Go Away With … Michael Rosenbaum

By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Content Agency
November 8, 2016

It has been years since Michael Rosenbaum portrayed Lex Luthor on “Smallville,” but fans still recognize the actor from his portrayal of the diabolical villain. He has the starring role in TV Land’s “Impastor,” where he portrays a low-life gambler hiding from loan sharks by pretending to be a small-town gay pastor. Born in New York and raised in Indiana, Rosenbaum, 44, resides in Southern California. Fans may follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. Disney World. Stay at the Animal Kingdom and get a view of all the awesome animals in the park. You can get your own private animal tour and it doesn’t cost much. Also, have lunch at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater. And don’t stop riding on Tower of Terror and Space Mountain ‘til you puke.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

A. Vancouver, British Columbia, is pretty incredible. If you go at the right time of the year, it’s just absolutely perfect. I’ve never been to a cleaner place in my life. I’m sure God is proud of Canadians for keeping it so beautiful.

Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A. Always bring a Xanax and an Imodium and you’re good to go.

Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much you thought you could live there?

A. I absolutely loved Australia. I was there three years in a row and it’s the only place I’ve loved enough to consider moving to. The people are amazing and there are a million things to see and do. I couldn’t stop doing an Australian accent. I’m not sure anyone really liked it.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. Living in Los Angeles, I’m pretty close to Vegas, so it’s nice to have the option of getting a little dirty for the weekend. I just took a bunch of friends there to see Lionel Richie and Hall and Oates, actually. I also enjoy taking a quick flight to San Jose to spend a nice weekend with my pal Brent Burns, who plays (hockey) for the San Jose Sharks. He and his wife, Susan, are awesome and I’m like their third child. I love going up to Big Bear during Christmas, as well. Two hours away from L.A. and you can play in the snow and get a great steak and a nice crispy salad at the Captains Anchorage (http://captainsanchorage.com/).

Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A. I always remember going to New York for the holidays with the family. It was always hell, but there were a lot of good times. Just waking up at my grandmother Ruthy’s house in Long Island on Christmas morning and driving into a rarely empty Manhattan was pretty memorable. There’s nothing like New York during Christmastime — ice-skating, Central Park, hot chocolate, Macy’s, FAO Schwarz. I bought a fake Rolex on the street. It didn’t work then and it doesn’t now.

Q. What are your favorite cities?

A. Melbourne, Perth, Los Angeles, Munich, New York and Evansville, Indiana. I had to say since I grew up there.

Q. What would be your fantasy trip?

A. An all paid for trip through all of Italy, staying at great hotels, having a driver and just living it up. You said fantasy trip, right?

Q. What are your favorite restaurants?

A. I love this little Italian restaurant near where I live in Los Angeles. It’s called Pace (http://www.pacerestaurant.com/). You must go. I’m there every week. The food is out of this world and the ambience is very warm and relaxing. Great place to bring your girlfriend or family. The owner lets me bring my own wine. Don’t tell anyone. Get the cedar wood grilled salmon or the chicken and mashed potatoes, and if you can’t afford it, always hit the Olive Garden.

Q. When you’re on the road, what is your guilty pleasure?

A. Fast food. When I’m on the road, I don’t care. Don’t judge me. I’ll eat everything.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. My parents took me to Mardi Gras in New Orleans when I was a kid. It was too crowded, but I did get to see a lot of boobs.

Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. I loved Munich. I met a nice German Girl years ago named Finkenzeller and we went to castles and some naked beer gardens. I’d call that romantic. Also, take a sleeper train to Prague. Now that is a magical place to vacation. The culture, the food — really spectacular.

Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A.  None. I like to show up and just figure it out. I really don’t plan much. My friends hate that about me, but it’s more fun that way. Just figure it out when you get there. Don’t plan life. Let life lead you where it wants to. I’m obviously lazy as hell.

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Nothing really reminds me of home except home. You’d have to grow up in Evansville, Indiana to understand that. Whiffle ball, the Fall Festival, the Casino Boat, Pizza King.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Italy. Been dying to go. Almost went this year and my friend, Tom, screwed it up. I only hear great things about Italy.

Q. What are your favorite hotels?
A. I just stayed at a hotel I’d never heard of – the Langham in New York. I really liked it. I’m easy though. I don’t like too fancy. I just need a place to sleep and the occasional massage.

© 2016 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.