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.
Sounds cliched, but I always wanted to be an actor.
The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 March 2025 source ↗
I wanted to be in the circus.
In 1975, I watched the film Stardust, and Adam Faith said, “I supply the birds, the pills and the pot.” And I thought, “I want that.”
I wanted to be a doctor, like my father.
A paediatrician, then I was like, I can’t dissect frogs! Then I fell in love with making things and understanding how things work.
A good listener.
Regrets. That’s no way to live.
My sister. She is the most loving, positive and generous person I know.
The three things I strive for are authenticity, presence and empathy. You’d have to ask my loved ones if I’m pulling them off.
Having music for limbs.
Offer kindness always.
Julie Andrews, Adam Clayton, James Dyson, Terry O'Neill, Bozoma Saint John, Pauline McLynn
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