You won’t believe what Captain Beverley Bass—the real-life pilot who was immortalized in the hit musical Come From Away—is afraid of

Where did you grow up?  In Fort Myers, Florida.  Where do you live now?  In, Argyle, Texas, which is just north of Fort Worth, Texas.  What do you like about it there?  The friendly people and the geographic location.  What’s your claim-to-fame?  In 1986, I became the first female captain for American Airlines, and now I’m a subject in a Broadway musical.  Will you ever retire?  Only when I can no longer fly jets.  How would you like to be remembered?  As a mentor who always tried to help young aviators pursue their dream.  How often are you recognized in the audience of Come From Away?  Actually, fairly often.  I think it’s my white hair (laughs).  How many times have you seen the show?  Over 90 times.  They’re going to have a party for me when I hit 100!  What 9/11 story has moved you the most?  I believe it may have been taking a pilot to Come From Away in D.C.  His father was First Officer Thomas McGuinness, who was one of the pilots on the plane that hit the North Tower [of the World Trade Center].  It was the most emotional evening ever at the show.

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What’s your favorite musical?  Well, that’s not a fair question.  No doubt—Come From Away!  What’s your second favorite musical?  The Lion King.  What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked?  “What’s it like to be a girl pilot?”  And to that I say, “Hmmm, I don’t know.  I’ve never been a boy pilot” (laughs).  What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around?  I’m not usually star-struck, so probably no one.  What’s your current state-of-mind?  I’m quite happy.  I just learned that we’re going to the opening of Come From Away in Winnipeg!  What were you doing before we spoke?  I was drinking coffee at my favorite donut shop.  What’s your idea of perfect happiness?  Warm weather and walking the streets of New York before seeing Come From Away.  What are your greatest fear?  I’m terrified of snakes, and heights!

What’s the last thing that you looked at online?  Well, Facebook, of course.  What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why?  Gander would no doubt be at the very top of my list.  I love revisiting the beautiful souls of that region.  What did you learn from your parents?  That no dream is too big.  What performer do you admire?  Well of course that would be Jenn Colella, who plays me in Come From Away.  What’s your best characteristic?  Being insanely organized.  How do you enjoy spending your time?  Traveling and eating out.  What celebrity do you have a crush on?  Paul Newman and Robert Redford.  I’m an old woman.  Who do you admire?  The first female military pilots.  That was a huge break for women, and I’m jealous that I didn’t get that chance.

If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be?  My father.  He would be so thrilled to see Come From Away on Broadway.  Where would you go in a time machine?  Back to a kinder, gentler time before 24/7 news and the internet.  What would your last meal be?  A rack of lamb topped off with a pan of brownies.  What do you worry about?  My son, who’s learning-disabled and struggles through life.  If you were a musical instrument, what would you be?  A harp.  I think that they make the most beautiful music.  Are you more like a sheep or a wolf?  Absolutely a wolf.  I’ve never been a follower, like a sheep.  Who depends on you, and for what?  My family does.  And they depend on me for everything, because I’m a task-master, and I always get things done.

Who are you closest with?  My best friend, Laurie.  We met when we were 18-months-old.  What would your autobiography be called?  She Did it Her Way.  What music do you listen to when you’re upset?  Oldies from the 60s and 70s, but I’m not upset often.  What’s on your bucket list?  To go to Fogo Island in Newfoundland and to Iceland at Christmas.  What’s your greatest regret in life?  That I retired too early from American Airlines.  What’s something that you never told anyone else?  I’m pretty open, so I’m not sure what that would be.  Where can we see you?  Just Google my name with American Airlines or Come From Away, and you’ll see more than you need!