Q & Andy: Spike Lee

The basketball-loving, feather-ruffling film auteur has made over 20 explosive movies since the release of his debut feature, the groundbreaking comedy She’s Gotta Have It, in 1986. This month, he’ll debut a Netflix original series based on that very film. But first, the bard of Brooklyn answers some questions from the writings of Warhol.

ANDY WARHOL: What did you have for breakfast?

SPIKE LEE: Blueberry pancakes, three scrambled egg whites, avocado, and chicken sausage. I was hungry.

WARHOL: What was your first job?

LEE: During the summers of ’76 and ’77, I scooped ice cream at Baskin-Robbins in Brooklyn Heights. Was it 31 or 32 flavors? I forget.

WARHOL: How were you discovered?

LEE: My thesis film in graduate school won a Student Academy Award.

WARHOL: What is your favorite movie?

LEE: Of the ones I did not make? On the Waterfront, written by my very good, late friend Budd Schulberg.

WARHOL: Who would be your dream date?

LEE: I’m married! But I’d take Marlon Brando, Malcolm X, John Coltrane, and Frank Sinatra out to dinner.

WARHOL: What are you reading right now?

LEE: Lots of magazines and newspapers. I’m trying to keep up with what’s happening in this turbulent world.

WARHOL: Showers or baths?

LEE: Showers—quick, quick, quick, quick showers. I’ve got things to do.

WARHOL: Are you a good cook?

LEE: I can’t boil water.

WARHOL: What do you think about American kids?

LEE: I love ’em. I just wish they’d put their phones down for a minute. Put down your phones!

WARHOL: When do you get nervous?

LEE: When the clock is running out and my team is behind. That’d be the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and the New York Knicks.

SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT PREMIERES NOVEMBER 23, 2017 ON NETFLIX.