How to Succeed Star Christopher J. Hanke Decodes His Weirdest Halloween Costume Ever

Halloween is the most theatrical holiday, so it makes perfect sense that Broadway actors—who know a thing or two about rocking a costume—would embrace the spooky season. We asked your favorite stage stars to share their memories of yummy treats, silly tricks and the best and worst costumes they ever wore. Happy Halloween!

CHRISTOPHER J. HANKE (Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying)

What was your favorite Halloween costume of all time, and how old were you when you wore it?
Well, it’s not my favorite, but it is the one pictured above: I mean, I am giving you a show within a show with this get-up: Little Orphan Annie in a production of Guys and Dolls as Nathan Detroit. That or a lesbian clown. Either, really.

Have you ever dressed up as a Broadway character? If so, which one?
Embarrassed to admit it, but I believe I dressed up as Mark Cohen in Rent back in 2000. I was so intent on being in that show that I was secreting it before The Secret and Oprah ever fell in love. Not too long after, I was wearing the real deal on Broadway.

What’s the most embarrassing Halloween costume you ever wore?
Shockingly, it is not the choice photo I have provided for this feature, but it wins hands down: One year, in my early days, I wanna say five or six, I wanted to be an elephant, and all the elephant costumes were sold out. (Who knew elephants were so popular? Well, it was the Reagan years after all.) Anyway, the only elephant costume my mother could find was a PINK one. Light pink. Think Olivia Newton-John “pink.” Now you’ve got it. She convinced me somehow that it was legit—and that I wasn’t a girl elephant. YOU GOT IT WRONG ON BOTH ACCOUNTS, MOM!

What’s the worst “treat” you were ever given on Halloween?
It wasn’t the TREAT that was the problem.... (Too much?)

What is your Halloween costume this year?
Rachel Maddow.

What do you love most about Halloween?
That normal people get to feel what it’s like to wear a hot, sweaty costume for a living!

Keep checking back for more Halloween memories from your favorite stars.