Versatile actor David Cross’ plan for world domination is simple: recruit fans at a young age so he’ll have a steady stream of residuals. He’s kidding, sort of.
The star and creator of IFC’s “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret,” Cross also has a young fan base, thanks to movie roles in “Megamind,” “Kung Fu Panda” and the “Alvin and the Chipmunk” franchise. Cross, 47, also is known for his work on the TV series “Arrested Development.” Engaged to actress Amber Tamblyn, Cross is an avid traveler whose bucket list includes visiting places such as Moscow, Warsaw and Lisbon.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: St. Martin, the French side. The water and the island are amazing. It’s the very bluest, clearest fantasy water I’ve ever been in, and the food is really good too. You go to the beaches, and they’re not that populated, and there are all these things called Lolos — guys making barbecued ribs outside and rum drinks. And you have some ribs and swim, and then you have a drink. It’s really all that you need.
Q: Are you an adventurous eater overseas?
A: Yes, I eat off the street carts and had some amazing dishes. I’ve had some not-so-great food too. My girlfriend and I went to southern Africa for 21/2 weeks and went on a safari and ate some questionable food.
Q: Was there anything on the menu that you would not recommend?
A: I encourage everyone to try things at least once. I ate bullfrog and earthworm soup in Shanghai, and those weren’t so great. It was really tough to put the bullfrog stew into my mouth. The earthworm soup wasn’t hideous, but it kind of tasted like you would imagine — very earthy. The dog was actually good. It was stewed and very pungent, strong and gamey but not too much for me.
Q: What are some of the downsides of traveling?
A: I can’t think of anything other than jet lag. Outside of having had alcohol poisoning, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten sick on a trip.
Q: When did you start traveling?
A: My family moved constantly, so we were in a new place all the time. For the first 12 years of my life, I was in a new city every year within the United Sates. I was on a plane at a very young age.
Q: When did you get your first passport?
A: It was when I went to London in 1994, when I was about 30.
Q: What are your favorite cities?
A: In the U.S., New York City is right up there; also, Seattle, Austin, Portland (Ore.), Chicago and Atlanta.
Q: What do you always take in your carry-on?
A: A flashlight, iPod and a small stack of magazines.
Q: Which destination do you most want to visit again?
A: Turkey. I tooled around western Turkey for about a month and had all kinds of crazy adventures there. I’d also like to go on another safari in Africa.
For more from the reporter, visit jaehakim.com.
