The question
What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy?Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
The first time Emilie and I kissed.
Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, April 2026 source ↗
Whenever I'm with loved ones.
When Brad and I got married. We had to struggle for it. It involved a nationwide speaking tour, lobbying Congress and campaigning intensely. We were the first couple to get our marriage licence in West Hollywood.
On childhood family holidays in Mallorca, with my mum, dad and sister, Amanda.
My son's second birthday. It was a typical autumn day – bright sky, cold fingers. He was dressed as a skeleton and we ate chilli in the garden.
Every single person and living creature on the planet is safe and well nourished.
My wife, all those who contribute something of beauty, and scientists.
Any misfortune involving our kids. Also, I have recurring nightmares that involve being chased by people or being attacked by scary animals.
Keeley Hawes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Marina Diamandis, Irvine Welsh, Douglas Booth, Julia Donaldson
Search the directory for somebody in particular.