Rebecca Lucy Taylor: 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.

Rebecca Lucy Taylor

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Julie Hesmondhalgh – she’s the kindest, brightest, most truthful woman. She’s so talented, works hard, cares about the right things, puts her energy in the right places. I adore her.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 November 2025 source ↗

Mentioned in this answer

Person Julie Hesmondhalgh

Others on this question

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Jeremy Deller English artist

Either Stevie Wonder or Willie Nelson. Hopefully, no explanation required.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 June 2020 source ↗

Jim Kerr Scottish singer and songwriter

A friend named Paul Hill [one of the Guildford Four] spent 15 years in prison doing time for crimes he did not commit. We communicate most days. I admire the hell out of him.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 October 2022 source ↗

Irvine Welsh Scottish novelist

Artists who do their own thing, without compromise: Ken Loach, Bob Dylan and James Kelman.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 December 2016 source ↗

Anne Robinson English television presenter and journalist

Any mother with young children who is also doing a full-time job.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 August 2010 source ↗