Romola Garai: What disappointment has stayed with you longest? — FLAPSS

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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RG

Romola Garai

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Realising I was never going to make it big in professional swing dance.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 February 2013 source ↗

Others on this question

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Joshua Ferris American author

My failure to come to grips with all these disappointments.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 January 2011 source ↗

David Haye British boxer

Being let down by people I trust always stings.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 April 2016 source ↗

Shakin' Stevens Welsh rock and roll singer and songwriter

I never dwell on them.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 February 2023 source ↗

Marian Keyes Irish writer

Not having had children.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 January 2021 source ↗

More from Romola Garai

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Question Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them? Values & belief

Anybody who works in frontline mental health services for the NHS.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 September 2024 source ↗

Question What song would you want played at your funeral? Death & what remains

Hey Ya, by OutKast.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 February 2013 source ↗

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

I have a deep-rooted fear of being in trouble. I once tried to sneak into the back of a photography exhibition with my husband when one of our kids was in a pushchair. We’d arrived late and he suggested we go in through the gift shop and see the last room. As we poked our heads round the door, the security guard noticed us. I shouted, “That man’s trying to get in!”, then ran away.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 September 2024 source ↗

Question What would you most want to leave your children? Death & what remains

A sense of optimism.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 September 2024 source ↗

Question Excluding property, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought? Money & investment

My short film, Scrubber, in 2011. At that time in my life it seemed easier to pay for it myself than to apply for funds.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 September 2024 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

In the orange blossom-filled streets of Seville, snogging on a park bench.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 February 2013 source ↗

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