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.
Anyone who can pick up a house spider with their bare hands.
The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 May 2026 source ↗
People ask me sometimes, who inspires you, Mr. President? Those quiet heroes all across this country -- some of your parents and grandparents who are sitting here -- no fanfare, no articles written about them, they just persevere. They just do their jobs. They meet their responsibilities. They don't quit. I'm only here because of them. They may not have set out to change the world, but in small, important ways, they did. They certainly changed mine.
I most admire Steve Sondheim, who is not alive anymore. But his words and music keep him alive.
Harry Evans. My opportunities to admire him are many since I am – at time of writing – still married to him.
AP McCoy, the 15 times champion jump jockey. I am constantly in awe of his dedication to his sport.
Try not to take yourself too seriously.
I’d swap out a few boyfriends.
I bought a house with someone and realised at the housewarming party that it was a mistake.
A perfect cup of coffee – warm, bittersweet, anxiety-inducing and delicious.
Doing a compulsory standup routine in my first week of drama school.
Getting to 39 without having a filling in my teeth.
Bryan Ferry, Adwoa Aboah, Tony Ross, Dan Aykroyd, Nicholas Hoult, Emeli Sandé
Search the directory for somebody in particular.