Debriefer: Maytag Repairman Clay Jackson
After winning a nationwide search for the role of the new Maytag Repairman in early 2007, Clay Jackson donned the royal-blue suit and hat and has trekked across the country repairing just about everything. When he's not handing out washer/dryers to an audience full of expectant mothers on Ellen or donating machines to homeless shelters in Baltimore, Jackson dreams of his hometown.
We're going to imprison you in the city of your choice for the rest of your natural life. You can do anything you want there, but you must stay in that city forever. Where would you choose?
Richmond, Virginia.
Why would you live in this city forever and not somewhere else?
I have lived in a lot of different cities, including New York City, Galveston, and Raleigh. When I was an actor, I had the privilege of touring across many cities and states. Nothing beats Richmond. There is something about this town that gives you the big city feel and the small town feel all in the same day. There is something amazing about having the James River right at your doorstep as well.
In what part of the city would you reside?
A lot of people are moving out of the city and heading to the counties. Virginia is a rare state that separates its city governments from its county governments. This always causes issues in funding, taxes, schools, etc. The city many times gets the raw end of the deal, but we are city people, and we love living in the heart of things. There is a neighborhood called Westover Hills that is amazing. The homes are almost all brick (Cape Cods, Colonials with slate roofs). The trees seem to have been there forever, and the azaleas and boxwoods must be 70 years old. Fall and spring colors make it beautiful. Location is another big plus for this neighborhood. You are right in the middle of things, but also in a "sleepy pocket," so it is quiet. The river is in your backyard to walk down and hike or fish. You are only 15 minutes from the airport, which is nice for my job. Shopping and restaurants are an easy drive as well.
Where and what would you eat?
Italian: Mama Zu's at 501 S. Pine Street; this place is in Oregon Hill and can be a little hard to find. It is a small restaurant with an eclectic crowd, artists to businesspeople. The service is amazing. They do not take reservations, and the bar area is a little tight to wait in, but it is so worth the wait! The specials for the day are on a chalkboard ... always wonderful! Chinese: Yen Cheng at 6601 Midlothian Turnpike; this is by far the best Chinese I have ever had ... not having been to China itself. Great orange chicken, dumplings, and soups. A lot of people use it strictly for carry out, but dining in is very nice as well. Sushi: Sticky Rice 2232 W. Main Street; this place is in "The Fan," an area of Richmond that has a lot of college students and young families living there. Some people say it reminds them of the residential part of Georgetown, not me as much. Sticky Rice is not your normal Sushi place ... college kids make the rolls, and it is mainly a bar at night ... but the food is wonderful and creative. I suggest any roll or sushi combo with the bowl of tater tots (yes, tater tots) as an appetizer with your Sapporo. BBQ : My house; why go pay for BBQ when mine is so good at home. I have two smokers, and when I'm home they are almost always running with some kind of meat cooking. Breakfast: Paradise Diner in Stratford Hills Plaza (2845 Hathaway Road); cheap, good, and the nicest wait staff around. It is open for breakfast and lunch only. I'm sure there are fancier restaurants with the biggest steaks or the best seafood, but I am not that kind of guy. I like a good, solid restaurant that isn't going to break the bank to eat there. If you need the fancy it can be found though.
What would you do for fun?
What really differentiates Richmond from other cities is the James River. The river runs right through the middle of town. If you are the least bit of an outdoors type, then this city is for you. We have hiking, biking, river rafting and tubing, outdoor music festivals, and much much more. The other really nice thing about Richmond is its location. Richmond is 1 hour and 30 minutes from the beach, mountains, and Washington DC.
Where would you go for a night on the town?
A lot has changed since having kids, but if I were to paint the town red, I would start downtown in Shockoe Slip. This area has some really nice restaurants and beautiful cobblestone streets. The Tobacco Company is very popular there. I would choose Bottoms Up Pizzathough. Each slice is a meal. I suggest the BBQ chicken pizza. Eat outside and watch the trains roll by. From Bottoms Up, I would scoot down to the Byrd Theater. This is the $1 movie theater in town. The Byrd is a Richmond landmark. It is the old style theater with the balcony and everything. Make sure you go on a Saturday night to hear the Wurlitzer played live! From the Byrd, you might be hungry again, so head to the Third Street Diner. Open 24 hours and always something going on. And of course, make sure you spend the night at the Jefferson Hotel. Anyone who is anyone stays here. First class!
What kinds of shops are worth going to?
Walk down Carytown! This is the best shopping area around. It is this one stretch of Cary Street, in the Fan, that has tons of shopping. A lot of boutiques, specialty stores, etc.
And on the flip side: What city would you never, ever visit again, if you had a choice?
Visit or live? I think it is fun to visit any city. I'm not sure every city is right for me to live in though. I would have trouble living in a city where I could not easily get to the ocean. I love the water.
Tell us your favorite places or spaces in Richmond.
The Fan, a residential area in Richmond with amazing architecture. Monument Avenue, a cobblestoned street with huge monuments to everyone from Robert E. Lee to Arthur Ashe. Swift Creek Reservoir; there is a great restaurant out there called the Boathouse. You sit right on the lake. This is also a great lake if you are the sailing type. The Diamond, where our Triple A Richmond Braves Play baseball. It is a great park, not a bad seat in the house. Willow Oaks Country Club -- one of the oldest country clubs in Richmond, located just south of the James River. Very nice restaurant and a brand new golf course will open in the spring. Byrd Park Tennis Facility -- public tennis courts right in the middle of the city. Rumor has it that this is where Arthur Ashe learned to play. They have amazing city and state tourneys there every year. University of Richmond campus -- wonderful architecture and a really neat lake to sit and feed the ducks. Maymont Park, a huge public park and "zoo." All of the animals in the park are from Virginia, and the only reason they are here is because they were injured or orphaned in the wild and could no longer survive.
After winning the national hunt for the new Maytag spokes-repairman, you've been spotted all over the place; what's been your favorite part of the job?
I get to stop in cities most people fly over, all over the country and Canada. It is amazing how interesting all parts of the country are. I love to hear the different accents as I travel. The terrain of the countryside and varying architectural styles are interesting as well. The craziest thing to happen so far was catching a foul ball, in uniform, at an Arizona Diamondbacks game in Phoenix. Very fun!
Maytag recently celebrated its 100th birthday in October, and has sent you on a road trip across the country; what has touring been like for you?
I'm 6'6", and our skies seem to be ruled by regional jets. I am not built for them. I was also not the most expert flier when I began. It is a control issue. Now though, after almost 100,000 miles since April, I am a pro. I can roll through an airport on cruise control. I do not even realize how mechanical I am going through security. I pack everything the same way every trip, so there are no hiccups. The summers are harder for business travel than the fall and winter. Not as many people in the airports.
As the Maytag Repairman, you're pretty resourceful; no more waiting around for broken machines, you're repairing office copiers, toy factories, and the cable. As Clay Jackson, how would you rate your household repair skills?
You would be surprised. I just switched out the power supply on my computer tower. I am also changing out some plumbing in our basement bathroom. I was impressed with myself. I am pretty handy. I know when to call in the experts for help though. This job has forced me to be a little more hands-on at home.
Debriefer is a weekly interview of random individuals about their favorite cities. If you'd like to be interviewed for Debriefer, let us know.
