Jordan Tannahill, “enfant terrible of Canadian theater,” won over New York audiences last year with his play Prince Faggot. (Think Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with kink and British royals.) His third novel, out in September, follows its cruising protagonist’s reckoning with death and sanity.
What’s your biggest vice? Your greatest virtue?
Two weeks ago, I would’ve said masturbating; I was up to three times a day. In the last two weeks, I’ve gone cold turkey. I do feel like my focus and energy have improved. Though I’m sure by the time this is published, I’ll be back to three times a day.
Who do you call the most?
Honestly, probably Brontez Purnell, who loves to FaceTime me from bed, and vice versa.
When’s the last time you laughed hysterically?
Probably talking on the phone with Brontez.
What do you think is your biggest contribution to culture?
This year, I suppose putting an adult Prince George in a latex dog mask.
When you were little, what were you known for?
Though scrawny, my arm-wrestling prowess was legendary at Henry Munro Middle School.
What keeps you up at night?
Usually the dogs and my husband.
What would you like the headline of your obituary to be?
“Playwright, Novelist, and Masturbator Jordan Tannahill Dead at 100.”
What’s one work of art that got you through an important moment in your life?
FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992). My parents’ divorce.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in your field?
Probably 7 to 10 years.
To read more from the 2026 CULT100 honorees, see the full list here.
in your life?
