My husband, Paul, who is an enabler of the exuberance of his wife and five kids.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Question
When were you happiest?
Time & hindsight
Question
What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Failure & regret
Question
What does love feel like?
Relationships
Question
Which moment embarrassed you most?
Failure & regret
Question
What is the worst job you have done?
Craft & work
Question
What most recently made you cry?
Identity & self
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.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, his trajectory from performer to leading his country and then stepping up in such a magnificent way is extraordinary.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 May 2023 source ↗
Others on this question
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Judith Kerr
British writer and illustrator
No one I can think of, but lots of people no longer living.
Danny Alexander
British banker
Malala Yousafzai, such a brave young woman who will not be moved from her desire to see leaders everywhere give their young citizens the education they deserve.
Cathy Rigby. She was really good in that stage version of Peter Pan. No joke.
More from Michael Ball
View profile →My first summer working, in 1984. I’d come out of drama school, I’d landed a job that got me an Equity card doing Godspell in Aberystwyth – and it was just unmitigated joy.
“Unfortunately, Michael, I don’t think you’re ever going to work in the acting profession until you’re about 40, and then it’ll only be in minor character roles.” Drama teacher at Guildford School of Acting.
The best of times, the worst of times.
During the technical rehearsal of Aspects of Love in 1989. They told me it would be discreetly lit because I was paranoid about being in just my pants. I walked on and every spotlight in the building followed me round the stage.
Handing out leaflets for a European coach trip wearing just lederhosen, in February and March in Surrey. It was freezing, and I got fired.
Watching Long Lost Family on telly.
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