Shappi Khorsandi: How close have you come to death?

How close have you come to death?

Originally asked

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

A recurring Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

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

Recorded Shappi Khorsandi said elsewhere, not written here

I’m convinced heartache almost killed me a few years ago.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 February 2017 source ↗

Others on this question

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Irvine Welsh Scottish novelist

When a pal grabbed hold of me as I fell into an unbanistered stairwell at a rave. Would have been curtains, but for his sharp reaction.

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

Louis Theroux British and American journalist and author

I don’t think I’ve ever been close to death but I am a nervous flyer, especially during turbulence, so there have been many times where I’ve felt that I was.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 17 November 2018 source ↗

David Arquette American actor, producer, & former professional wrestler

I got stabbed in the neck with a light tube during a wrestling “death match” two years ago. It was scary. I thought I was dying: your life does flash before your eyes.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 January 2021 source ↗

Graydon Carter

Getting into a tense argument with Russell Crowe during one of the Vanity Fair Oscar parties.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 June 2025 source ↗