Alex Lawther: What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

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.

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

Alex Lawther

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I spent about five years living in Paris thinking I would become Kristin Scott Thomas, and it didn’t happen.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 September 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Ardal O'Hanlon Irish comedian and actor

The day I had to stop playing football five years ago. I realised I couldn’t hack it any more.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 June 2022 source ↗

Kelsey Grammer American actor

It would have to be the justice system in Colorado, which is not geared toward taking care of victims. The guys who killed my sister in 1975 always come up for parole every year.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 June 2016 source ↗

Andy Murray British professional tennis player, 2005–2024

Professionally, when I lost my first Wimbledon final. I am also disappointed I didn’t learn Spanish when I lived there.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 July 2019 source ↗

David Gandy British model

Realising I was never going to achieve the grades to become a vet.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 April 2020 source ↗