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The question

What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

Originally asked

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

This exact question recurs in The Guardian's institutional Q&A pool.

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Others on this question

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David Jason English actor
At the time, not landing the role of Lance-Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army, but it all worked out fine in the long run.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 May 2021 source ↗
Sara Pascoe English comedian, presenter, writer
My A-level results - I got two Cs and an A. I had applied to do philosophy at Cambridge, and thought my life was over.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 July 2018 source ↗
Roger Taylor English musician, songwriter, and record producer
Not getting solo records playlisted on the BBC.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 October 2021 source ↗
Johnny Flynn British actor and musician
When I left drama school, I thought I was going to work at the Royal Court and tell stories about political injustice. I got cast in ITV murder mysteries.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 April 2022 source ↗

More from Hilary Swank

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Question What is the biggest professional obstacle you have faced? Craft & work
I realized that the biggest obstacle was my mind. It was the biggest obstacle, and if I could get out of the way of myself, I would grow. So every time I had that attitude, I changed it, and I’d say, “You can. Today you can, and take it one day at a time, and today, I’m going to get up and I’m not going to think about the other six days of this week. I’m going to get up right now, and I’m going to go to the gym, and I’m going to learn about my boxing, and I’m going to be in the moment.” You know, in anything, you hit a wall, and then you have to break through it, and I just had to get out of my own way.
Recorded Academy of Achievement, Academy of Achievement interview, Los Angeles, California, 1 April 2006 source ↗

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