Actress Krysten Ritter Reveals the 'Next' Mexican Hotspot

She plays a comic-book hero on-screen but at home the actress and author’s tiny dog calls the shots.

What’s your greatest strength?

I would say my optimism.

And your greatest weakness?

Also my optimism. It lends itself to a great work ethic – I’m like, “This is great. I have to do it right now!” – but it’s also a weakness because it doesn’t always allow me to go out and play.

What virtues do you most admire in people?

Compassion and empathy.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?

I’m really into knitting and crocheting, like a grandma. I love to make sweaters as gifts.

What’s your most treasured possession?

My dog, Mikey, a terrier Chihuahua mix. I’ve had him for six years since my friends found him hit by a car. His favourite thing to do is go to bed. Even if we’re sitting on the couch, he will walk towards the bedroom and look back and kind of cry, like, “Come on, let’s go to bed. Let’s go to bed!” He’s a good snuggler.

What’s the most American thing about you?

I’m from a farm – I think that’s pretty American. I grew up in a small town [Shickshinny, Pennsylvania] and I still have mottos stuck in my head, like “Waste not, want not” and “A penny saved is a penny earned”.

What travel experience is on your bucket list?

I want to go to Holbox Island in Mexico. It’s the new Tulum. People there are doing yoga, eating organic food, living off the grid. My favourite thing is to work on myself near the ocean.

What’s your greatest achievement?

I’m a good friend. I’m proud of that.

If you could turn back time, what would you change in your life?

Nothing. Everything that happens, good or bad, gets you to where you are today. I like to go with the flow.

Where would we find you at a party?

Showing up early and leaving early. I prefer more intimate settings.

If you could do any other job, what would it be?

I’d be a lawyer. There’s a lot of paperwork but on TV the courtroom looks like fun and seems like a bit of a performance.

If you were down to your last $20, what would you spend it on?

How long do I need to make it last? I’d probably hold on tight to it.

If you could have dinner with two famous people, who would you choose?

[Motivational speaker] Tony Robbins and [musician] Jack White. Tony Robbins is a powerhouse; I would pick his brain. Jack White is talented and interesting and cool and moody – an artist who has sonically created an entire world. I think maybe the two would connect, on their level of passion alone.

If you could be an animal, what would it be?

I’d be a bird, probably some sort of seabird. But I don’t know; I like pretty little ones, too – something light and weightless and beautiful.