs to come to Jamaica. You guys do interculturalism very well. Granted I’m only a tourist, I’m sure Jamaica has its own problems, but I don’t see it.
In the affairs of the pocket, what’s your best piece of financial advice?
Save.
What are your warm-weather travel essentials?
Handkerchief to dab. I call it my Whitney (Houston) rag. And an undershirt.
What dream role continues to elude Taye Diggs?
I want to play a superhero.
Love and marriage… is there space for more?
Absolutely, love. Maybe, marriage.
Word association: How Stella Got Her Groove Back?
Big break.
What’s the one social skill every man should possess?
Respect.