Jean Smart: Which quality in your friends matters most to you? — FLAPSS

The question

Which quality in your friends matters most to you?

Originally asked

Vanity Fair, to its interview subject, The Proust Questionnaire

A fixed Vanity Fair Proust Questionnaire item asked across its three-decade archive, with independent variants in friendship and profile interviews.

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

JS

Jean Smart

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Kindness and laughter. If someone makes me laugh, I’m halfway in love.

The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 30 May 2024 source ↗

Others on this question

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Arnold Schwarzenegger

I think I value the same things everyone does—loyalty, a sense of humor, the ability to make campaign contributions.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 1 July 2003 source ↗

Lily Tomlin Comedian and actor

That they’re my friends. I trust them and they trust me.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 10 June 2022 source ↗

Monica Lewinsky

Compassion. Wisdom. Wit. The delicate balance of knowing when I need tough love and when I need support. Plus, call me crazy, but I’m also partial to friends who don’t surreptitiously record our calls.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 12 August 2021 source ↗

Whoopi Goldberg

Humor and honesty. Realness. No bullshit.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 30 September 2015 source ↗

More from Jean Smart

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Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

Losing a loved one.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, May 2024 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Cruelty, and also general rudeness and unkindness. I’ve always told my children: Don’t ever find entertainment in someone else’s discomfort.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, May 2024 source ↗

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

Jane Goodall. I got the chance to meet her a few years ago, and it was the thrill of a lifetime. When I was little, I wanted to be her. I thought she had the coolest life in the world.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, May 2024 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

When I’m feeling lazy and I sleep in too much.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, May 2024 source ↗

Question What does happiness look like for you when life is going well? Identity & self

My kids are in the house. I’ve been gardening in my vegetable garden. I have absolutely zero obligations or calls to return. Now I’m fixing dinner with music playing and having a glass of wine.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 30 May 2024 source ↗

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

My wedding day, and when my children were first placed in my arms.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, May 2024 source ↗

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