Jack Whitehall: As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself? — FLAPSS

The question

As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself?

Originally asked

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

This is a standing question in The Guardian's decades-long The Q&A and also recurs independently in career and life interviews.

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

JW

Jack Whitehall

English comedian, actor, presenter and writer

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I was hellbent on being a Thunderbird. I was devastated when my parents finally told me it was a fictional organisation. Ruined my 18th.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

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Tracy-Ann Oberman Actor and writer

An actress. My family thought it was ridiculous, it was like saying you wanted to be an astronaut.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 August 2021 source ↗

Roger Allam English actor

When I was a child, it was a bus driver or engine driver; then, when I was a teenager, I went to the theatre and wanted to be an actor.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 June 2017 source ↗

Salman Rushdie Indian-British-American novelist

A writer, I’m sorry to say. Boring, I know, but true.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2020 source ↗

A soldier and adventure guy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 January 2026 source ↗

More from Jack Whitehall

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Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

Don’t make jokes at the expense of Little Mix. They have an ardent fanbase.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

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

I dislike dawdlers. When I walk, I do so with purpose. I have no time for people shuffling along.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Question What is the worst job you have ever had? Craft & work

It’s also one of the best jobs I’ve done, but two hours in, when everyone’s pissed and ignoring you, hosting the Brit awards can be a tough gig.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Question What accomplishment matters most to you? Craft & work

Tricking my dad into doing naked yoga.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

Turning into my father.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Question What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

“You look like a fat Jack Whitehall.”

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

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