Not a child, which was short-sighted of me.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Question
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Values & belief
Question
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Failure & regret
Question
When were you happiest?
Time & hindsight
Question
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Death & what remains
Question
What most recently made you cry?
Identity & self
Question
How close have you come to death?
Death & what remains
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.
A jazz drummer.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 January 2017 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 195 →
Shirley Manson
Scottish singer and songwriter; lead vocalist of Garbage
A ballerina. I remain rather disappointed that I became a rock star instead.
Gareth Bale
Welsh footballer
I just wanted to fulfil my potential.
Eleanor Tomlinson
English actress
I wanted to be a vet, and then realised it’s only really dogs that I adore, and if someone had a poorly mouse, I would be the one needing medical assistance.
More from Terry O'Neill
View profile →Eden Hazard, a true sportsman.
Not photographing Marilyn Monroe.
I’ve been happy all my life.
Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone.
I cry about 10 times a week. I’m a real softy.
I was invited to Sharon Tate’s house the night she was murdered. I declined the invite due to jetlag.
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