Bernadette Peters: Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them?

The question

Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's Q&A repeatedly uses this prompt, sometimes dropping 'living' while retaining the same comparative judgment.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Bernadette Peters

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I most admire Steve Sondheim, who is not alive anymore. But his words and music keep him alive.

Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, April 2025 source ↗

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Lorraine Pascale British model and cook

Oprah – she's achieved so much.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 January 2014 source ↗

Marina Abramović Performance artist

His holiness the Dalai Lama and his ability to forgive.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 October 2024 source ↗

Ian McEwan British novelist and screenwriter

Angela Merkel. Under attack from all sides, she tries to keep alive the dreams of a tolerant, inclusive, open society.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 August 2018 source ↗

Nadiya Hussain British television chef, baker and author

My little sister Yasmin. She’s got congenital heart disease, but continues to smile regardless.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 September 2016 source ↗

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Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

I have a lot to be grateful for, but right now, being married. Having time to be with my husband and his children. I feel very grateful.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, April 2025 source ↗

Question Which quality in your friends matters most to you? Relationships

Honesty, trustworthiness, and a deep understanding of emotions.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 9 April 2025 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

People’s need to feel superior to others. All it does is cause judgment and hate.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, April 2025 source ↗

Question What does happiness look like for you when life is going well? Identity & self

A peaceful, joyous time in the world…or in my head.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 9 April 2025 source ↗

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Cat Deeley, Judith Light, Lena Dunham, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Bobbi Brown, Trevor Noah

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